New Audi Q7 India launch likely by November 2015

Audi is working to bring the all-new Q7 to India by November 2015 to make most of the positive sales sentiments around Diwali. Internationally, sales of the Q7 start in June while right-hand-drive versions will be available from August.

The first batch of India-bound Q7s will be full imports while local assembly at Audi’s Aurangabad facility is expected to commence in 2016. However, as per available information, there will be no difference in price or spec between the imported and assembled Q7s. Interestingly, Audi India is still working out the details on the Q7 for India. What we do know for now is that, initially at least, the new Q7 will be sold only in 3.0 TDI form featuring Audi’s 268bhp, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed gearbox with paddleshifters being standard fit. Given that the last-gen Q7 was available with an air suspension, it’s safe to assume the new one will feature that as well.

As for features, the new Q7 will get Audi’s new infotainment system, full leather seats with electric adjustment, four-zone climate control and a 19-speaker Bose audio system. But it will be interesting to see if Audi offers items such as a panoramic roof, the brilliant 12-inch digital instruments screen, heads-up display and park assist as options or as part of a trim. The outgoing Q7, for reference, was available in three trim levels.

While final details are still being chalked out, what seems imminent is that the new Q7 will be priced higher than the current one. We expect prices of the Q7 to start at around Rs 65 lakh (ex-showroom). Audi India is likely to justify the higher price by emphasizing the greater technology onboard the new Q7. But given that the old Q7 is still pulling in buyers even at the very end of its life cycle, Audi might not have to try too hard to convince potential buyers.