There is a new Audi Q7 in India. It is called the Signature Edition. That’s it.
You may be wondering what makes this one special. The answer, essentially, is accessories. The Q7 Signature Edition is based on the existing Technology trim, which means it already comes well-equipped, but this version adds a few extras that are meant to make you feel clever at valet counters.
Let’s begin with the highlight: it now comes with a genuine Audi espresso maker. Not a cupholder that warms your Starbucks, but an actual machine. You also get a dashcam, which is less amusing but more practical in Mumbai traffic. These are factory-fitted accessories. Or as Audi prefers, “genuine accessories.” Presumably to separate it from what one might buy in Andheri.
There’s also a new set of puddle lamps that project the Audi rings on the ground — a polite reminder to everyone nearby that you spent nearly a crore on your SUV. The dynamic hub caps now stay upright, which is nice if you like your wheels to show off while rotating. There are stainless steel pedal caps, a dark finish on the 20-inch alloys, and a new metallic key fob cover, which should help the valet distinguish your Q7 from the three others outside Soho House.
Colour Me Rich
It is available in five exterior paint options:
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Sakhir Gold (the brave choice)
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Waitomo Blue (the sophisticated choice)
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Mythos Black (the obvious choice)
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Glacier White (the predictable choice)
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Samurai Grey (the stealth wealth choice)
All look appropriately expensive, and all carry on Audi’s long tradition of making large SUVs look clinically tasteful.
Power, Still Present
Mechanically, nothing has changed, which is probably a good thing. The 3.0-litre V6 turbo-petrol still produces 340bhp and 500Nm, which is more than enough to ferry you, your family, and your espresso down the Bandra-Worli Sea Link at an alarming pace.
The 8-speed automatic gearbox is paired with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and there’s a 48V mild-hybrid system thrown in, presumably to keep your conscience from misbehaving. Audi claims 0–100 kmph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph, although neither figure is likely to matter if your children are arguing about the playlist again.
Adaptive air suspension is standard, so the ride quality remains convincingly cloud-like, though the clouds are quite German and mildly firm.
Still a Lot of SUV
As before, it seats seven, with the third row electrically foldable, which is helpful for those times when you remember your in-laws exist. It also comes with 4-zone climate control, a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, Park Assist Plus, a 360-degree camera, lane-departure warning, a powered tailgate, and wireless charging, which is the new cupholder.
If you were already planning to buy a Q7 and wanted one with all the nice features already fitted, this is it. Just don’t spill your latte during a 5.6-second sprint.
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