2007 Audi Q7 Review

One might think that there couldn't possibly be more new SUVs. But the early 2007 Q7 is Audi's first SUV and enters the crowded market for upscale sport-utilities.

The Q7 arguably could qualify as a premium crossover vehicle because of its almost carlike maneuverability and handling, but it has definite SUV-style fuel economy: an estimated 14 mpg in the city and 19 on highways. At least it has a big 26.4-gallon gasoline tank to cut down on the number of fuel stops.

Volkswagen is the parent company of Audi, so the Q7 is basically a longer, more luxurious version of Volkswagen's five-passenger Touareg SUV, with bits and pieces from Audi's A6 and A8 sedans.

The Q7 also is related to the Porsche Cayenne SUV, which was developed with the Touareg. (Volkswagen and Porsche long have had a close working relationship, and Porsche recently bought a big chunk of Volkswagen.)

However, the Q7 has its own sleekly styled body with a rakish profile, fronted by a large version of Audi's controversial "horseshoe" grille. SUVs of all types, not to mention larger crossover vehicles, have become a familiar sight, but the Q7 drew second looks and led some folks in parking lots to ask who made it.

The Q7 body causes this 200.2-inch-long SUV to look longer than it is. Still, it's one of the longest premium mid-size SUVs and reminded me of a Chrysler Pacifica, which is nearly as long. However, the Touareg and Cayenne are about a foot shorter.

The Q7 is fairly easy to park and maneuver in traffic -- and should fit in many garages.

The Audi seats six or seven, depending on if the second-row seating is a bench or two buckets, but the third-row-seat area calls for athletic moves to reach and is best suited to kids or to adults no more than 5 feet, 3 inches tall.

Cargo space is modest with the rear seatbacks in an upright position, but the seatbacks fold flat, along with second-row seats, to form a large cargo area. The third-row seat also folds into the floor.

The cargo opening is large and wide, but rather high. A power aluminum tailgate is standard and handy if your arms are filled with any sort of cargo.

The Q7 is very heavy at 5,269 pounds, but a potent 4.2-liter V-8 with 350 horsepower makes this SUV quite fast (0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds). A lower-cost 280-horsepower V-6 version will be offered in September.

The V-8 works with a six-speed automatic transmission, but my test car's power delivery occasionally was a bit jerky.

Steering is precise and handling is quite good for an SUV that stands 68.4 inches tall. (A full-size Audi A8 L sedan is 57.3 inches high.) Handling is helped by the all-wheel drive, traction control and an advanced anti-skid system with rollover sensors.

The ride is especially smooth with the $2,600 adaptive air suspension with which my test Q7 was equipped. This suspension helps eliminate body sway, automatically lowers the body up to 1.4 inches at highway speeds for less wind drag, lowers the suspension to facilitate loading, and boosts ground clearance.

The ride reportedly isn't as good with the standard coil spring suspension, although the Q7's fairly long 118.2-inch wheelbase should make it reasonably supple.

The brakes stop the Q7 quickly and surely, with good pedal feel, but a driver will feel this SUVs weight during quick stops.

Adding to the weight is Audi's accomplished all-wheel drive, which has no low-range gearing for off-road driving because the Q7 is meant to be used as a luxurious on-road SUV. It's certainly less edgy than the sportier BMW X5 and Cayenne.

As might be suspected, the Q7 carries a "luxury" price -- $49,900 for the base model and $59,900 for the Premium version. (The V-6 version will cost about $10,000 less than the base model.) However, the regular version is loaded with comfort, convenience and safety equipment, while the Premium adds second-row "captain's chairs," a rear obstacle detection system, four-zone automatic climate controls, power sunroof, navigation system, rearview TV camera and heated front/second-row seats, besides keyless access and starting.

Standard safety items include front side air bags and curtain side air bags that cover all seating rows. Rear side air bags are optional.

Despite all the standard equipment, there are lots of desirable -- but costly -- options for the base version, such as an $1,850 power panorama sunroof and $1,800 navigation system. (Many are standard on the Premium version.)

The standard Q7 has 18-inch wheels, while the Premium has 19-inchers. Optional are giant 20-inch wheels, which cost $1,600 for the base version and $800 for the Premium model. While putting more rubber on the road, the 20-inchers don't contribute to ride quality.

It's fairly easy to get in and out, and few automakers make their interiors as sumptuous as Audi does -- although thick windshield posts can block visibility. Front seats are large and supportive, and gauges are easily read. A big armrest with hefty cupholders folds down in the middle of the second-row seat if it's in the bench version.

The driver's power window controls are too far forward on the door, causing rear windows to be opened when a driver wishes to activate the front ones. Controls for the premium sound system should be simpler, although climate controls are fairly easy to use. There are many covered and open storage areas.

The Q7 is a worthy addition to the premium mid-size SUV field, but it would have made a bigger splash if introduced a few years ago. 

2007 AUDI Q7 

PRICE: $49,900-$59,900

LIKES: Fast. Roomy. Good handling. Posh. Standard all-wheel drive.

DISLIKES: Occasional jerky power delivery. Tight third-row seat. Mediocre fuel economy.