Over the years, Audi has established itself as a maker of fine automobiles. Like many other automakers that cannot help but dip into the SUV profit buffet, Audi blurs the line a bit with the introduction of the all-new Q7 sport-utility.
Not that there is anything wrong with blurring the lines.
While it has become an accepted practice for all manufacturers to offer an SUV, by entering into the 2007 market Audi finds itself as the last of the luxury automakers to be seated at the table. The Audi Allroad, a great Euro-looking wagon, has been the only thing close to an SUV in the German luxury nameplate's lineup. The Q7 takes little time to recognize as neither wagon nor crossover -- this is a true luxury SUV.
On the outside, my Q7 tester is big and bold. While it is based on parent-company Volkswagen's Touareg, it is more chiseled and bears little resemblance to that other popular German SUV. I've always liked the four-ring Audi logo, and it is prominently displayed as the centerpiece in the aggressive, two-tier front grille.
Premium luxury SUVs are all about size. Make no mistake, it matters a lot to these fickle buyers who pay for, and expect, exceptional quality and performance. The Audi Q7, while late to the SUV party, makes certain it matches up well with the competition in the class. With competitors like the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Mercedes GL-Class, the Q7 more than holds it own by delivering exceptional interior quality and comfort while falling slightly shorter on interior cargo space.
The Audi Q7 comes in two trim levels: Base at $49,900; and Premium at $59,900. Interior appointments range from rich woods or sleek, contemporary aluminum trim accents to extraordinarily comfortable leather seating throughout.
First row seats are plush with convenient reach to all areas of the dash with power everything at the touch of a finger. The second row seating offers heating and cooling functions. The third row is tight for adults, but once you wiggle into place you will find reasonable comfort there. Cargo capacity climbs with every interior seating change. Audi claims 28 different configurations.
The Q7 features Audi's exclusive Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that utilizes a 7-inch screen and centered knob with surrounding switches to control everything from audio and suspension settings to navigation and essential functional status updates. Like other systems created in the vein, it takes much more than a week to become proficient at utilizing it, but given time I sure the owner becomes one with the knob and rarely must take his eyes off the road to operate it.
Audi currently only offers one powertrain, a 4.2 liter V-8 (350 hp) that is paired with a responsive and smooth six-speed automatic transmission. A 3.6-liter V-6 (280 hp) engine will be available later in 2007.
At more than 5,000 pounds, Audi still claims the Q7 can achieve 0-to-60 mph in 7.0 seconds. Take my word for it - it's all that and maybe a little bit more. It certainly felt like it. Towing capacity is 5,500 lbs., an available upgrade can take it to 6,600 lbs.
You cannot have an Audi SUV without also indulging in Quattro, Audi's full-time all-wheel drive system, one of the best in the business. This should give the driver and passengers plenty of security on and off road as well as inclimate road conditions. Overall, for such a big SUV, I found my Q7 tester to be above average in handling.
Granted, all this luxury and size and curb weight has its price - not just the base $49,900 - but a thirst for Premium fuel. The EPA estimates 14 mpg city, 19 highway for the V-8 Q7.
When it comes to buying a luxury SUV, this new Audi has to be on the short list. While interior room might be a bit tighter than some competitors, Q7 more than makes up the ground with Quattro road manners, Audi signature styling and refined interior materials.
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