High-tech Audi Q7 arriving in September

Audi's new Q7 will go on sale officially in September, priced at $103,900.

For the moment, the Q7 will be offered in just one variant – a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel model with eight-speed automatic. Next year Audi will introduce the e-tron (plug-in hybrid) version of the Q7, complemented by a 160kW (lower output/lower price) model set to join the local range too.

In the meantime, the 200kW/600Nm Q7 is the only game in town. Naturally, given the Q7 is already priced above the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold and the green car dispensation ceiling, option prices will incur the 33 per cent LCT impost, despite the Q7's official fuel consumption of 5.9L/100km – well below the 7.0L/100km figure below which the LCT doesn't apply.

That fuel consumption figure is in marked contrast with the superseded car, which averaged 9.1L/100km in combined-cycle testing, with an engine of the same displacement. It's a sign that Audi has made significant inroads improving the new car's fuel efficiency, through a combination of lighter weight and drivetrain tweaks.

Built on the MLB Evo platform, the new Q7 is up to 240kg lighter than the model it replaces, and packaging is improved, with more room available inside, for a smaller external footprint. Body weight is pared back 71kg, through enhanced use of aluminium in the construction. Audi claims up to 41 per cent of the body is now formed from the lightweight metal and the kerb mass now measures 2135kg, yet the Q7 will tow 3500kg.

The turbo-diesel V6 is Euro 6-compliant – requiring AdBlue after-exhaust treatment to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Despite the engine's eco-friendly nature, it develops 20kW more power and 50Nm more torque. It drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels via a centre differential.

With the added performance potential and the lower weight, the new Q7 will knock over the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.5 seconds – 1.3 seconds better than previously. The all-wheel drive system can vary the torque split from 40 per cent front/60 per cent rear in normal operation, to as much as 15 per cent front/85 per cent rear.

Safety features fitted as standard comprise seatbelt reminders, eight airbags, stability control, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and an electronic differential lock. High-tech safety features aimed at pedestrian protection include an active bonnet and Audi Pre-Sense City. The latter is a low-speed autonomous emergency braking system that operates below 10km/h. Other safety equipment intended to prevent road trauma are Audi side assist, Audi pre sense rear, exit warning and rear cross traffic alert.

Available optionally is an assistance package ($4075) bundling together adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function, Audi pre sense front, traffic jam assist, active lane assist, collision assist and turn assist. Audi's LED headlights ($2800) and Matrix beam LED headlights ($5500) are also available for the Q7, at extra cost.

Standard comfort and convenience features comprise leather upholstery, electrically-adjustable front seats (with lumbar adjust and memory for driver's seat), 19-inch alloy wheels, tyre repair kit, tyre pressure monitoring system, cruise control/speed limiter, Parking system plus, 360-degree cameras, Park Assist, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, electric mirrors (fold-in/auto-dimming), auto-on/off xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Audi Drive Select, keyless entry/start, Virtual Cockpit, climate control, three-spoke/leather-bound multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, 10-speaker 180W audio system with integrated CD/DVD playback and 10gb music storage, Bluetooth with audio streaming and digital radio (DAB+).

Audi provides a plethora of options to suit even the most demanding customers, with seat packages for the Q7 ranging in price from $950 for front seat heating up to $7800 for contour seats trimmed in Valcona leather and providing heating, ventilation and massaging for the front-seat occupants. Different interior cosmetic packages range in price from $870 (Brushed aluminium, sono / Anodised paint finish, anthracite) to $2890 for Beaufort walnut in lieu of the anodised finish and anthracite combination.

Three different wheel designs cost $2300 for a 20-inch option or $4950 for either of the two 21-inch offerings. Adaptive air suspension costs $4950 also, all-wheel steering will set you back $2775 and a towbar kit is priced at $1900. A head-up display ($3400) and night vision assist with pedestrian detection ($5100) are also optional.

Panoramic sunroof ($4250), privacy glass ($1100), metallic paint ($2400), alarm system ($1200), four-zone climate control ($1950), ambient lighting ($1380), power door closing ($1550), a Bose 19-speaker sound system ($2775), a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen system ($14,850) and digital TV reception ($2770) account for the remaining major options.