Entered CNET Catalog: 09/16/2005
SKU: CNET_AudiQ7
Manufacturer: Audi
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/25/2006
Audi considers the Q7 to be a third-generation performance-luxury SUV, with truck-based models making up the first generation and car-based crossovers the second. Contrary to expectations, it is not merely a stretched version of the Volkswagen Touareg. Parts commonality is 15 percent, mostly in suspension pieces. The Q7 is longer and considerably more spacious inside, with standard seating for seven in three rows. Power for all initial examples comes from the latest version of Audi's 4.2-liter V-8, with a model featuring a new 3.6-liter V-6 to debut later in the year. They will also use the latest version of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
The Q7's unibody structure is made from high- and ultra-high-strength steel, with aluminum panels for its fenders, hood, and tailgate. An optional air suspension with adjustable ride height improves both on-road comfort and off-road clearance and ability. The ESP electronic stabilization system has an off-road mode that allows more slip at low speeds, common on loose surfaces such as dirt or snow.
Audi Side Assist uses intelligent radar technology to monitor the Q7's rear-quarter blind spots and alerts the driver by lighting LEDs in the appropriate outside rearview mirror if a potentially unseen vehicle is detected. The rearview camera and parking system overlay the rearview image with colored lines that show the Q7's path, allowing the driver to detect potential obstacles. It also shows the rear bumper and tow hitch so that it's easier to attach a trailer.
A new radar-based adaptive cruise-control system is available. It operates at speeds from 0 to 90mph and automatically brings the Q7 to a near stop in traffic. Integrated with the main vehicle network, it communicates with the engine, transmission, and braking computers.
A DVD and GPS navigation system and Sirius satellite radio are also on the options list. Later in the model year, Audi will offer a rear-seat DVD entertainment system that features removable DVD player units that dock to the front headrests.
Pricing is $49,900 for the base Audi Q7 and $59,900 for the Premium model; the latter comes with an upgraded interior and features that are optional on the base model.
Upside: The Q7's interior ambience and vehicle dynamics are pure Audi; you won't find a truck anywhere in its genealogy. All examples at the press launch were equipped with air suspension, the panorama sunroof, Side Assist, and the rearview system.
Its interior design is based on the Audi A6's, with first-rate seat comfort for the front two rows and more space than expected for the third. Access is relatively painless. The panorama roof is positioned to give all occupants--even those in front--a great view of the sky.
As in other Audis, the MMI control system is the interface to nearly every vehicle function. Its LCD screen serves multiple needs for both the navigation system and the backup system. It is bright and well protected from glare, and the directional overlay lines for the rearview are a major help when backing into tight spaces.
Side Assist is an interesting feature and one that is a very good idea in a large vehicle, even though the Q7 has smaller blind spots than some other SUVs we've driven. Since the warning LEDs are in the outside mirrors, the driver must at least look toward the mirrors.
On the road, the Audi Q7 feels like what it is: a thoroughly modern luxury-sport crossover. Despite 8.1 inches of static ground clearance, it takes corners like an Audi should. Large wheels shod with low-profile tires are lighter than high-profile truck tires, for less unsprung weight and better suspension control than in a typical SUV.
On a section of steep dirt road, the Audi Q7 did commendably well, with no loss of traction even in axle-deep mud. The air suspension can be raised for up to 9.5 inches of clearance. It also automatically lowers the vehicle at speed on the highway, for improved handling and aerodynamics.
With 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque from the 4.2-liter direct-injection V-8, power was never a problem. Acceleration to 60mph is around 7 seconds, not bad at all for a 5,500-pound vehicle. Towing capacity is 5,500 pounds in standard trim or 6,600 pounds with the towing package.
Downside: A heavy vehicle plus a V-8 engine does not bode well for fuel economy, which is typical for a large SUV with EPA ratings of 14mpg (city) and 19mpg (highway). We saw 14mpg in a mixture of highway, secondary road, and dirt road driving.
Outlook: There are two markets for the 2007 Audi Q7. One is existing Audi owners who want an SUV. They'll be an easy sell, as the Q7 is undoubtedly exactly what's first on their wish list. The other--and potentially larger--market is conquest sales: people who want to upgrade from a Ford Explorer or a Chevy Tahoe and who may be considering many other vehicles. There are enough strong points to the Audi Q7 for it to be attractive to enough of those people for success, but industry trends and high fuel prices could pose problems for Audi.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6out of 6 user reviews
Uncompromising...
Pros: Mesmeric, alluring, commanding, and statuesque
Cons: As if there could possibly be any...
I had been looking into the Q7 for 3 months, which is the longest I had ever researched a vehicle prior to purchasing. On the list was the Range Rover Sport, another FX, the QX, and the new G35.
I had driven all of them, and was set on the G35, because of its new design...
After all this mumbo jumbo about all these other vehicles, I am lost for words with the Q7. I bought the 3.6 Premium (just enough for me)and it has EVERYTHING you need (and want). The side assist, bumping Bose, 4 zone climate control, heated seats, NAV, adaptive lighting, rear camera... blah blah blah - you have to see it and drive it. But NUMBER on the must haves is the SUNROOF. It goes all the way from the front to the back. This makes the Q so alluring, statuesque, and divine... The ride is so beautiful; I have never felt more powerful and safe and hott at the same time. The Q is so mesmeric, I almost got hit 6 times in 15 minutes while driving down Peachtree St..
The rest goes unsaid...
The Acura, BMW, Lexus, VW, Porsche... have nothing on the Q! I feel like, if you buy an Audi, especially this one, it's because you really desire something different. Anyone can buy a BMW or Lexus..
out of 6 user reviews
Must drive it to understand!
