Audi’s first attempt in the full-size luxury SUV segment, the Q7, has been in the market since 2005 having received a rather subtle facelift in 2009. This means it’s almost time for the Ingolstadt-based automaker to present the second generation model.
The brand with the four rings has already started work on the new Q7 with a test mule that uses a modified version of current model’s body shell to hide its new and lighter platform architecture.
As you can see in these photos, the test mule’s fenders are wider while it appears that the front overhang may be shorter.
The same chassis will form the base for all luxury SUV models being readied by the Volkswagen Group including the production version of the Bentley EXP 9 F and if the company’s top brass give the green light, a Lamborghini crossover as well (we’ll see a concept at this year’s Beijing Auto Show in late April).
The lighter chassis will be complemented by the use of lighter materials throughout the rest of the body with obvious benefits in performance as well as fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
You can also expect an array of new gadgets and safety features, while Audi is sure to enhance the Q7’s lineup of diesel and gasoline engines with hybrid variants.
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