Audi loads 2016 Q7 with all the tech (pictures)

Audi updates its Q7 SUV for the 2016 model year, completely re-engineering and redesigning it from top to bottom.

The new look loses the curvy elements of the outgoing model in favor of stronger lines.

This TDI model comes with a 3-liter V-6 diesel engine that Audi predicts will get an average fuel economy over 40 mpg. Audi will also offer the Q7 with a 3-liter gasoline engine and as a plug-in hybrid.

The new Q7 comes in just a little shorter and narrower than the outgoing model, but Audi managed to create more interior space. The Q7 also comes in more than 700 pounds lighter.

Quattro all-wheel-drive comes standard on the Q7.

A fixed multilink suspension comes standard on the front and rear wheels, but an air suspension is also available.

Third-row seating is available in the Q7, or it can be had as a five-seater.

Rear-seat passengers enjoy plenty of head room.

One of the major changes to the Q7 comes in the cabin tech, which gains a new version of the Virtual Cockpit introduced on the Audi TT.

An LCD panel in front of the driver shows virtual gauges.

The instrument cluster can also show the navigation system's maps, overlaid with virtual gauges.

Unlike the Audi TT, the Q7 retains a rectangular LCD in the center dashboard.

This demonstration module from CES 2015 shows how the Q7 will support Apple CarPlay. It also supports Android Auto.

Audi created a new Android tablet system to serve as rear-seat entertainment, and much more.

These Android tablets connect to the car through Wi-Fi, sharing infotainment functions such as navigation.

Audi created a custom app for the Android tablets, although users can still bring up the standard Android desktop.

The Android tablets let rear-seat passengers choose music that plays through the car's audio system.