Interior
Elegant and extremely versatile
The interior of the Audi Q7 is sporty and at the same time elegantly functional. The
uncompromising quality standards of the brand are to be found once again in the Audi Q7
performance SUV, combined with a level of practicality and versatility that sets standards.
Clear architecture and the finest materials and craftsmanship throughout: these are the lasting
impressions conveyed by the interior of the Audi Q7. The elegant forms and the high-quality
surfaces are both robust and luxurious. The instrument panel is covered as standard in a soft skin, pleasing to the eye and to the touch. Typical for an Audi, the gaps are exceptionally even and narrow.
In respect of the visual impression, calm surfaces in the same material and color dominate,
accommodating the functional units which are embedded like islands.
The cockpit is color-contrasted with the instrument panel; the top is in black or beige and the armrests in the doors are trimmed in Cricket leather (optional).
Inlays in three fine woods combined with aluminum
The standard decorative inlays are made from fine wood, including burr walnut, olive ash or
tamo – a dark wood from Japan. Air outlets, optionally in aluminum look, aluminum inlays in
the wood trims, discreet decorative rings and strips on covers and switches, as well as an
exquisitely designed lighting package including footwell lights using LED technology, can be
ordered if desired to add yet more finesse to the ambience.
Additional options including Alcantara trim for the headlining and roof pillars as well as various leather trims complete the overall impression of elegance and style.
The heavily grained Cricket leather, is optional, whereas leather seating surfaces are standard in the 4.2.
Cockpit based on the Audi A6
The interior architecture reveals the Audi Q7’s kinship with the Audi A6 and A8. Powerful taut lines lend the door trims a dynamic look. The styling of the controls and cockpit, with its generous layout and sleek design, was inspired by the Audi A6. The center console is organically integrated into the cockpit; the main instruments – speedometer and tachometer – feature dropped-shaped surrounds.
The broad and high center tunnel is also a perfectly uncluttered and functional operating area, undisturbed by the presence of a handbrake – instead there is a foot-operated parking brake. The Multi Media Interface (MMI) located on the tunnel is highly impressive for its ergonomic qualities. Independent comparative tests have once again underscored the superiority of this Audi technology, even compared with new designs from the competition.
Bose sound system with 14 speakers
Other modules include a Bose surround sound system with a digital sound processor and 14
speakers together with a large subwoofer and a DVD-based navigation system. Mobile phone
preparation with Bluetooth interface and a speech dialogue system to simplify system operation are further technologies that ensure luxurious and relaxed travel.
Even the standard operating system, as found in the 3.6, comes with an audio system featuring
eight speakers and a single CD drive. The standard specification for the Audi Q7 also includes a sensor package with light/rain sensor, automatic headlight activation and a coming/leaving home lighting function. In addition, the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI has a number of top-class features on board: the driver information system, cruise control and a leather-covered multifunction steering wheel,
which the driver can use to operate the audio system, the MMI and optionally the speech input
system and phone.
Indirect air supply for automatic air conditioning
The deluxe automatic air conditioning, which comes as standard, is exceptionally quiet and
almost completely draft-free. Its special feature is an air outlet grille in the center of the instrument panel that ensures indirect ventilation. The air flow and temperature can be adjusted separately for the driver’s and front passenger’s sides. The automatic control operates based on the angle of the sun; an air purity sensor activates the air recirculation function if necessary.
As an option, Audi supplies the Q7 with a four-zone automatic air conditioning system, which
provides even more cooling and heating power and even more precise air-flow regulation. The
four-zone system has a separate air conditioner unit in the left side panel of the luggage
compartment and a separate operating panel for the rear passengers. This air conditioning system
comprises ten sensors, which register the temperature in the passenger compartment, additional air outlets in the C-pillars and a total of 19 electric motors.
All Audi Q7 models are equipped with an electric auxiliary water pump, which at the push of a
button utilizes the residual heat from the coolant to adjust the temperature of the interior.
Open sky system panorama sunroof over 5.6 ft. long
The large-area panorama sunroof, known as the open sky system, is a very special extra for the
performance SUV. It creates a light-flooded sense of spaciousness and a fresh and airy interior for a rewarding driving experience. The open sky system is around 5.6 ft. long and comprises three glass elements. The front section can be tilted electrically by means of a rotary switch or opened by 19.3 in.; the rear section is tilted. Two slightly transparent roller blinds – the front blind electric, the rear operated by hand – prevent the interior from overheating.
The Audi Q7’s panorama sunroof generates very little noise when open. A mesh wind deflector
reduces noise levels and drafts.
Heated wipers
The wiper motors are further evidence of how well thought-out the controls in the Audi Q7 really are: they reverse electronically the wipers’ direction of rotation. The right arm also executes an additional lifting movement to provide the widest possible field of clear vision. In the rest position both wiper arms are invisible to the driver, lying in the slipstream of the engine compartment lid where they cannot produce any unpleasant air flow noise. To prevent the rubber lips from deteriorating, the wiper blades are placed in a different direction after each use. At temperatures of below 4 degrees the motor lifts the wipers slightly – in this way they are heated by the air vents in the interior and do not become frozen to the windscreen.
