Audi’s flagship Q7 SUV has marked the start of its local production, becoming the first 7-seater luxury Mild Hybrid Eclectic Vehicle (MHEV) to feature local assembly in both Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region. It will also be the first Audi model to be produced at Pekan, Pahang’s Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) assembly plant, which is the only Audi production facility of its kind within Southeast Asia. It already assembles Volkswagen models for the Malaysian market in cooperation with DRB-Hicom as its Contract Manufacturing Partner, operating to global standards as a well-established plant.
Dr Susanne Lehmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) said, “This manufacturing plant and its transformation with a modernized 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. Today marks more than just the launch of a car. It is a symbol of vision, partnership, innovation and progress.” The highest standards of quality, sustainability and smart manufacturing are embodied in VGM’s world-class German production infrastructure.
Other Audi models can also be expected to be produced at the Pekan plant in due time, up to 5,000 units per annum. More than RM12 million has been initially invested as a commitment towards realising this vision while reinforcing the brand’s premium luxury segment presence in our nation. This is also in alignment with the government’s aspiration to position Malaysia as a high-technology, high-value manufacturing hub under the National Automotive Policy.
This local production initiative was undertaken in response to the strongly growing demand for luxury vehicles in Malaysia, driven by increased urbanisation, higher disposable incomes, and a shift in customer desires towards premium mobility solutions.
Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of PHS Automotive Malaysia said, “By assembling some of our top-of-the-line vehicles here, we can offer customers more competitive pricing and shorter delivery times. With growing demand for D-segment SUVs, we believe that this is the right time to add the Q7 to our range of Audi models to serve customers here and in the region. The signature Q7 will lead the way for more line-ups in the premium luxury segment.”
As for the car itself, the flagship Q7 SUV boasts a strikingly athletic exterior form defined by bold character lines, along with the S line trim package that enhances it both outside and in. Featuring highly distinctive front and rear bumpers plus side skirting, this package emphasises the Q7’s sporty visual character. The Black Styling Package Plus is also included as standard, adding to the Q7’s strikingly athletic aesthetic with the black accented Audi Singleframe mask and Q7 model badge, together with anthracite grey front and rear Audi rings. 22-inch 5-spoked Audi Sports star wheels and a roof edge spoiler further accentuate the luxury SUV’s imposing demeanour.
A 3 liter TFSI V6 petrol engine produces vital output stats of 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque, with an integrated 48V MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) system improving its operating efficiency. With power going to all four wheels via an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and Audi’s intelligent quattro system, the Q7 reaches 100 km/h from rest in just 5.6 seconds on the way to its 250 km/h maximum speed. The Adaptive Air Suspension Sport optimises handling and comfort by adjusting damping and ride height levels according to the driver’s chosen Audi Drive Select mode: up to seven are on offer for the best performance over varied terrain surface conditions.
Moving inside, the Audi Q7’s interior balances luxury with practicality, featuring 7 seats across 3 rows. Premier S line interior touches include Sports Seats Plus trimmed in Valcona leather with embossed S badging, and a leather flat-bottomed steering wheel. The third seating row accommodates 2 passengers, and can be accessed conveniently by moving the second row with adjustable backrest angles & positions forward.
Bookings are now open for the locally assembled Audi Q7, with prices ranging from RM 469,000 to RM 489,000, positioning it precisely between the Q5 and Q8 SUVs. Customers will be able to select between four exterior paint finishes, with Mythos Black, Waitomo Blue and Glacier White comprising the metallic options, while Daytona Grey features a pearl effect for an even more distinguished visual character.
