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Product summary
Audi's first SUV inherits a lot of premium car characteristics and the Quattro all-wheel drive system, resulting in a tech-laden capable off-roader with no trucks in its ancestry.
Specifications: Body style: SUV; Trim levels: Q7; Available Engine: Gas, Hybrid See full specs
CNET editors' take
- 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.
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