IAB Report - Next gen Audi Q7 world premieres at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show

Underpinned by a multi-material MLB platform.

Speaking to Indian Autos Blog at the VW Group night on the eve of the Paris Motor Show 2014, Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Board of Management of Audi AG and head of Audi’s Technical Development revealed that the long awaited next gen Audi Q7 will world debut at the Detroit Auto Show (North American International Auto Show 2015 or NAIAS 2015) which is slated to commence on January 12, 2015.

To quote Dr. Hackenberg -

If you make a trip to Detroit, you'll see it.

The 2016 Audi Q7 will be underpinned by the VW Group's MLB platform which benefits from the usage of lightweight yet strong materials like high-tensile strength aluminium. The model is expected to be lighter than the outgoing version by around 360 kg, making for a more dynamic and economical driving experience.

Coming to the design, the 2016 Q7 would source inspiration from the recent design concepts such as the Allroad Shooting Brake and TT Offroad. The brand's latest Matrix LED headlamp technology will be featured in the new 7-seater.

A set of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants will propel the vehicle with the help of dual-clutch transmissions and Quattro all-wheel drive. The new 3.0-litre TDI V6 Clean Diesel can also be expected to debut in the new Q7, with a plug-in hybrid variant to boot.

Also read: Next gen Audi Q7 could get the world's first electric supercharger

Audi India locally assembles the existing Q7 and the same arrangement should continue with the new gen model as well.

Competitors: Mercedes GL Class, BMW X5, Volvo XC90
Expected Price: INR 75-90 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch Date: First half of 2015 in Europe