CKD Audi Q7 begins production in Pekan, launch set for next month

Audi Malaysia has taken a major step forward with the start of local production for the second-generation, second-facelift Audi Q7 at the DRB-Hicom plant in Pekan, Pahang. This milestone marks the first time an Audi vehicle is being assembled locally (CKD) in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, ahead of its official launch slated for next month.

Currently rolling off the line at a rate of three units per day (on a five-day work week), the new Audi Q7 has been open for bookings since April 10, with an estimated price tag of RM469,000 to RM489,000. This strategic move not only localises Audi’s premium SUV offering but also positions it competitively within the luxury SUV segment.

“This manufacturing plant and its transformation with a modernised and updated product portfolio is really a centre of excellence. Customers will continue to experience the same Audi quality, performance and luxury – now made in Malaysia,” said Dr Susanne Lehmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

The Pekan plant, which already assembles several Volkswagen models – including the Golf, Arteon, Tiguan Allspace, and the Audi Q7’s technical twin, the Touareg – now has the capacity to produce up to 5,000 vehicles annually. An initial investment exceeding RM12 million has been funneled into this expansion, setting the stage for more locally-assembled Audi models in the future.

The locally-assembled Audi Q7 arrives in a single variant – the 3.0 TFSI S line – and is priced to undercut its key German rivals. The BMW X5 xDrive50e starts at RM494,800, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 with a four-year warranty commands RM524,888. Unlike the BMW, both the Audi and Mercedes-Benz offer a seven-seat configuration, appealing to families seeking both luxury and practicality.

Under the hood, the Audi Q7 features a robust 3.0-litre turbocharged TFSI V6 engine, producing 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque – the latter 50 Nm more than its Volkswagen counterpart. The engine is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. Enhancing efficiency and performance is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that allows the Q7 to coast with the engine off for up to 40 seconds between 55 and 160 km/h.

Despite its size and weight, the Audi Q7 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, edging out the similarly powered Touareg thanks to the additional torque and hybrid assist.

Visually, this second facelift brings sharper styling with redesigned headlights featuring eyebrow-style DRLs, an octagonal Singleframe grille with open hexagonal mesh, and vertical air intakes. The rear sports customisable OLED taillights, giving owners a bit of flair when it comes to lighting design.

All Malaysian-spec units come equipped with HD Matrix LED headlights with laser high beams, the sporty S line exterior kit, and the Black Styling Package Plus. This adds black accents to key elements like the grille and mirrors, complemented by massive 22-inch Audi Sport V-spoke two-tone alloys.

Inside, the Audi Q7 takes cues from the sleeker Q8, showcasing a high-tech cabin adorned with gloss black and silver trims. The cockpit includes three screens: a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit (now with 3D detection of surrounding vehicles), a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with MIB 3, and an 8.6-inch climate control and vehicle function display.

The S line theme continues inside with quilted Valcona leather-upholstered power sports seats featuring memory, heating, ventilation, and powered lumbar adjustment. A flat-bottomed steering wheel further accentuates the sporty ambiance.

Standard features include a head-up display, soft-close doors, rear sunshades, Audi Connect navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, a premium 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, and a 360-degree camera with park assist. Performance and handling are further enhanced by sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering.

On the safety front, the Audi Q7 comes fully loaded with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, reverse AEB, rear cross traffic alert, door opening warning, and adaptive high beam.

While the Audi Q7 hits nearly every mark when it comes to performance, luxury, and features, there is one noticeable omission – a panoramic sunroof. For some, the dark-themed interior might start to feel a little confining over longer drives, especially in the absence of that open-air feel. Granted, the large windows do a good job of keeping the cabin airy and bright, preventing any real sense of claustrophobia. Still, having the option to slide open a sunroof – or simply let in more natural light – would’ve been a welcome addition, offering both flexibility and a greater sense of space.

With its aggressive pricing, rich feature set, and premium appeal, the locally-assembled Audi Q7 stands poised to shake up the luxury SUV market in Malaysia. More importantly, it signals Audi’s renewed commitment to the region, with the Pekan plant serving as a launchpad for further CKD models in the near future. If this is the first step in Audi Malaysia’s new direction, it’s certainly a strong one.