Comfortable companion for long-distance travel.

Introduction

The Audi Q7 is a big SUV that's big on refinement, comfort and features. Its luxurious cabin is fitted with seven seats. There's a choice of gasoline or diesel power, and all models come with all-wheel drive. We found the Q7 a paragon of driving elegance and interior refinement. 

The Q7 is derived from the same platform as the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, but there are substantial differences. The Audi is a foot longer and has a longer wheelbase. The extra length allows room for three rows of seats for seven passengers, while the other two offer only two rows of seats for five passengers. When compared with the Porsche and Volkswagen, we've noticed the Audi rides more smoothly and is more stable at high speed, though the Q7 is less agile in terms of handling and less maneuverable when parking due to its longer length. 

The 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T comes with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 280 horsepower, an increase over the 2011 model. The Q7 S line model has 333 horsepower. 

The Q7 3.0 TDI comes with 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine rated at 225 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. The diesel's impressive torque gives it a performance advantage over the gas engines when taking off from intersections or accelerating up steep hills, and it's the logical choice for those planning on towing. The diesel is also the easiest on fuel, though the diesel engine adds about $5,000 to the price. 

New for the 2012 Q7 is an S line Plus package with black trim around the grille and windows and massive 21-inch Titanium alloy wheels with 295/35R21 summer tires. Also new, the 2012 Q7 integrates Audi Connect into the navigation system, enabling Google Earth and Google Local Search as well as providing a rolling Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to eight passenger devices. Launched as a 2007 model, the Q7 was freshened for 2010, and benefitted from new engines and an 8-speed automatic for 2011. 

Audi Q7 competes with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and Volvo XC90. The smaller Lexus GX470 and the more comparable Lexus LX570 are more expensive. 

Lineup

The 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium ($46,250) comes with leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, 280-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6, 12-way power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, sliding 40/20/40 split-folding reclining second-row seats, 50/50-split folding third-row seat, wood interior trim, MMI and color screen, 180-watt AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo with 11 speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, trip computer, compass and outside temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, rear park sensors, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, power tailgate, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors with reverse tilt, remote keyless entry, alarm/engine immobilizer system, cooled glovebox, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers with heated nozzles, cargo cover, dealer-programmable headlights, front and rear fog lights, roof rails, and 255/55R18 tires on alloy wheels. 

The Q7 3.0 TDI Premium ($51,450) comes with the turbodiesel engine and is similarly equipped except for 19-inch wheels and slightly wider tires. 

Options for both models include MMI navigation ($2,850) and a panorama sunroof ($1,850). (All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices, which do not include destination charge and may change at any time without notice.)

Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus ($52,550) and Q7 3.0 TDI Premium Plus ($57,750) add navigation, front and rear park assist with rearview camera, bi-Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, auto-dimming power-folding mirrors, panorama sunroof, and Bose surround sound HD radio. Options include the warm weather package ($1,300), 20-inch wheels ($1,600), and a sunroof delete option. 

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Prestige ($63,950) adds power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, Advance key, adaptive headlights, blind-spot warning, ventilated front seats, and a Warm Weather package with four-zone climate control, rear window shades, deep-tint panorama roof. Prestige comes with unique 20-inch alloy wheels and 275/45R20 all-season tires. 

Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige S line ($59,950) features a 333-hp version of the supercharged V6. It comes with S line body trim, 20-inch S line wheels with 275/45R20 all-season tires, headlight washers, and the same features and conveniences as the 3.0 TDI Prestige. 

3.0 TDI Prestige and 3.0T Prestige S line are available with additional S line equipment. The S line Interior Package for the TSFI Prestige S line ($1,500) replaces wood inlays with aluminum and adds a unique shifter, three-spoke steering wheel, and black headliner. A similar package for the TDI Prestige ($2,000) includes the same interior items plus S line exterior body trim and headlight washers. The S line Plus Package ($1,200), for both models, blacks out the window frames, roof rails, and grille surround; and spins 295/35 summer tires on 21-inch five-segment titanium wheels. 

Options include a towing package with 6,600-pound tow rating ($550), a cold weather package of heated rear seats and steering wheel ($500), rear side airbags ($350), and others too numerous to list here. 

Safety features on all Q7 models include front seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters, dual front air bags, front side seat-mounted air bags, and side-curtain air bags that span all three rows of seats. Active safety features include anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and brake assist, hill descent control, traction control, electronic stability control with rollover sensing, and quattro all-wheel drive. A tire-pressure monitor is standard. Rear-seat side torso air bags are optional, as is a blind spot warning system. 

Walkaround

The Audi Q7 looks like an Audi SUV, with lots of curved surfaces, distinctive lights and a big face. Stretching 200 inches long, the Q7 is bigger than it looks. 

The Q7 grille is Audi's ubiquitous single-frame piece, bisected by a broad band for license plate mounting, and flanked by multiple horizontal layers of grilles and lights to soften the sheer bulk. High-line models are distinguished by LED daytime running lights and turn signals that stand out more, and the contrast-color lower panels of the base gas models give way to painted panels on the S Line gas and all TDI versions. 

