The Q7 was Audi’s first full-size luxury SUV offering to the world and that market has grown to be something quite substantial today. The 2017 Audi Q7 is a befittingly substantial SUV, weighing a hefty 5,103 pounds and riding on a 117.9-inch wheelbase.
Audi is downright handsome on the outside. It has a strong character line flow that starts at the headlights and moves gently in a crescent motion over the front wheels, disappearing into the aluminum doors. Don’t get upset, the rest of the body is steel. From the doors it rushes toward the taillights.
All this outside character strength doesn’t keep the inside from providing soft comforts while looking good with quality content.
Wood paneling and leather seats in friendly tones and colors are additional comforts adding to an already relaxing atmosphere. However, I would like to have an additional couple of inches added to the front seats.
The 12.3-inch TFT screen makes its bold presence known resting on top of the dash, right in the center. The big screen allows you to confidently identify your needs and dispatch your commands quickly. The zoomable map has great potential, but sometimes street names are omitted or just not registered on the screen. One prominent thoroughfare was not listed at all.
Mastering the large touchpad was challenging, while the radio volume knob seemed to be hiding from me each time I reached for it.
The middle row is configured 35/30/35 split with a full-size seat in the middle, providing 3 passengers with equally superb backseat room and comfort. Seats lay down for easy access to the third row. But the third row is for kids only; long legs need not apply.
The new 2017 Audi Q7 is nearly 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor, so the 3.0 L supercharged 24-valve DOHC V6 engine with 8-speed auto transmission is able to produce 0-60 mph sprint time of 6.7 seconds with 333 horses and 325 lb-ft of torque. Tiptronic gear select and “Quattro” AWD are standard on all trims.
The EPA fuel economy is 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. My week of driving netted me just a little better than the 19 mpg average.
The Q7 rides very well. The “virtual cockpit” digital dashboard was well lit and fairly easy to use. There is adequate cabin storage, but little or no open space for easy to reach items like car keys, phones, or sunglasses.
The 2017 Audi Q7 boasts a comprehensive set of advanced driver assist features. The system uses radars and sensors to see potential dangers and takes precaution measures. Frontal collision warning with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitor, are standard, as expected in the class of luxury SUV. Beyond those, you can also option the Q7 with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Vehicle Exit Assist, Night Vision Assist, Attention Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Traffic Sign Recognition.
There is a high mounted camera that keeps you apprised of the traffic, but also helps you to stay in the proper lane.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $54,800 for the Premium, $58,800 for the Premium Plus, and $63,400 for the Prestige.
The big luxury SUV segment is growing. I think this new Audi Q7 will stand up to the competition!
Warranty
4-year/50,000-mile Basic Limited Warranty
12-year/Unlimited mile Corrosion Perforation Warranty
4-year/Unlimited mile Road Side Assistance
Durhl Caussey writes a car column read around the world. He may be reached at this paper or dcaussey@sbcglobal.net
