2015 Audi Q7 to launch in India around November as CBU - Report

29/05/2015 - 15:55 Audi Q7, Audi Anjan Ravi

Local assembly slated to commence in 2016.

According to a report on Autocar India, the next generation 2015 Audi Q7 will launch in India sometime around November this year, to capitalize on the festive season period which sees positive market sentiments.

2016 Audi Q7 front quarter at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show — The second generation Q7 is lighter by 325 kg thanks to the MLB platform.

Initially, the second generation Q7 will be imported as a fully-built model from Audi's plant in Slovakia. Later on, in 2016, the new Q7 will be assembled at Audi India's Aurangabad facility with limited localization.

For the Indian market, the new Q7 will launch with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine which is capable of 272 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the drive is sent to all wheels using Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.

While the outgoing Q7 uses the same engine, on the new model, it is 26 percent more efficient partly thanks to a lighter weight as well. In shifting from the VW PL71 platform to the more modern MLB architecture, the SUV has lost 325 kg, claims Audi.

Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro dashboard at Auto Shanghai 2015 — The Indian model will initially come with only one engine option.

Also read: 2016 Audi R8 to launch in India in early-2016

Matrix LED headlights, a Virtual Cockpit system, an improved MMI system, air suspension, four-zone climate control and a 19-speaker Bose audio system are some of the features that will be seen on the India-spec 2015 Q7, reports the publication.

Rivals: Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes Benz GL Class
Expected Price: INR 75-90 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch date: November 2015 (reported)