Audi India has just launched the petrol derivative of the flagship SUV- the Q7 in India at a price of Rs. 67.76 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry level variant. While Audi already has the Q7 diesel in its product line-up, the Q7 petrol will take on the petrol trims of its rivals like the- Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery and upcoming Range Rover Velar. While the Range Rover Velar is slated for an October launch, we do have the details to pit it against the newly launched Q7 petrol. Let's take a look at how these SUVs stack up against each other based on the specifications.
The petrol trim of the Q7 is similar to the diesel variant with similar design lines. The Q7 gets the single-frame grille and Matrix LED headlights at the front, and twin exhaust pipes at the back. Along with dynamic LED taillights at the rear, the Q7 is more toned and slightly lower than the previous generation. It is sharper and muscular in its design elements, and brings in fresher look to the largest Q range.
(Audi Q7 Petrol Edition)
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS shares its design elements with the S-Class. It gets a revised front with contoured headlamps, Multi-Beam lamps along with LED DRLs and a two-slat grille finished. The bumper is tweaked for larger air-intakes and gets a large chrome diffuser, giving it a more macho look. The side profile remains largely the same, whereas the rear gets revised LED tail lights, revised bumper and tail gate. It also comes with new set of alloy wheels and new exterior colour options.
(Mercedes-Benz GLS)
Land Rover recently gave the Discovery SUV an update which was showcased as a concept at the New York Auto Show. The design of the 2017 Land Rover Discovery continues with the traditional stepped roofline, with ample space inside for the passengers. The company has moved away from its boxy design for the 2017 Discovery, in line with its new design concept.
(Land Rover Discovery)
We've been talking about the Range Rover Velar for quite some time now; with the recent buzz going around that it will be launched this festive season. The new Velar has and upright, bold front and long bonnet. The grille is further emphasized by slender full-LED headlights which delivers a slim-line visual signature. The fast windscreen angle intersects powerfully with the front axle line and flows into the Range Rover floating roof design, which can be specified in either body colour or Narvik Black contrast finishes. Fixed and sliding panoramic roof options highlight the Velar's exceptional interior space by allowing natural light to flood in.
(Range Rover Velar)
On the inside, the Audi Q7 Petrol comes with multi-zone climate control, Audi MMi infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Audi Virtual Cockpit and much more. The Q7 is a 7-seater and has a huge cargo capacity. Safety on the Q7 includes eight airbags, ABS, ESC, Emergency Brake Assist and Hill Descent Control to name a few.
(Audi Q7 Petrol Edition)
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLS saw major changes on the inside with its last update. The updated SUV gets 8-inch free floating infotainment screen, updated three-spoke steering wheel that gets wrapped in Nappa leather, new instrument console and a touchpad unit placed between the two front seats. The Nappa leather is extended to the seats and door pads inside the cabin, increasing the luxury quotient on the new GLS.
(Mercedes-Benz GLS)
The 2017 Land Rover Discovery comes loaded with features like Intelligent Seat Fold technology, central touchscreen, InControl Touch Pro Services. Moreover, the SUV also gets InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, 14-speaker Meridian digital surround system, four 12V charging points and much more.
(Land Rover Discovery)
The Velar on the other hand, comes with a fully engaged new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that features two 10-inch high-definition touchscreen. The top end variant of the Velar gets full extended leather interior trim, Windsor leather seats in Light Oyster or Ebony, 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System, Matrix-Laser LED headlights and 22-inch split-spoke wheels with diamond-turned finish.
(Range Rover Velar)
| Specification | Audi Q7 | Mercedes-Benz GLS | Land Rover Discovery | Range Rover Velar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2-litre, four-cylinder, TFSI engine | 3-litre, 6-cylinder, V6 Petrol Engine | 3-litre, V6, supercharged petrol engine | 2-litre 4-cylinder Ingenium engine |
| Displacement | 1984 cc | 2996 cc | 2995 cc | 1999 cc |
| Max Power | 248 bhp | 333 bhp | 335 bhp | 177 bhp |
| Max Torque | 370Nm | 480 Nm | 450 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Gearbox | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | 9-Speed Automatic Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic Gearbox |
| Claimed Efficiency (ARAI) | 11.68 kmpl | 10.00 Kmpl | 9.20 Kmpl | NA |
| Price (Ex-Delhi) | Rs. 67.76 Lakh | Rs. 80.40 Lakh | Rs. 68.05 Lakh | NA |
In terms of power, the GLS and the Discovery get larger engines with more GLS kicking out more torque. However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, the newly launched Audi Q7 drives in front with its company claimed mileage of 11.68 kmpl.
In terms of the pricing, the Mercedes GLS is the most expensive, while the Q7 and Discovery SUV being the least expensive respectively. The Velar will be launched most likely by this December, but we expect it to be competitively priced.
