Next generation Audi Q7 snapped in Mumbai - Spied

Now lighter by 325 kg.

The yet-to-be publicly unveiled, 2016 Audi Q7 was caught on test in India once again, this time by an Autocar India reader. The second generation of Audi's flagship SUV will be showcased for the first time at the 2015 North American International Motor Show (Detroit Auto Show) next month.

Set to go on sale in Europe by mid-2015, the Q7 has been announced with 3.0-liter V6 petrol and diesel engines producing 333 hp and 272 hp respectively. Both engines will be matched to an 8-speed single-clutch automatic transmission with the drive going to all wheels via Audi's Quattro AWD system.

Later in its lifecycle, the Q7 will also receive a hybrid variant that combines the diesel engine with an electric motor for a combined system output of 373 hp and 700 Nm. Audi claims that the hybrid Q7 will emit fewer than 50 gm of CO2 per km, while averaging 58.82 km/l.

With overall measurements of 5.05 meters in length, 1.97 meters in width, 1.74 meters in height and 2.99 meters in wheelbase, the new Q7 is a whopping 325 kg lighter than the model it replaces.

Also read: Audi Q1 to mix design elements from crossover, Sportback and Avant models

In its home market in Germany, the new Q7 will have a starting price of 61,000 EUR (INR 47.4 lakhs) when it goes on sale by May 2015.

[Spyshots from Autocar India]