A few years ago we saw many luxury car companies making their mark in the SUV market. This included models such as the Acura MDX, BMW X5 and surprisingly, the Porsche Cayenne. One company has made a late yet fashionable entrance into this segment. This would be Audi's all new Q7. They clenched onto the Allroad for quite a while, which didn't see too many garages. It wasn't really looked upon as an SUV. It did have the adjustable suspension yet looked more like a wagon with high ground clearance, such as the Volvo XC70 or Subaru Outback. It was still an attractive and powerful machine. Audi has pulled out all the stops with the Q7.
Engines available are a 3.6L 280hp V6 and an awesome 4.2L 350hp V8. All Q7s have Audi's 6 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission allowing you shift manually without a clutch pedal. Mileage is fair with 16/20 in the V6 and 14/19 in the V8. 0-60 time ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 seconds. Price tag of the Q7 is $40,620-$60,620. It is built in a newer facility with a team of 3,000 workers in Bratislava, Slovak Republic; part of the former Czechoslovakia. The Q7 has an available 3rd row seat which is optional in the V6 and standard in the V8. Don't expect to stretch your legs back there. It can hold 6 or 7 passengers adding the 3rd row. This depends on weather you have 2nd row captains chairs. With all back seats folded you find yourself with 72.5 cubic ft of cargo space.
Standard features include 18 inch wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, a power rear lift gate, automatic dual zone climate control, Audi's MMI (multi media interface), and a Bose audio system with an in dash six CD player. More standard comforts include leather upholstery, power front seats and memory function for the driver. The premium adds 19 inch wheels, a navigation system (displayed in the MMI), acoustic park assist (uses a rear view camera to show you how to do it), a large three-panel panorama sunroof, heated front and rear seats, second-row captains' chairs, an additional rear air conditioning unit and satellite radio. An optional "S line" package adds sport seats, unique front and rear fascias and 21 inch alloys wearing performance tires. Most of the premium features can also be ordered individually on the base Q7. Other standalone options include an air suspension system, 20 inch wheels and advanced adaptive cruise control, (radar assisted) with adaptive brake assist. With cruise control on the vehicle can slow down or stop completely due to traffic sensed in its path. Other luxuries consist of radio controls in the steering wheel, fog lights, an engine start and stop button on the center console and a tire pressure monitor. An adaptive air suspension is available controllable by the MMI which allows the driver to adjust the ride height through 5 levels. MMI refers to these levels as (starting with lowest) "dynamic, automatic, comfort, off road and lift." With the MMI you can also have an integrated phone to save numbers and talk hands free.
The Audi Q7 comes with an enormous host of safety features demonstrating a wide array of technology. These features consist of ESP (electronic stability program), ABS (anti lock brake system), Brake force distribution, and anti slip regulation. Of course Audi is most famous for Quattro all wheel drive. Quattro is a permanent system, and is always engaged. It has a 40/60 front to rear power split. If one or more wheels slip, power is transferred to the wheels with grip. This is very helpful in rain, snow or off road use. Power is shifted before the slipping wheel turns a quarter turn. Audi side assist warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spot using radar sensors and does not intervene with controlling the vehicle. Rollover sensors allow for automatic compensation and correction should the vehicle be in any danger of rotation for instance if a wheel slips off the edge of a road at high speed. Brake pressure is built up at all four wheels without any action on the driver's part ready to slow the vehicle sharply if necessary. Engine torque is already reduced for a short time. This stabilizes the vehicle and reduces the risk of rollover. Hill decent assist helps the Q7 down steep slopes with uneven grades. Quattro and rollover sensors would also work with this system. It will prevent the vehicle from sliding and losing traction in steep descents. Airbags include not only front and side driver and front passenger supplemental restraints, but inflatable curtain airbags extending from the front to the third row seat positions as well.
The Q7 styling is a pleasing sight. The front appearance has a strong and stable stance. Smooth lines all around, with a coupe like roof line. I feel it's worth every dollar because it's attractive, safe, and well equipped. I have seen a Q5 which will be smaller and cheaper. The Q5 will be similar to the BMW X3. I know the Q7 is a great competitor and I wish Audi was a stronger seller. The US has a very competitive automotive market. Audi has seen most of its success in Europe, and that is where you will always see the broadest line of Audi models. Unfortunately for the common, non automotive enthusiast, when luxury comes to mind as does BMW and Mercedes. Just as the older crowd are believers in Cadillac. You would think people might want to try something different other than the next 3-series. I know Audi is trying to get people to see the rings. I don't know if more and more models will do it. My first car was an old Audi and I have adored Audis ever since. I hope my generation will open their minds to the wide variety of cars on the market in the future. Audi is a company that always thinks ahead of the rest.
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Engines available are a 3.6L 280hp V6 and an awesome 4.2L 350hp V8. All Q7s have Audi's 6 speed Tiptronic automatic transmission allowing you shift manually without a clutch pedal. Mileage is fair with 16/20 in the V6 and 14/19 in the V8. 0-60 time ranges from 7.5 to 8.5 seconds. Price tag of the Q7 is $40,620-$60,620. It is built in a newer facility with a team of 3,000 workers in Bratislava, Slovak Republic; part of the former Czechoslovakia. The Q7 has an available 3rd row seat which is optional in the V6 and standard in the V8. Don't expect to stretch your legs back there. It can hold 6 or 7 passengers adding the 3rd row. This depends on weather you have 2nd row captains chairs. With all back seats folded you find yourself with 72.5 cubic ft of cargo space.
The Audi Q7 comes with an enormous host of safety features demonstrating a wide array of technology. These features consist of ESP (electronic stability program), ABS (anti lock brake system), Brake force distribution, and anti slip regulation. Of course Audi is most famous for Quattro all wheel drive. Quattro is a permanent system, and is always engaged. It has a 40/60 front to rear power split. If one or more wheels slip, power is transferred to the wheels with grip. This is very helpful in rain, snow or off road use. Power is shifted before the slipping wheel turns a quarter turn. Audi side assist warns the driver of vehicles in the blind spot using radar sensors and does not intervene with controlling the vehicle. Rollover sensors allow for automatic compensation and correction should the vehicle be in any danger of rotation for instance if a wheel slips off the edge of a road at high speed. Brake pressure is built up at all four wheels without any action on the driver's part ready to slow the vehicle sharply if necessary. Engine torque is already reduced for a short time. This stabilizes the vehicle and reduces the risk of rollover. Hill decent assist helps the Q7 down steep slopes with uneven grades. Quattro and rollover sensors would also work with this system. It will prevent the vehicle from sliding and losing traction in steep descents. Airbags include not only front and side driver and front passenger supplemental restraints, but inflatable curtain airbags extending from the front to the third row seat positions as well.
