Audi Q7 ＂different＂ facelift just to catch up with its former self

International online car channel news: Audi Q7 mid-term model will be officially launched in the near future. Unlike the "minor repairs" of the mid-term model, this Q7’s facelift is very strong. In terms of design methods and technology configuration, Audi’s latest family language is synchronized. At the same time, the price range of 765,000-843,000 yuan has been significantly reduced compared with the models on sale. After "increasing the volume and reducing the price", the competitiveness of Q7 has increased sharply. Looking back at Audi’s development in the Chinese market over the years, similar product facelifts are by no means normal. Of course, if you understand the peaks and troughs of the Audi Q7 series in the Chinese car market, you may understand why Audi will offer such a "different" facelift model.

The new Audi Q7

It’s not a good idea.Reshape the glory of the "past life"

When the first generation of Audi Q7 debuted in 2005, this full-size flagship SUV can be described as a shocking work. Although the sedan was the well-deserved mainstream of the market at that time, with its wide profile, heavy design, and top-level power configuration, it once made consumers crazy. The price of up to one million is very hot and difficult to find a car. As the flagship product of the Audi Q family at this time, the Audi Q7 debuted at the peak.

Audi Q7

No matter how classic the product is, it will inevitably experience a replacement. The Q7 that was replaced in 2015 has undergone "fat reduction and muscle building". The entire body streamline is dynamic, and it cannot be directly asserted that the changed design idea failed. It can only be said that the original Q7’s robustness left a very good impression on people. In addition, at this time, competitors have completed the replacement one after another, and the market competitiveness of luxury brand full-size SUVs has greatly increased. After the replacement, the limelight of the Q7 has weakened. With the result of the Audi Q8 last year, the flagship mantle of the Audi Q family, the role positioning of the current Q7 has also quietly changed. Sales are no longer unique, nor are they carrying the flagship flag. But the light of the "previous life" is too dazzling, who is willing to let go easily? Therefore, the new Q7, which can be called a "quasi-replacement", has arrived.

The new Audi Q7 rear design

In terms of the overall design style, the new Q7 draws on the elements of the Q8. Compared with the Q7 on sale, it is more powerful and powerful, and the design details are more fashionable and dynamic, as if paying tribute to the design outline of the original model. In the interior design, it is even more "pan" to the technology-filled style of the Q8. The full LCD meter and dual central control screen make the whole car more technological than the current model. The use of four-zone automatic air conditioning, electric suction door, Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system, air quality package of aroma/ionization device and massage seat also increases the comfort and luxury of the whole vehicle.

The new Q7 interior design

The reason why the new Q7 is called a "quasi-replacement" is that in addition to the appearance and interior design, it is also due to the adjustment of the power system. Compared with the Q7 on sale, the new Q7 has re-adjusted the parameters and added a 48V light mixing system, which has optimized the power fuel consumption. There is no doubt that from the product level, the fully upgraded new Q7 is undoubtedly more competitive.

It’s not a good idea.Not the flagship "better than" flagship

In fact, from the current price of the new Q7, it is not difficult to find that it has "degraded itself". Previously, most Audi Q7 models were priced at around "one million", and individual models were priced higher due to different engine assemblies. Now the price of the new Q7 version of the 3.0T version after the change may be 76.50-84 3,000 yuan, and the price of the 2.0T version launched later will be lower. On the one hand, this price setting highlights the identity of the Q8 as a flagship model, and at the same time reduces the price overlap between the Q7 and the Q8; on the other hand, it makes the Q7 without the flagship halo more "high quality and cheap". With models that are comparable in size and technology to flagship models, and prices that have been significantly reduced compared to flagship models, Audi’s approach is indeed worthy of recognition.

Audi Q8

However, for the Q7, although it has lost its flagship aura, it may still be able to gain a foothold in the same class of models in the future. First of all, the new Q7 "increased volume and reduced price" is undoubtedly good news for consumers; secondly, Audi’s new flagship model Q8 is positioned as a coupe SUV. Although the coupe SUV is recognized by more consumers as the younger consumer group, it is still a niche model compared to traditional SUVs. It may not be easy to achieve the results achieved by the previous Q7 through this. Therefore, although the Q8 is Audi’s new flagship SUV in real name, the actual sales responsibility may still fall on the Q7. By applying the technology currently available on the quasi-flagship model to the new Q7 without reservation, Audi’s move is not difficult to understand.

It’s not a good idea.Write at the end

Although the new Audi Q7 is only a mid-term facelift, it makes everyone’s eyes shine. Although it has lost its flagship halo, it is still the flagship model in the Audi SUV family for most consumers. The second-generation Q7 mid-term facelift has adopted the same technology as the family’s new flagship model Q8. When it is really replaced, the technology it uses is more worth looking forward to. I believe that the Q7 will once again become the leader in the same class of models in the future with the family’s top technology and the relatively low price after the halo fades. (Image source: NetCarShow Author: Yin Zhuangzhi)