Audi Q7 gets a facelift

Audi has given the Q7 a facelift for 2009 (2010MY)

Even though Audi was late to the big SUV party with its Q7, it’s proved to be a huge success. Maybe because they were late it has proved so, but whatever the reason the Q7 has exceeded Audi’s expectations on every level.

But it’s been three years since we were first introduced to the Q7 (at the Los Angeles Motor Show in 2006) so Audi has decided the Q7 needed a little facelift. There have been a few spy shots around recently showing a slightly changed Q7, so we knew it was coming. But, like all the best facelifts, it’s barely perceptible. Just a hint of freshening; a more youthfull look, perhaps.

Probably the most noticeable change on the exterior are the LED lights in both the front and rear light clusters, bringing the Q7 in line with newer Audi models. The front bumper gets a bit of a reworking, as does the grill, and the tailgate has a slightly changed number plate recess (so plates from every country fit). There are also new door mouldings. Not massive changes, but they do make the big Audi Q7 look more at home in the Audi range. Oh, there are also a set of new colours.

The interior gets more wood (but that is only for the SE model, which is the smallest seller – at least in the UK), but the biggest tech change is to Audi’s very competent MMI, with the third generation of the system introduced in this facelifted Q7. The navigation gets a 3D view and a little joystick controller to find your destination.

Engines remain the same, but the peachy 4.2 diesel gets a bit of a tweak to produce 340bhp and 560lb/ft of torque, and an improvement in fuel consumption sees the headline figure improve to 28.5 mpg (a 12% improvement). Also introduced is a new 3.0 litre ‘Clean Diesel’ version, which incorporates some energy recuperation technology and AdBlue additive to virtually eliminate nitrous oxides from emissions. The new ‘Clean Diesel’ achieves 31.7mpg.

Small changes, but enough to keep the Q7 fresh – and selling.

Audi Q7 2009 Model Range and Prices

Audi Q7 OTR Prices
3.0 TDI Standard £38,575
3.0 TDI Clean Diesel Standard £40,075
3.6 FSI Standard £38,700

SE versions (£2,845 premium over standard)
3.0 TDI SE £41,420
3.0 TDI Clean Diesel SE £42,920
4.2 TDI SE £50,615
3.6 FSI SE £41,545
4.2 FSI SE £49,035

S line versions (£1,590 premium over SE)
3.0 TDI S line £43,010
3.0 TDI Clean Diesel S line £44,510
4.2 TDI S line £52,205
3.6 FSI S line £43,135
4.2 FSI S line £50,625

Q7 6.0 V12 TDI £94,850

Prices correct at the date of this post.