When the name Audi is mentioned, usually images of the carmaker’s legendary Quattro and RS models come to mind. Rarely will a fleeting thought go towards envisioning any SUV variant; however, for some, a large luxury SUV will tick all the appropriate boxes.

This is where the Q7 Sports Utility Vehicle sits amongst the Ingolstadt-based firm’s lineup. Launched in 2005, it has been fairly successful for Audi, even withstanding criticism for its polarizing styling and hefty mass.

The Bavarian brand still believes in success with this segment, hence why an new generation Q7 is full-steam in development. We’ve previously shown you the spy shots, and now with a layering of digital manipulation – I can reveal Audi’s design direction for the next all-new Q7.

Design:

Immediately, first impressions are that some serious scalpel-work has been made to reduce the previous version’s visual bulk. To achieve this, Audi have employed their latest design language that has toned the bodywork with technical simplicity and athletic tension.

One cannot miss that bold front-end; Audi’s signature grille is aggressively angular – so too are the lower intakes and sharp LED headlights. Everything is tightly creased from the front fenders and back.

This lean new aesthetic also helps the side profile, with taut shoulder-lines and lower door scallops helping remove that visual mass. The glasshouse is shorter than on the out-going Q7 – if anything, resembling an ‘angular’ Audi Q5 whilst retaining the original’s clamshell trunk design. 
Interior:

While we’ve yet to set eyes on the cabin in its entirety, you can bet on nothing short of Audi’s superb craftsmanship and design quality. Seating seven, it’s tipped to improve on comfort and practicality compared to the outgoing Q7.

Spy shots to date have partially revealed the upper dashboard, with heads-up display and Audi’s MMI interface screen being confirmed. Other technical goodies will no doubt reveal themselves in good time with an emphasis on driver assists and passenger entertainment. 
Under The Hood:

At the lower end of the spectrum, a supercharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder petrol engine will take care of day-to-day affairs. While performance aficionados will no doubt approve of utilizing a turbocharged, 4.0-liter V8 as found in other go-fast Audi’s.

Those partial to the smell of diesel will be pleased that turbocharged V6 and V8 oil-burners will make the cut, and there’s a strong possibly that a hybrid version will also appease the eco-conscious – watch this space.

Platform & Handling:

The departing Q7 weighs as much as the Moon; so in order to lose weight, Audi has employed lighter materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre and light high-strength steels. Rumored weight reduction of more than 300 kg (over 660 pounds) should make it an decent drive, even if SUV’s aren’t your inclination. 
It will ride on the MLB platform shared with Bentley’s upcoming SUV, Porsche’s Cayenne and VW’s own Touareg for better economies of scale. This will allow access to advanced technological goodies and suspension options shared across the Volkswagen Group.

Market Positioning:

Audi’s 2016 Q7 sits amongst an ultra-competitive large luxury SUV segment. Fighting against BMW’s X5, Mercedes-Benz’s M-Class, Land Rover’s LR4 and to an lesser extent – Volvo’s XC90 and Acura’s MDX, the Quattro-branded entrant won’t have it easy.

Still, with impressive weight loss targets, powerful engines, and athletic styling – this next generation Q-ship should equal-foot with these rivals just fine.

Expect the upcoming Q7 to debut at the 2014 Paris Auto Show or early 2015 at the latest (that’s if they don’t make another last-minute design change – again).

Finally, what do you think the large Audi’s diet program – does it look the goods, or should it get back on the treadmill? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

By Josh Byrnes

Photo Renderings Copyright Carscoops / Josh Byrnes

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