Audi Q7 clocking up millions of pre-release kilometres

“We are carrying out customer simulation tests on these systems throughout North America, for function, ease of use and quality of reception.”

Driver selection is particularly important in simulating the customer as closely as possible.

“Average” American drivers are the order of the day. These test drivers must complete questionnaires and be prepared to have their driving profiles logged on board the vehicles, and data streams from measuring devices recorded. These data are later evaluated against the broadest possible criteria.

Across the USA from east to west, Audi Q7 models are continuously being put through this sort of testing in order to ensure that they also function perfectly in customer hands, be it in scorching heat, freezing cold, choking dust and equally choking traffic.

In parallel with the development process, the USA is also host to regular sign-off drives, on which the Board of Directors and top management of AUDI AG put the vehicles through a comprehensive check-up. On one occasion this actually included taking the Q7 through its paces on the 4,300 metre high Pikes Peak. It was this very mountain that inspired the name of the Audi concept car, which signalled the start of the Q7 at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show.