New Audi A4 & Audi Q7, presentation and road test in Madrid

2015 has been a very fruitful year for Audi, with numerous launches in segments that are very important both for the brand and for the market.

Two of its biggest new releases are the new generations of the Audi Q7 and A4, models that account for a large share of the sales of the company with the four rings.

Audi A4

The A4 is the most successful model in the history of the brand with the four rings. Counting all current production of the model, plus the era when it was called the Audi 80, we are talking about more than 12 million units produced, which amounts to a true record, making it the best-known and most popular model of the company.

The new A4 is, above all, exactly that: new. This generation is completely new from head to toe, from the first to the last screw, although in terms of styling -especially on the outside- it appears somewhat conservative.

On the outside, the new A4 (B9) is quite similar to its predecessor. For Audi, this trait is not necessarily negative, since if there is one thing the brand with the four rings has always been known for, it is its mastery in combining safe lines with evolution in its designs. This A4 is no exception.

The front features more elaborate headlights, as well as a trapezoidal grille that is flatter and set into the nose. The side is really similar in appearance to its predecessor, while at the rear the LED taillights have been refined, now thinner and sharper.
The dimensions have changed slightly, as the new A4 measures 4.73 m in length, has a wheelbase of 2.82 m, a width of 1.84 m and a height of 1.43 m.

Inside, the changes are much more evident. The previous dashboard gives way to a surface that is really similar to that of the new Q7, with very fluid lines. Elements never before seen on this model stand out, such as the digital instrument cluster or the screen of up to 8.3 inches.

The build quality is, quite simply, and without fear of being mistaken, the best in its segment by a considerable margin. The materials chosen are in any case of very high quality, relying on padded plastics, woods, metals and leather. The fittings deserve a special mention, absolutely precise to the millimetre at every point in the cabin.

Work has been done on aspects such as soundproofing, now using double glazing for the windows and an acoustic windscreen. Rear-seat space is very similar, while the boot keeps its capacity of 485 litres in the saloon version, rising to 505 litres in the Avant, which will be launched simultaneously.

In terms of equipment, the new A4 is more advanced and intelligent than ever. It can fit systems never before seen on the model, such as a traffic jam assistant, the Pre Sense anti-collision system, the Audi Matrix LED intelligent lighting system or a predictive efficiency assistant that helps achieve even lower consumption.

Mechanically, the new A4 is based on the MLB platform, used by larger models of the brand. It is now lighter and more sophisticated, as demonstrated for example by its suspension layout, with a deformable parallelogram both at the front and at the rear. The engine range covers outputs from 150 to 272 CV, with consumption that, on average, has dropped by 21%. The 2.0 TDI is offered with 150 and 190 CV, while the 3.0 TDI offers 218 CV and 272 CV. In petrol, two versions of the 2.0 TFSI with 190 CV and 254 CV.

During our first contact we were able to drive the 190 CV 2.0 TFSI version with 7-speed S-Tronic, which stands out as one of the most sensible options in the range thanks to more than adequate performance and consumption that at no point exceeded 7 litres in real-world mixed driving conditions. Moreover, it feels more settled than ever on the road, maintaining a truly outstanding level of comfort.

Audi Q7

The Q7 is the other major bet for 2015 by Audi. The second generation of this large SUV arrives packed with new features, with a more attractive design and superlative technology, a logical step forward after almost 10 years on the market.

Stylistically, the Q7 leaves behind the more or less rounded shapes of the previous generation to adopt a much more robust look thanks to the angular lines present throughout the bodywork. The front shows more personality thanks to a grille of, let’s say, generous proportions.

Inside, the quality has taken a major step up, and we find a style very similar to that of the A4, only “on a grand scale”. Bucket seats capable of heating, ventilation and massage welcome us, leading into a truly spacious cabin that can comfortably accommodate up to 7 people.

The new Q7 has had its weight reduced by up to 325 kg, a real slimming cure that allows it to drop below 2 tonnes in its base version. The driving dynamics of the new Q7 have nothing in common with those of the previous generation, which was clearly too clumsy as soon as the bends appeared. Now, the Q7 is capable of surprising its passengers thanks to much greater stability, managing to keep its composure through more or less fast corners.

The Q7’s engines have been reduced to two options across three power levels. The 3.0 TDI engine now offers 218 and 272 CV, while the petrol option is limited to the 333 CV 3.0 TFSI. All are paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox that, of course, transmits power to the road through a permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Naturally, there is also a full battery of electronic systems that make the Q7 one of the safest and most comfortable vehicles on the market. In addition to all the systems mentioned for the A4, others are added, such as the infrared camera night vision system, or a trailer parking assistant, which makes reversing manoeuvres far easier.

Source | Audi

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverAudi Q713 versions · from 86,940 €