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3.0 stars
"2007 Audi Q7"
Pros: Finish/Fit/Intuitive
Cons: Fuel Mileage/Looks/Handling
Summary: I drove the Q7 over the weekend since I've been very excited about it's release and was looking at it as my next car. Since I had a few thoughts I thought I would share as an "official" DOG test-drive review.
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.Updated
4.2L V8, not 4.6L V8