Numerous storage compartments enhance travelling comfort for every passenger. Brackets suitable for 1.5-liter bottles will be found in all four door pockets; there are also six cup holders.
Additional stowage areas are incorporated in the center console and the center armrest. Nets are
to be found in the footwell on the front passenger side, on the luggage compartment trim and on the back of the front seats; a compartment for glasses, for example, is integrated in the roof module. Audi Q7 customers also receive a center armrest with separate sections for the driver and front passenger.
Completely new seating system
The seats in the Audi Q7 have been redesigned from scratch and provide excellent comfort on
long journeys and a relaxed seated position throughout. The driver’s seat is height-adjustable and the steering column can be adjusted for height and angle. The prospective customer can generally choose between three seat configurations: the performance SUV is available as a 5-seater, 7-seater or 6-seater.
The standard Audi Q7 will leave the assembly line as a 5-seater 3.6. In this case the seat bench in the second row is divided 60:40; as an option both elements can be moved back by 4 inches – in this way passengers can enjoy the most generous legroom in this vehicle category.
The rear seat
split is 40:20:40; an armrest with pop-up cup holders is incorporated into the center section. This element can be folded down completely to create a through-loading width of 11.8-inches (30
cm).
If all three backrests are folded down – it is not necessary to remove the head restraints – a flat loading area is created, flush with the level of the luggage compartment. For even greater seating comfort, all backrests in the second row of seats can be reclined by 10 degrees.
The 7-seat version, standard on the 4.2, has two seats in the third row suitable for persons of up
to 5-ft. 4-in. tall. They can be folded flat on the loading floor if necessary.
The mechanism for this is particularly user-friendly – by pushing the backrests (divided 50:50) slightly, the head restraints are retracted automatically. Cup holders are integrated in the luggage compartment side trim panels.
Convenient access thanks to easy entry
The seats in the second row of a 7-seater Audi Q7 are adjustable for fore/aft movement as
standard. They are equipped with a new and convenient adjustment mechanism for carefree
access to the rear: if the backrests are folded forward by an angle of around 50 degrees, the entire seat slides forward by around 8.3 inches from the rearmost position.
On the 6-seater Audi Q7, the standard configuration on the 4.2 Premium, the individual fore/aft adjustable seats in the second row have a particularly comfortable design, based on the sports seats. The thigh support has more padding, is broader and longer, and has slightly higher side sections. At shoulder level the backrests are wider and softer. Between the comfort seats there is a separate center console with two cup holders and a large storage compartment as well as a folding armrest.
Up to 28 configurations
The functional seating concept of the Audi Q7 allows up to 28 different loading configurations.
The maximum load volume is an ample 88 cu. ft., without the seats having to be removed.
Even if all three seat rows are used, a very respectable luggage capacity of 10.8 cu. ft. remains.
The innovative styling of the tailgate – its handle released electrically – provides exceptionally large access to the load area: it is no less than 45.7 inches wide.
As an option – and standard on the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI – the tailgate can be fitted with electric
motors, which are activated by a switch in the driver’s door, the remote control and via buttons
on the tailgate itself. Two transversally mounted motors in the vehicle operate via a bracket directly at the hinges. A programming function allows the driver to determine the upper end position of the tailgate according to his preference. With the adaptive air suspension option, loading is even more convenient: the rear is lowered by 2.8 inches at the touch of a button, lowering the loading sill to 30.1 inches.
45.7 inch -wide through-loading facility
Standard on the Audi Q7 is a robust loading sill made of high-grade steel, which seamlessly joins
the loading floor. The through-loading facility is an impressive 45.7 in. wide, sufficient for large golf bags. A luggage compartment cover, which can be conveniently operated with one hand, is also part of the standard package; with two additional roller covers, it compensates for the various positions of the backrests in the second seat row. Standard lashing eyes hold retaining straps or ropes. A load guard and roof rails are also provided as standard.
Sufficient space remains above in the double load-area floor to accommodate a removable,
waterproof dirt-resistant tray. This can be used for soiled or wet items such as ski boots and for
all types of small utensils. On the 5-seater there is an additional large storage compartment
behind the second seat row.
Assistance systems
The Audi Q7 is a technology demonstrator in the SUV segment – not only with regard to its
drivetrain and suspension. A number of optional innovative assistance systems are available to
make the driver’s task even easier and more convenient.
Adaptive cruise control
A new stage in the development of the radar-assisted cruise control system including automatic distance control – named adaptive cruise control – is to make its debut on the Audi Q7. The new system controls distance and speed from 0 to 90 mph. It is therefore able to brake the vehicle to a standstill behind the vehicle ahead. The Audi Q7 is the first Audi and the first SUV worldwide to feature this technology, which takes a lot of the unpleasantness out of driving on congested
roads.
