In a world of car manufacturers, Audi included, that’s scrambling to build the next sub-division of the SUV market it’s refreshing to come across a car that does precisely what an SUV should. The Audi Q7 is big and useful, but refined and fun to drive at the same time. It’s not the last word in off-road ability, nor quite as dynamic as a BMW X5 - and the fussy styling won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it's a technical tour de force.

The new Audi Q7 made its official debut at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, where it managed to catch the public's eyes and our attention. Audi wants to prove the world that the second generation Q7 can roll its sleeves and do some proper work in off-road conditions, not just on comfy asphalt. That's how the SUV ended up in Namibian desert.

This isn’t simply a re-skinned and re-trimmed version of the original model that launched nine years ago – it’s a rethink from the ground up. It’s the first VW Group product to use a new modular MLB-evo architecture designed for larger models with longitudinally-mounted engines. Eventually it will underpin the new Bentley Bentayga, replacements for the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg and every new front-engined Audi from the A4 upwards.

The benefits of the MLB platform are stark: the new Q7 weighs up to 325kg less than its predecessor thanks largely to a new steel and aluminium body (-71kg), redesigned multi-link front and rear suspension (-67kg) and all-aluminium doors (-24kg). Around 41 per cent of the Q7’s body structure is aluminium – not as much as the all-aluminium Range Rover (which shed 500kg compared to its predecessor). According to a recent report, power for this road leviathan will come from a V8 TDI diesel engine. Nobody has invested heavily in such a mill for many years, and some manufacturers have even stopped making it. But Audi plans to reinvent the vee-eight diesel using the electric turbocharger technology they pioneered on the RS5 TDI Concept in 2014.

Instead of using exhaust gasses to spin the turbo and feed more air into the engine, the e-turbo uses electricity. This means faster response times and, according to Audi, substantial improvements in efficiency. Calling it a turbocharger isn't 100% correct because it's actually a compressor, but marketing I guess that's confusing marketing with engineering.

Audi UK has announced that when order books open in April, the all-new Q7 will cost from £50,340 OTR to £53,835 OTR. The base price gets you 7seats, the 272 hp diesel engine, an 8-speed automatic, MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch, Audi connect (3 month trial), Audi drive select, keyless go, parking system plus and powered tailgate. A built-in 4G Wifi connection is also available, but subject to a monthly subscription.

Key specs.

Price: £50,340 (SE), £53,835 (S line).
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cyl turbodiesel.
Transmission: Eight-speed auto, four-wheel drive.
Power/torque: 268bhp/600Nm.
0-62mph: 6.5 seconds.
Top speed: 145mph
Economy/CO2: 47.9mpg/153g/km
On sale: Pre-order now

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: http://motoringnigeria..in/

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You heard it first from Motoring Nigera.

With all this covering on the bonnet, how would someone know if his fan belt has cut?

DaimlerBen:
With all this covering on the bonnet, how would someone know if his fan belt has cut?

If you are rich enough to drive this Audi you won't even risk chipping your well manicured nails trying to open the bonnet. That is for the dealer to worry about, your car just tells you when to take it to the dealer

DaimlerBen:
With all this covering on the bonnet, how would someone know if his fan belt has cut?

Kai! Yhu just made my night. If yhur whatever belt cuts in a car like this, make no mistakes, its definitely from yhur village weeches. They are using yhur photograph as handfan.

Do one need to open this bonnet every morning before driving out?

DaimlerBen:
With all this covering on the bonnet, how would someone know if his fan belt has cut?

Lol... Ask them o my brother

Chei! Kill me nowwwwww!!! See the closed engine system!

So, [size=14pt]Where is the review ?[/size]

lungwun:
So, [size=14pt]Where is the review ?[/size]

Covered in the closed bonnet I guess, lol