Peter Lyon
February 19, 2025
The Q7 is heading this way. At a press conference today, Denyu Bostandzhiev, managing director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VCPM) and PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM), confirmed that the new Audi Q7 will be introduced into Malaysia in May.
Made at the company’s production facility in Pekan, Pahang, it will debut as a locally assembled (CKD) model in Malaysia, making it the first Audi to be CKD in both Malaysia and Southeast Asia (SEA).
Last updated in 2024, the Q7 is currently undergoing its second makeover of its second generation model, which includes LED headlights and a new exterior design boasting crisp, clean body lines.
With the exception of the touchscreen infotainment system, which has been updated with the most recent MIB 3 “modular infotainment toolkit,” not much has changed inside. This also holds true for the digital instrument cluster, sometimes known as the “virtual cockpit display,” which features additional safety-related images and messages like traffic light information, distance warning, and lane change warning.
Depending on the variant, standard features include 19 inches to 22 inches wheels, rear-wheel steering, and more safety features on top of that. Actual equipment for the Malaysian-spec car though will have to wait until launch.
The Q7 Comes With Three Engine Choices
There are three distinct engine options available for the Audi Q7 worldwide. These include a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 that produces 340 horsepower and 500 Nm for the 55 TFSI quattro variant, a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 that generates 507 horsepower and 700 Nm for the top-of-the-line SQ7, and two diesels that use a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 that pumps out 231 horsepower and 500 Nm for the 45 TDI quattro, while the 50 TDI Quattro develops 286 horsepower and 600 Nm.
With the exception of the SQ7, all Q7 models have a 48V mild hybrid system that allows them to travel between 55 and 160 km/h for 40 seconds without using their engines. Four permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox in all Q7 models.
Since the engine is also shared with the Volkswagen Touareg, which has the same chassis as the Audi Q7, we’ll probably only receive the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine in the 55 TFSI quattro version.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Apart from the goodwill that a locally assembled car can create, local production will also help to keep prices down and make this Audi more competitive. For the record, the Volkswagen Touareg is also locally assembled. To put things in perspective, the Touareg costs RM399,990, which includes the Volkswagen Assurance Package (VAP). Given its brand stance between the two sister companies, expect the Audi to be more.
