The launch of the Audi Q7 petrol in India will further strengthen the brand’s foothold in the country. Moreover, the introduction of a petrol variant will boost its competition against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLS and the BMW X5 in India. The Q7 petrol, priced at Rs 67.76 lakhs, is the most affordable one in that segment in comparison to the petrol GLS and the X5, which are available at a starting price of Rs 79.86 lakhs and Rs 71 lakhs, respectively. Read on to find the key differences between these three popular selling models in the country.
Mechanically, the Audi Q7 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that generates 249bhp of power between 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 370Nm of torque at 1,600-3,450rpm. The powerful engine comes mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission which powers the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Q7 is capable of sprinting from 0-100kmph in just about 6.9 seconds and clocks a top speed of 233kmph. The Mercedes-Benz GLS 400 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that generates 329bp of power and 480Nm of torque. The BMW X5 on the other hand gets a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine that produces 306bhp of power and 400Nm of torque.
All three cars carry their traditional face. The Audi Q7 gets Matrix LED headlamps with signature DRLs and wide sculptured 3D single frame grille. The SUV sits on R19 5 spoke alloy wheels and also gets a panoramic sunroof. Mercedes-Benz GLS, based on the GL, gets fresh upgrades in the form of high-mounted large front grille that has been reworked with vented slats. The tail lamp internals have been reworked and a chrome strip has been added to the tail gate. The BMW X5 gets the traditional family face with twin kidney grille and LED headlamps. The X5 also gets the BMW Design Pure Experience package. It includes features such as front/rear bumpers with moulding, finished in titanium, B and C pillar and mirror base in black high gloss and override guards in stainless steel on front, side and rear. At the back, the exhaust pipes are finished in matt chrome.
As for the interior, the Audi Q7 comes with a four-zone climate control, Audi MMI infotainment system, black and beige leather upholstery and the Audi Virtual Cockpit. A list of features includes Audi Drive Select, cruise control, auto parking, 360-degree camera, electric seats with memory, 558 Watts Bose sound system, and ambient lighting with 30 combinations. Some of the notable changes to the interior of the GLS include rounded AC vents and a bigger tablet-like display screen for the COMAND. Further, electrically operated panoramic sunroof, power adjustable front seats with memory function, recline adjustable rear seats and a dual zone climate control with separate zone for the rear passenger continue to be a part of the long feature list. The X5 retains the brand’s familiar driver-centric cockpit with its swooping dashboard. The seats for driver and front passenger feature lumbar support and a memory function. BMW claim that the rear seats feature particularly comfortable upholstery and can be individually adjusted in many ways. The third row of seats include two individual fold-down seats.
In comparison to the GLS and the X5, the Q7 does fall short in terms of performance. However, the SUV makes up for it with the inclusion of modern driving aids, features and comparatively affordable pricing than the other two. For the buyers who are eager for a bit of extra performance and fancy electronics, the GLS and the X5 might prove to be a better choice.
