New Audi Q7 diesel sheds pounds, aims for over 40 mpg average

Audi's Q7 update for 2016 loses weight, then adds fuel economy and significant tech features. Josh Miller/CNET

DETROIT -- When Audi tackled its update to the Q7 SUV, it improved the car from top to bottom, reducing weight, improving fuel economy, increasing interior space while reducing overall dimensions, adding advanced driver assistant features and completely redesigning the cabin electronics interface.

The 2016 Q7 takes advantage of Audi's multiple technology initiatives, giving it the most cutting edge features in the line-up.

The new Q7 shows up in five- and seven-seat configurations contained in a body measuring slightly shorter and narrower than the outgoing model. At the same time, Audi increased the interior space for passengers and cargo. The body design loses some curves from the previous model, adding angles for an aggressive appearance. The grille takes on a more flat, hexagonal shape, adding to the styling.

The reengineered body and chassis, making use of more aluminum than previously, helps the Q7 lose more than 700 pounds, bringing total weight for the Q7 TDI version down to 4,398 pounds, pretty low for an SUV of this size.

That weight loss means improved fuel economy. Audi notes that the Q7 TDI should get an average of 41.3 mpg, but that number is likely to come in lower with EPA testing.

The Q7 TDI relies on a turbocharged diesel 3-liter V-6 engine producing 255 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. Audi will also offer the Q7 with a turbocharged 3-liter V-6 gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, this latter configuration expected to get 138 mpg equivalent fuel economy and boast the most power in the line-up.

Underneath the new Q7 Audi completely reengineered the suspension, changing front and rear components from double wishbone to a multi-link architecture, suggesting that will lead to a more comfortable and agile ride. An air suspension will also be available, adding comfort and adjustable ride height.

Taking advantage of Audi's Piloted Driving initiative, the Q7 gets adds a traffic jam assist feature to adaptive cruise control. This feature will actually take over the steering, keeping the car in its lane, at speeds up to 41 mph. Automated parallel and perpendicular parking is another available assistance feature.

Audi takes a big step forward with the Q7's cabin, fitting it with a similar Virtual Cockpit interface that first came out in the new TT. This interface puts a large LCD in place of the instrument cluster, capable of showing the navigation system map overlaid with virtual gauges for speed and tach. Unlike the TT, the Q7 also features a rectangular LCD that rises up from the dashboard, showing a semi-circular menu with navigation, media, phone and driving data.

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New Audi Q7 diesel sheds pounds, aims for over 40 mpg average