We're living in an era of downsizing. It's everywhere, whether it's governments, multinational corporations or the engine blocks under your car's bonnet. Over the last couple of years, several carmakers have taken up the challenge of offering smaller, fuel efficient engines without compromising on performance. And most of them have come up trumps.
But the one breed that seemed to resist this growing trend was the big luxury SUV. It's difficult to imagine a full size 4x4 without a massive V8 burbling under the bonnet, especially in a market like ours. Which is exactly what prompted Infiniti to retain the thirsty 5.6-litre V8 lump in its recently overhauled QX56. But the pressures of stricter emissions norms in Europe as well as greater consumer demand for more fuel efficient models seems to have proven irresistible for Audi, which has downsized the engine line-up for its flagship SUV, the Q7.
The 2011 model year version of the popular 4x4 from Ingolstadt will be powered by two versions of a 3.0-litre V6 that'll replace the previous 4.2-litre V8 and 3.6-litre V6 engines.
At first glance, the new Q7 doesn't look any different from the facelifted V8 model, but that's because it is exactly the same. Our test car was the supercharged 3.0 TFSI variant with an optional S-Line package with minor exterior tweaks giving it a sportier appearance. The interior is typical Audi fare — elegantly laid out dashboard, pleasant mood lighting, a lavish dose of leather, wood and chrome and a smattering of S-Line badges.
The big change however is the new 3.0-litre V6, the same unit that powers the S4 sports saloon, available in either a standard or supercharged form and mated to a new eight-speed transmission. The basic version is good for 272bhp and 400Nm of torque, taking 7.9 seconds to hit 100kph. Our test car's TFSI manages a 100kph dash in just 6.9 seconds thanks to 333 horses, just seven shy of the V8, and 440Nm of torque.
The Roots-type twin-screw intercooled supercharger is of a small displacement, therefore the rise in power and torque is near seamless. Never in my three days of driving it did I miss the V8. Sure, the exhaust burble could have been more substantial, but lacking pace, it's not.
The new transmission, which also finds home in the A8 is a marvel too. It can hold a higher gear even at city speeds, thereby helping cut fuel consumption by a notable five per cent. The overall fuel efficiency in the new Q7 is improved by 16 per cent over the V8 version.
The new engine is lighter, but it makes no difference to the way this car handles. It's after all, still a two-tonne leviathan. But compared to the new Touareg that shares the same platform, body roll is fairly well contained. My only grouse is the air suspension, which doesn't work on the road. It's too firm and affects the ride quality adversely. In fact, everything else in this SUV oozes luxury and opulence, but the ride disappoints.
verdict
Audi has taken a bold step forward by offering its flagship SUV only with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol option (there's a 4.2-litre diesel version too) from now on. But as attractive a package as it is — powerful, refined and fuel efficient — it's not going to be an easy task for Audi to convince the displacement-obsessed Middle Eastern customer to give it a serious look.
Specs & ratings
- Model Q7 3.0 TFSI
- Engine 3.0-litre V6 supercharged
- Transmission Eight-speed auto, AWD
- Max power 333bhp @ 6,500rpm
- Max torque 440Nm @ 2,900rpm
- Top speed NA
- 0-100kph 6.9sec
- Price Dh259,900
- Plus Fuel efficient, refined and powerful
- Minus Ride not befitting a luxury SUV