The Audi Q7 was the first SUV by the company back in 2006 and it has been popular ride ever since. The stylish SUV combined luxury and utility in a handsome package that has been at the top of the heap.
Redesigned a few years ago, this big Audi still looks fresh and modern with handsome styling. The Q7 with the Prestige package that adds Matrix-design LED headlights that give it a distinctive look. Large 20-inch, 5-spoke turbine design wheels also add some pizazz to the Q7, even in the more conservative Samurai Gray paint color.
Researching which engine you’ll choose in the Q7 can be important for the drive. The standard four-cylinder engine will please some with better fuel economy and adequate power.
The Q7 55TFSI I drove with a powerful turbo V6 makes family hauling duties easy and effortless, but fuel economy suffers. The Quattro all-wheel drive system gives you confidence in all weather and road conditions. For a three row SUV, the Q7 handles very well and it seems to become smaller on back roads and is a smooth operator on the highway or the daily commute thanks to the adaptive air suspension.
The Q7 is blessed with loads of tech, including the integrated toll module (no more leaving EZ-pass in other car) and adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance that keeps a safe distance and the SUV centered in the lane.
Jump inside and the Q7 ups its luxury game to 10 with the optional Prestige and Luxury package. The hits are the contour front seats with heat/ventilation and massage. They will provide hours of comfort. The Okapi brown interior is a nice change from the usual black and gray interiors of most luxury rides. This Q7 looks very inviting with the extended leather on the dash, armrest and the center console. The Lava Brown eucalyptus wood inlays and Alcantara headliner compete a top-notch looking and feeling interior. The first two rows are roomy and comfortable. However, the third row is tight and better for children.
The Bang & Olufsen premium sound system is an audiophile’s delight with very good sound quality at all volume levels. There is a learning curve with the MMI infotainment.
Cost: $62,500; as tested $80,890
MPG: 18 MPG City; 23 MPG Highway. I managed 19.1 MPG in 182 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $10,800 prestige package; $595 Samurai metallic paint; $5,800 luxury package; $1,195 destination charge
Safety: parking system plus with park assist; head-up display with sign recognition; intersection assist; adaptive cruise assist with traffic jam assist; Audi active lane assist; Audi side assist with pre sense rear; Audi pre sense city low speed collision assist; top view camera system; rear cross-traffic warning
Things to know: The Audi Q7 has been a stalwart in the mid-size luxury SUV class by combining a top-notch interior and a pleasing-to-drive vehicle with loads of technology.
Pros:
- Performance from a turbocharged V6 makes for a fun family ride
- High-quality interior with a very upscale look and feel with the Luxury Package
- Safety and technology are packed in the Q7
Cons:
- High price tag for the Q7 when you add on the options
- Less space in the third row than some of the competition
- MMI infotainment system has a bit of learning curve
