Sporting new styling, a more spacious interior, additional tech features and new engines, the Audi Q7 is completely redesigned for 2017. A large crossover, the three-row Q7 seats up to seven passengers and competes with vehicles like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Land Rover Discovery, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Volvo XC90.
Three trim levels are offered, Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. Premium models get either a turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out 252 horsepower or a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that develops 333 horsepower. Prestige comes only with the V6. Both engines mate to an eight-speed automatic and come standard with all-wheel drive. Towing capacity with the four is 4400 pounds and V6 models can tow up to 7700 pounds.
Safety features include front- and rear-parking sensors, rear-view camera, forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-departure warning. On the tech side, the Prestige brings an 8.3-inch central display with 19-speaker audio system. Options include massaging seats, power door closers, night-vision camera and adaptive air suspension. Additionally, there's a 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio package. Prices start at $49,000 with a destination charge of $950.
The big news on the power front is the all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. While it's true that the same engine is offered in significantly smaller sedans and coupes within the Audi lineup, in the Q7 the turbo four is tuned to provide additional torque giving the Q7 a 0 to 60 mph time just under eight seconds. Far from the quickest in the class, but certainly no slouch. Load up the Q7 though, and acceleration is blunted, which makes the optional 3.0-liter V6 a much better choice for most. With the buttery smooth V6, the 0 to 60 mph time drops to less than six seconds and there's lots of reserve power for passing or hauling around the family.
The automatic transmission is fairly smooth and mates well to the V6. It's less happy with the four and suffers from some shift-shock in acceleration. Audi's standard all-wheel-drive system requires no input from the driver and instantly directs power to the wheels with the most traction on slippery surfaces. It does not have a low range and is not intended for severe off-road use.
EPA estimates for the supercharged V6 are 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. That's about average for the class. Four-cylinder models fare only slightly better with ratings of 20/25 mpg. Routine suburban commuters should expect to see about 22 mpg overall with the V6 and perhaps 25 mpg on the highway. If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, expect to see fuel economy slip to about 19 mpg. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
Dynamically the Q7 is extremely well balanced, offering a good compromise between ride comfort and handling prowess. The suspension has a firm and buttoned-down feel while still softening minor impacts to reduce harshness and head toss. Steering and brakes seem to be pulled straight out of a sports sedan with communicative feel and instant feedback. Interior noise levels are hushed at all but ultra-illegal speeds. Overall, the new A7 is one of the most refined, yet athletic, large crossovers.
Audi crafted a fresh interior for the 2017 Q7 that's familiar but also unique. Materials are beyond reproach for the price point and assembly quality is top notch. The dashboard design is very clean with only a few buttons and knobs for climate controls. The center display screen is mounted far forward and controlled by a control pad/toggle on the center console. Operation isn't as intuitive as touch-screen designs and requires a trip or two through the owner's manual. Audi's integration of a completely digital instrument cluster is simply best in class -- by a wide margin.
Front seats are very firm and stiffly bolstered. Leg room is great but those taller than 6-foot might want a bit more head room. A slightly raised ride height gives a good view forward, but narrow rear windows create a few blind spots to the rear. Thankfully blind-spot and cross-traffic alert systems are available. Step in is modest and the door openings are wide. Second-row passengers must make due on firm and flat seats that aren't the most comfortable. At least there's good head and leg room. While adults fit in the third-row seats, they are best left to the kiddies.
At just 71.6 cubic feet overall, cargo space falls short of most competitors. In addition, there are only 14.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, meaning anything more than a few bags requires folding a seat. Interior storage could be better. Map pockets and glove box are large, but the center console offers only a few storage options while some others in the class have lots of center console storage.
Audi's new Q7 puts and emphasis on driving, both comfort and athleticism. The interior is a sight to behold and the available Bang & Olufsen audio system offers unsurpassed sound quality. The addition of the turbocharged four helps bring down the base price, but the supercharged V6 is a smoother and wiser choice for most. The full-size luxury crossover class is crowded with more than a few fine vehicles, the Q7 stands out for a near-perfect blend of technology, luxury, comfort and driving panache.
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