The new system offers substantially more comfort particularly in slow-moving traffic, jams and
bumper-to-bumper urban traffic, as extensive tests in major cities and on very busy main routes have shown. Often the driver does not need to stop entirely and can keep moving at a crawling speed. If he should have to stop, however, he only needs to release the brake and tap the cruise control lever on the steering column to drive off again.
Four driving programs available
The Audi Q7 driver enters his desired speed on the left steering column lever. Via the MMI
terminal he can select one of four driving programs which determine the time interval from the vehicle in front – between 1.0 and 2.3 seconds – and the dynamics of the control function – from sporty to comfortable. The distances are shown on the screen of the driver information system.
The radar sensor for the system is discreetly mounted in the area of the licence plate trim.
Compared with the first generation, it has several new features. During the journey it transmits waves at a frequency of 76.5 gigahertz – they cover a distance of 600 ft. and an angle of 8 degrees (previously four degrees). From the differences between the consecutive measurements
the system can determine whether and how much the distance from the car in front changes; it
registers the angle of the vehicle ahead in relation to the vehicle’s own direction of travel.
The radar system is integrated in the CAN network, which covers the entire vehicle, and
communicates within a few thousandths of a second with the control units for engine,
transmission and brakes. The system adapts the speed of the Audi Q7 by manipulating the
accelerator or brakes, whereby in both cases the main emphasis is on comfort and convenience.
The braking action initiated by the system has also been deliberately limited to 4 m/s2 – adaptive cruise control is designed as a convenience system.
Warning in two stages
In hazardous situations, for example if the driver in front suddenly brakes hard, a new
technology takes intervening action. If the Audi Q7 driver does not react within a specified time,
a two-stage warning is issued. Stage one consists of an acoustic signal accompanied by a
prominent red flashing signal on the instrument panel.
In the second stage, if there is still no response from the driver, the system triggers a short but clearly noticeable jolt, generated by a fast build-up of pressure in the brake system.
At this point
there is no permanent deceleration but the system shakes the driver awake with this jolt and
urges him to brake hard. At the same time the brake system is automatically supplied with
pressure so that full braking performance can be attained without delay when the driver applies
the brake pedal.
Audi engineers have identified this as the most effective solution – after evaluating numerous
road tests in which test persons were confronted with the most diverse warning messages. There
is a very serious side to this new technology. According to a study conducted by the German
Insurance Association, not paying due attention and delayed reactions – even falling asleep at the wheel for a few fractions of a second – are the cause of 25 per cent of all road accidents.
Audi side assist
Even with all the sophisticated active driver assistance systems such as ESP, the primary
objective of Audi research work is to prevent dangerous situations from arising in the first place.
For this reason a designated department, the “Audi Accident Research Unit” analyses accidents.
Their aim is to analyse those areas in which people often make mistakes and to lessen the impact of these by providing high-tech solutions in the vehicle. The new Audi side assist is one of them.
Similarly to adaptive cruise control, the latest generation of Audi side assist utilises
intelligent radar technology. The side assist, a world first, has been specifically designed
for lane changes, as it monitors the critical blind spot. Two 24-gigahertz radar sensors in
the rear bumper monitor the area next to and behind the Audi Q7 to warn the driver –
additionally to the image in the rear-view mirror – of any approaching vehicles. The
sensors have a range of up to 16.5 ft.
If another vehicle is moving in the critical zone at more or less the same speed or is
approaching fast from the rear, yellow LEDs in the housing of the exterior mirror light up
permanently. The driver sees the LEDs only when looking in the mirror. As long as he is
only looking ahead he will not notice them – they are not meant to distract him. If, despite
the warning, he presses the indicator lever to change lanes, the LEDs become brighter and
start to flash.
For licensing reasons the display on the inside of the mirror housing is directed so that
practically only the driver can see it. The system adapts the brightness to the ambient
lighting; in addition it can be adjusted via the MMI. It is active from a speed of 35 mph and
can also be switched off. Audi side assist does not intervene in the driving and control
functions.
Audi Rearview Camera and Parking System
The Audi parking system is new and incorporates a rear-view camera and rear acoustic
parking assistance. The extremely light-sensitive camera is integrated, together with its
control board, in the handle of the tailgate and covers a wide area behind the vehicle with
its viewing angle of 130 degrees. The images captured appear – slightly distorted – on the
MMI screen. It withstands acceleration of up to 100 g – 150 percent more than is normally
achieved when closing the tailgate.
When reversing the system shows the driver the way with the help of various lines and boxes.
With parallel parking, for example, blue areas show how much space is required by the Audi Q7
– they clearly indicate whether the parking space is large enough. Blue lines assist when steering and countersteering. With angle parking, orange-colored lines mark out the course. The camera image also shows the rear bumper and the extended tow hitch – in this way the performance SUV can be maneuvered with precision onto the drawbar of a boat or horse trailer.