Pros: Drives like a dream...extremely comfortable.
Cons: Pricey...option packages can add up...
The Q7 is every bit as nice as a loaded A6 and it drives just as easily. The turning radius simply blew me away and the backup camera features are unbelievable.
This is as comfortable as any luxury car I've been in and the 4.2 V8 is exceptional. Bottom line is simple, drive it and I'd be shocked if you didn't open your wallet. The only downer is the extensive option list can make that check a bit bigger than expected.
Nevertheless, if you're in the market for a luxury SUV, do not buy until you've taken this one out on the road.
out of 6 user reviews
2007 Audi Q7
Pros: Finish/Fit/Intuitive
Cons: Fuel Mileage/Looks/Handling
2007 Audi Q7 Quattro
Premium trim, 4.6L V8, 350BHP
MPG 14/19
As tested: $62,000 USD
Ok, so my first impression went two ways, the front end is very striking with an appealing look, not too aggressive, but not too bland. The rear looks something like a Chrysler Pacifica after a year of bench pressing; looks a lot like a mini-van to me and is exactly what my wife said. As to the overall look, I personally find it rather bland. I wish Audi would be a little less conservative; the Q7 is based on the Pike's Peak concept, something that I was VERY excited about.
Once inside the vehicle I was very impressed by the instrumentation, fit, feel, finish, and the intuitive nature of all the systems.
This model had an in-dash 6 CD-Changer, DVD Nav System, voice activated everything, full leather, a wonderful "panoramic" sunroof that went almost to the rear hatch, integrated sunshades in the rear doors, third-row seating, and individual climate control for the front and rear passengers.
I liked the way I could drive and adjust the systems such as the stereo or a/c without taking my eyes off of the road. Getting into and out of any door was easy, though the floor of the vehicle is rather high; I also liked the power feature of the rear hatch. Cargo space is very good; lots of room for gear, getting rid of the useless third row seating would add extra space. The rep said 3rd row came on all vehicles but the literature says that you can get just the two front rows.
Things I did not like, a lack of storage space in the front console, and space for only one drink holder, though there are drink holders inside the deep door pockets they really are not accessible while driving. The third row of seating must be a joke of some sort, perhaps you could fit very small children in the two seats back there, but anything else would require the limberness of a contortionist, and getting into them requires practically crawling over the 2nd row seating, forget about leg room. I'm also disappointed that Audi did not offer an MP3 compatible CD player when VW has been doing so for some time, though there is an "interface" for an I-Pod (so said the rep) and there is no standard DVD entertainment package offered; the Bose system is also a bit boomy but sounded very nice overall. I'm also surprised that you can't drop the rear seats from the cargo area as a convenience.
As for power, drivetrain, and suspension...
Power in the top of the line V8 was very nice, but you could tell this was a heavy vehicle (5,000 plus pounds), and acceleration was as would be expected in such a heavy car. Handling was what I would describe as wallowy, very poor overall, a lot of lean in corners and rather bouncy. This model did not have the adaptive air suspension and I would expect much better handling with the better suspension. The transmission has Tiptronic, but I'm not sure if it's a DSG or not. I thought the tranny was a bit jerky when transitioning gears in automatic mode, a lot like a roller coaster when it's pulling you up to the top of the ride when you first start out. My wife's VW Passat is similar and I don't really like it. Towing is rated at about 6,000 pounds, which is nice.
There are a lot of other nice features like the ability to lower the ride height with the adaptive suspension for loading (not sure if this works while driving), rear backup camera with path guidance, etc.
Overall the ride was nice, good for a soccer Mom, not suited for a sports car enthusiast, and yes I know that this is not a sports car; but a lot of Audi's advertising seems to imply that it is.
Fuel mileage also is very poor for what I thought Audi was capable of, it's rated at 14/19, but during my time I was getting 12.7 MPG and I was not driving hard. A V6, a diesel, and a hybrid are in the works, but the dealership seemed to have no idea when if ever the diesel or hybrid would be available.
I would buy this car for my wife if she wanted it, but it's not the kind of car for a Dad who likes sporty cars but needs something more family friendly. My feeling is that my Infinity FX35 V6 AWD would trounce the Q7 in road testing.
I know that this is not a sports car and I know that I am evaluating the handling and power as if it were, but that's what I was looking for, so no need to jump on me about that.
Similar cars that might be better suited for more passengers and provide everything the Audi does: 2007 Land Rover, GMC Denali XL; I would buy one of these over the Audi if I had no choice.
Things I would look for before I would buy a Q7:
Improved appearance, perhaps an S version with some body and suspension work.
Improved center console for storage and two drink holders (yes, I know Europeans hate drink holders, but we're Americans and live in our cars a bit differently).
Stereo system that plays MP3 CD's.
A standard option DVD entertainment system.
Improved fuel mileage, I'd like to see a 35MPG or 40MPG diesel hybrid.
Overall, a very nice vehicle that Audi should be proud of and will most likely work very hard at improving over the next couple of years. I'm not sure how well it will be received though when it seems like there are many more vehicles with more to offer in the same or lower price range.
4.2L V8, not 4.6L V8
out of 6 user reviews
Reliability Issues
Pros: Huge, Luzurious, Car-ish, Technologically gifted
Cons: Gas Mileage, Audi's very poor reliability record
out of 6 user reviews
It is absolutly appealing and beautiful!!!
Pros: It is amazingly constructed!!!
Cons: There are no cons to it!!
out of 6 user reviews
Audi forgot- "Never Follow"
Pros: technologically excellent, audi craftsmanship
Cons: SUV, run-of-the-mill exterior
