2015 Audi Q7 spotted testing

A series of spy shots of the 2015 Audi Q7 being tested in Europe have emerged. Though heavily camouflaged, some interesting styling changes to the vehicle are clearly visible. A beefier fender, shorter overhangs, a redesigned light cluster and more evidently, a larger front grille make up the cosmetic changes. 

The new Q7 will go up against the likes of Range Rover, Mercedes Benz GL-class along with its own sibling, the VW Touareg.

Taking a cue from Range Rover, Audi has put in some efforts to shave of a huge 350 kgs from the Q7. Engine options are most probably going to remain unchanged, along with a new hybrid version. Going hybrid for SUVs seems to be the trend nowadays. After the current Q5, the 2015 Q7 will be getting a 114bhp electric motor to assist its 3.0-litre diesel.

The Q7 is expected to use the Volkswagen group’s MLB platform, which stands for "Modular Longitudinal Matrix" in German. MLB is a system for introducing rationality across different platforms. Vehicles share engine orientation regardless of model, vehicle size or brand within the VW group. Other Volkswagen cars to use the same platform as the Q7 will be the Porsche Cayenne, the Lamborghini Urus and the future Volkswagen Touareg. 

The Q7 will probably be displayed at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show in March or the 2014 Paris Motor Show in September, with a likely 2015 release.

Source: Carscoops.com