This latest and greatest Q7 is incidentally the first Audi to ever be locally assembled in Malaysia.
Audi Malaysia has recently announced that it has opened the order books for its locally-assembled Q7, with an estimated price range between RM 469,000 and RM 489,000. This large SUV will incidentally be the first model from the German automaker to be netting the CKD treatment over here, following on from its Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne platform-mates.
The locally-assembled Q7 is set to arrive in a sole S line 3.0 TFSI quattro variant. Notably too, this particular CKD version of Audi’s large SUV represents the second facelift of the second-generation model, which was actually previously sold here already in fully imported form, though at RM 599,900.
And for a bit more context regarding pricing, the upcoming locally-assembled Q7 is roughly to be RM 100,000 cheaper than the similarly CKD Porsche Cayenne V6, while sitting about RM 100,000 above the (newly price-adjusted) CKD Volkswagen Touareg. Its other Germanic rivals include the BMW X5, which starts from RM 494,800, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE, priced at RM 524,888. The only other 7-seater in its segment, the newly-refreshed Volvo XC90, is in turn priced between RM 418,888 (mild-hybrid B5) and RM 434,888 (PHEV T8).
The locally-assembled Q7 nets a slightly sharper look than usual thanks to a standard S line body kit paired with the Black Styling Package Plus, which adds a blacked-out front grille and side mirrors. Other standard exterior equipment includes HD Matrix LED headlights with laser high beams, digital OLED taillights, soft-closing doors, and Audi Sport V-spoke two-tone alloy wheels.
Under the hood of the Q7 is a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine — shared with the aforementioned CKD Volkswagen Touareg — but now paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Power is managed through an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission, with intelligent distribution to all four wheels via the automaker’s iconic quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
Combined output from this mild-hybrid V6 is rated at 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque, enough to propel this behemoth from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h. CKD Q7s also come equipped with Adaptive Air Suspension Sport as standard, along with Audi Drive Select, offering up to seven different driving modes.
Moving along inside, the Q7 packs no fewer than four displays. These include the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch upper centre touchscreen, an 8.6-inch climate control display, and a driver’s heads-up display.
S line interior touches within the Q7 include Valcona leather Sports Seat Plus with embossed S badges, and a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. Additional standard interior features meanwhile include a massage function for the front seats, 4-zone deluxe air conditioning, a wireless charging pad, kick sensor-powered boot opening, a 30-colour Ambient Lighting Package Plus, and a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System.
Safety-wise, the Q7 is equipped with Audi Pre Sense autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), a 360º surround view camera, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, Side Assist with Exit Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Lane Departure Warning, a door opening warning system and adaptive high beam assist.
Four exterior colour choices will be available to order with this upcoming Q7: Glacier White, Waitomo Blue, and Mythos Black as metallic options, along with Daytona Grey with a pearl effect. This first-ever locally-assembled Audi is expected to arrive officially in Malaysia by May.
“The Audi Q7 was the first SUV that Audi introduced twenty years ago, and it has remained a benchmark in the premium luxury SUV segment. As a locally assembled model, it will be competitively priced, broadening our portfolio and strengthening our presence in the Malaysian market. The Q7’s refined power and smooth handling is elegance not just seen, it’s felt,” said Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of PHSAM.
