Flagship Audi Q7 Vorsprung and Black Edition trims revealed

Audi has released detail of new Vorsprung and Black Edition models of the the Audi Q7 SUV.

The existing Audi Q7 models are not short on equipment but the high-spec Vorsprung model has a Range Rover-rivalling kit list and starts at £77,905. It will join the range at the same time that Audi’s popular Black Edition trim reaches Audi’s largest car, with prices starting from £64,405.

Black Edition models will only be available with the 268bhp 3.0-litre TDI diesel engine and will sit just above the existing S line grade. Most noticeable are the 21-inch alloy wheels and a black styling pack that sees chrome swapped for black parts on the grille, exterior trim and bumpers. The interior gets a similar makeover, with black inlays in place of the usual silver items. Upholstery is upgraded to Valcona leather.

A full-length panoramic sunroof is standard, while ambient lighting illuminates the interior in customisable colours when driving at night. The driver gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel and Audi’s 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument display, while a reversing camera should make it easier to park.

The Q7 Black Edition also sees the introduction of adaptive air suspension with a sport setting for the first time in the range. Its ride height is 15mm lower and sensors continually adjust the suspension to adapt to the road conditions, corners and off-road driving.

Harking back to Audi’s slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik”, meaning ‘progress through technology’, the Vorsprung trim includes all of the above. The wheels are even bigger at 22-inches in diameter and there are running boards beneath the doors to make getting in and out of the SUV easier.

Inside, front occupants are treated to ‘super sports seats’ with diamond-pattern stitching and Valcona leather, along with a memory function for the adjustment settings. Leather also extends to the door trims, armrests, centre console and even the underside of the instrument panel, for added opulence. The roof liner has been upgraded to soft-touch Alcantara and there’s heated seats for those in the second row as well as the front.

As you’d expect from a Audi in Vorsprung trim, the level of technology is given a boost too and includes keyless entry, a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones and a head-up display for the driver. There’s also a Bose surround sound stereo system for “cinematic sound quality”.

Matrix LED headlights are standard and adapt for the conditions and other traffic automatically. The Q7 Vorsprung has enough driver assistance features to give it level 2 autonomy, thanks to its adaptive cruise control, active lane assist and traffic jam assist, which effectively allow the Q7 to drive itself below 37mph.

Finally, the addition of a system that can park the huge Q7 itself and provide a 360-degree camera view, with blind spot warnings, is sure to prove worthwhile in any car park.

Audi Q7 Black Edition and Vorsprung prices and on-sale date

The Audi Q7 Black Edition and Vorsprung are both available to order now, with the Black Edition 3.0-litre TDI costing from £64,405 and the Vorsprung starting at £77,905. The powerful Audi SQ7 TDI Vorsprung is £88,295.