The all new Audi Q7 is a technological marvel, offering a multitude of new and exclusive technology.
Part of the innovation is the MIB(modular infotainment platform).
This system developed in co-operation with NVIDIA, uses two quad core T30 processors. This system delivers brilliant 3D graphics, and a virtual instrument panel with a display rate of 60 frames per second.
At the centre of the MMI operating system is the newly developed touch control unit with a full touch surface. Each input is confirmed by both an acoustic and a haptic confirmation – a click that is also felt on the finger.
The MMI makes it easy to search for specific song titles and to input telephone contacts or navigation destinations.
The standard audio system uses 10 speakers to deliver a high end sound. For the audiophiles, Audi offers the optional 3D sound system.
This system, comes in two flavours, the Bose sound system with 3D sound and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound.
Both systems develop an innovative 3D sound by means of additional speakers in the A-pillars, creating the auditory illusion that the music seems to be coming from a virtual stage.
The Bang & Olufsen system integrates 23 speakers including subwoofers with 1,920 watts of amplified power.
The rear seat passengers will not miss out on the interaction either, as the Q7 is breaking new ground offering rear seat passengers one or optionally two Audi tablets with 10.1 inch screens.
The tablet is connected to the MMI navigation plus via WiFi, granting access to the radio, media, navigation and car functions of the Audi Q7.
For example, a rear seat passenger can send a navigation destination to the MMI navigation(giving new meaning to back seat driver) or surf the Internet via the WiFi connection.
The Audi tablet uses an Android operating system but has the availability of the Google Play store giving the customer access to a huge number of apps, games, movies, music, eBooks and much more.
Interestingly this tablet can be removed from the vehicle and used offline or link to any external WiFi network.
Other electronic systems featured on the Q7 include: standard rear parking aid, cruise control, adjustable speed limiter, rest recommendation and Audi pre sense city.
Audi pre-sense-at city speeds it warns the driver of impending collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and will initiate heavy braking in an emergency.
Optional packages include: “Parking”, “City” and “Tour”.
The “Parking” package includes the surround view camera and the park assist system, that steers the car backwards into parallel and perpendicular parking spots. The driver only has to apply the brakes and the gas.
With the “City” package, when used as a tow vehicle, the trailer assistant steers the trailer backwards in the direction indicated by the driver using the rotary pushbutton of the MMI.
The system also manages to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, stabilizes the trailer-tow vehicle unit when moving backwards in a straight line and when the steering wheel is turned too far warns you are going to hit your vehicle with your trailer.
With the “Tour” package, the adaptive cruise control system keeps the Q7 at the desired distance from the vehicle ahead, in the top version, ACC stop & go including traffic jam assistant, will take over the steering on developed highways in congested traffic when moving no faster than 60 km/h (37.3 mph).
There are several engine, and drivetrain options, but I will focus on the techy one.
The 2015 Audi Q7 e-tron Quattro will be the world’s first plug-in hybrid with a six-cylinder diesel and quattro all-wheel drive. This full size SUV will consume just 1.7 L/100 km (138.4 US mpg). The lithium-ion batteries store 17.3 kWh of energy, enabling a range of up to 56 kilometers (34.8 mi) in pure electric mode.
The 2015 Audi Q7 is nothing less than astonishing, offering new levels of connectivity, safety and innovation.
