The Audi Q7 stands as one of the brand’s flagship SUVs, offering a combination of luxury, performance, and versatility. With three rows of seating, advanced technology, and a high-quality interior, the Q7 is designed to meet the needs of both families and those seeking adventure. Whether you’re driving through the city or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, the Q7 offers a sophisticated yet practical solution.
In this review, we’ll dive into the Audi Q7’s design, performance, interior features, and overall appeal, helping you understand why it remains one of Audi’s most sought-after vehicles in the luxury SUV segment.
1. Overview of the Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a midsize luxury SUV that offers three-row seating and a high level of refinement, making it a strong contender for families who need more space without sacrificing luxury. The Q7 is available in several trims, including Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige, and comes with a choice of two engines: a turbocharged V6 engine and a more powerful V6 hybrid option.
Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard on the Q7, ensuring excellent traction and stability across various terrains. Additionally, the Q7 is packed with Audi’s latest infotainment technologies, including the MMI Touch Response system and a suite of driver-assistance features. The Q7 is designed to provide an impressive combination of comfort, style, and driving performance.
2. Performance
The Audi Q7 offers impressive performance and handling, making it more than just a practical family vehicle. With multiple engine options and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system, the Q7 is capable of tackling both city streets and rougher off-road conditions.
Engine Options
The base engine in the Audi Q7 is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which produces 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for daily driving and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. It’s a refined engine that delivers a strong performance without compromising fuel efficiency, making it an excellent choice for families looking for power and efficiency in one package.
For those looking for more power and a more eco-friendly option, the Q7 is available in a plug-in hybrid version (Q7 55 TFSI e). This model combines the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With this setup, the Q7 plug-in hybrid offers a significant performance boost while also providing an electric-only driving range of up to 23 miles.
Driving Experience
The Audi Q7 offers a comfortable and composed ride, with precise handling that makes it feel agile for its size. The adaptive air suspension, which comes standard on higher trims, ensures a smooth ride by adjusting the suspension stiffness depending on the driving mode and road conditions. This system provides both comfort and performance, allowing the Q7 to handle rough terrain while still offering a plush ride on highways.
The Q7’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures that the vehicle maintains excellent traction, whether you’re driving on wet roads or tackling light off-road trails. The driving experience is refined and smooth, with a solid feel on the road that instills confidence, whether you’re navigating tight corners or cruising at highway speeds.
3. Interior and Comfort
The Audi Q7’s interior is a blend of luxury, versatility, and cutting-edge technology. With three rows of seating, the Q7 offers enough space to accommodate up to seven passengers, making it an ideal option for larger families or those who frequently travel with friends.
Seating and Space
The Q7 provides seating for up to seven passengers, with generous space in all three rows. The first and second rows are spacious, with ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers. The front seats are supportive and can be upgraded with heating, ventilation, and massage functions for added comfort.
The third-row seats are best suited for children or smaller adults, but they do provide enough space for short to medium-length trips. The second-row seats can slide and recline to allow for easier access to the third row, and they can also be folded flat to expand the cargo space when necessary.
Cargo Space
The Audi Q7 offers impressive cargo space for a three-row SUV. With all seats in use, the Q7 offers 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough for groceries or luggage for a weekend trip. When the third row is folded down, the cargo space expands to 37.5 cubic feet, providing plenty of room for larger items. If you fold both the second and third rows down, the Q7 provides up to 71.6 cubic feet of cargo space, making it suitable for larger gear and furniture.
The available power-folding rear seats make it easy to adjust the cargo space on the go, and the hands-free tailgate feature allows you to open the trunk with a simple gesture when your hands are full.
4. Technology and Infotainment
The Audi Q7 comes packed with a suite of advanced technology and infotainment features, ensuring that both driver and passengers stay connected, entertained, and informed during their travels.
MMI Touch Response System
At the heart of the Q7’s infotainment system is the MMI Touch Response system, which consists of two large touchscreens: a 10.1-inch upper display for navigation, media, and vehicle controls, and an 8.6-inch lower display for climate and vehicle settings. The system is intuitive and highly responsive, providing a modern and clean interface that reduces the need for physical buttons.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The Audi Q7 supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle’s infotainment system. With these features, you can access apps, make calls, send messages, and get directions without taking your hands off the wheel.
Audi Virtual Cockpit
The available Audi Virtual Cockpit is a 12.3-inch digital display that replaces the traditional analog instrument cluster. This customizable screen can show a range of information, including navigation, vehicle status, and media, all within the driver’s line of sight. The Virtual Cockpit provides a modern, high-tech touch that enhances the driving experience.
Driver Assistance Features
The Audi Q7 comes with a comprehensive suite of standard and available driver-assistance features, including:
- Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go functionality
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system
The Q7 also offers available features such as Traffic Jam Pilot, Park Assist, and Night Vision Assistant, adding even more convenience and safety.
5. Fuel Efficiency
Despite its size and powerful engine options, the Audi Q7 delivers respectable fuel efficiency for a luxury SUV. The standard 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The Q7 plug-in hybrid provides an electric-only range of up to 23 miles and an overall estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg combined.
These figures are competitive for a luxury SUV of the Q7’s size and performance capabilities, especially considering the available hybrid option, which helps to improve overall efficiency.
6. Competitors
The Audi Q7 competes in a crowded luxury SUV market, where there are plenty of strong contenders. Some of its main competitors include:
- BMW X7: A larger luxury SUV with a focus on performance, technology, and spaciousness.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE: A refined SUV with an elegant interior, advanced tech features, and powerful engine options.
- Volvo XC90: A stylish, eco-conscious SUV with three rows of seats and an emphasis on safety.
- Land Rover Range Rover: Known for its off-road capabilities and luxurious features, the Range Rover is a top contender in the luxury SUV market.
7. Conclusion
The Audi Q7 is a versatile and sophisticated luxury SUV that provides ample space, advanced technology, and exceptional performance. Whether you’re transporting a family, going on an adventure, or simply seeking a refined driving experience, the Q7 offers the best of both worlds.
With its premium features, powerful engine options, and a host of tech and safety features, the Audi Q7 stands out as one of the top choices in the luxury three-row SUV segment. If you’re looking for a family-friendly, high-performance luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 should be at the top of your list.
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