Crisp side-view styling with arched fenders and a roofline like a French curve visually reduce the size of the Q7. The substantial exterior mirrors and housings are among the largest on a vehicle in this class, handy for seeing out back, especially when towing, not so good for seeing around. Two stylish, full-length metal rails on the roof provide anchor points for accessory crossbars for securing cargo on the roof. Gas and diesel models use different wheel styles, and if we're cleaning we prefer the simpler spokes of the gas model. 

The Q7's rear view is dominated by high-mounted horizontal taillights with LED illumination and fiber-optic/LED turn signals. The cut line for the tailgate sweeps outward around the taillights to become a styling element of its own. The large hatch is powered. 

Cold weather features include pull-type door handles that are easy to use with gloves, heated windshield washer nozzles, available headlight washers, and wide-sweeping windshield wipers that, when not in use, rest on an area heated by the interior vents in order to prevent freezing. 

Interior

The Audi Q7 cabin was designed for flexibility. The Q7 offers numerous passenger and cargo arrangements with separately folding sections in both second and third row seats. Styling and ambiance will be familiar to Audi owners, efficient without being staid and attractive, not flashy. Leather upholstery and wood trim are both standard, while aluminum inlays are available. 

The Q7 seats seven with the standard third-row seat. (The five-passenger version was dropped when the smaller Q5 arrived.) All the rear seats fold flat to expand the cargo area, up to 72 cubic feet behind the driver. 

The front bucket seats are superb with power adjustment in most directions. The driver's seat is comfortable and most drivers should find the driving position nearly perfect. Leather covers the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, which features redundant audio controls, and hard plastics are found only where appropriate for scuff resistance and easier cleaning. Getting in and out is easy thanks to large doors and a reasonably low floor. 

The second-row 40/20/40 split rear bench seat allows cargo and passenger flexibility. This bench seat allows second-row passengers to slide rearward up to four inches for extra legroom or forward to keep an infant seat within easier reach, and the second-row seatbacks recline up to 10 degrees for more relaxed comfort. 

Third-row seats are for kids or smaller adults, with head and legroom notable less than even the second row seats, a condition common in many seven-seat crossovers. For tall third-row passengers consider the Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition, or any passenger midi-van. 

Gauges are clear and bright with an information display between the speedometer and tachometer which cycles through several menus via buttons on the steering wheel. Redundant navigation messages are also communicated through this display, even when the dashboard screen displays something else, a useful feature. The stalk-mounted cruise controls and the switches for the wipers and lights have a supple, expensive feel. 

Stereo choices for the Q7 include a 180-watt AM/FM/CD unit with eleven speakers, a 270-watt, seven-channel 14-speaker Bose upgrade and a 1001-watt Bang & Olufsen system with 14-channel amplification and speakers. SiriusXM satellite radio and iPod integration are standard. The Bose upgrade is a good one and does an admirable job filling the cabin, while the B&O system is as sonically stunning as the aluminum speaker grilles and stand-up tweeters. While most of the audio adjustment functions are incorporated into MMI (see below), the controls used most often, such as the volume and seek functions, are adjusted with clearly labeled buttons and knobs mounted sensibly and attractively on the center console, just in front of the armrest, and doubled on the steering wheel. The system also responds to voice commands. 

The Multi-Media Interface (MMI) that handles many functions is on its third generation. It delivers an impactful 3-D navigation map display, thanks to a powerful NVIDIA automotive graphics-processing chip. The system also delivers real-time SiriusXM traffic reporting. It's only as accurate as the satellite feed, however, because we found ourselves sitting still on an Interstate highlighted in light-traffic green. The system includes voice-activated destination-input control. Voice inputs such as, 'I'm hungry, I need gas and I need coffee,' will automatically direct the driver to the nearest location where the driver's needs can be satisfied. Designed to reduce the amount of buttons on the dashboard while adding even more features, the downside of this MMI is that it adds layers of complexity, requiring time and practice, and patience, to operate smoothly. The system features a central control dial and some 15 buttons to control the climate, audio, phone, and navigation systems, as well as relevant vehicle system information. The controls are situated on the horizontal surface behind the shift knob. In addition to the added complexity, using the MMI often requires a longer look away from the road. Similar systems on Chrysler and GM vehicles are easier to use, while similar systems on BMWs are not. 

For 2012, MMI navigation includes Audi Connect, enabling Google Earth and Google Voice Local Search as well providing as a rolling Wi-Fi Hotspot for up to eight passenger devices. According to Audi, the integration of Google Earth into the navigation system improves visual orientation with a camera-zoom feature that allows closer views of surroundings or destinations. Added to the high-resolution of Google Earth imagery is an overlay of street mapping data provided through Audi MMI Navigation. Google Voice Local Search is said to make voice commands more intuitive. Destination searches can now be accomplished by voice command, by using the Audi MMI touchpad interface, or by using the system dial. Real-time weather, current fuel prices, and streaming news feeds are included, the latter visible only when the car is stopped. The integrated Wi-Fi capability permits passengers to connect to work or other networks, very handy for downloading email or accessing the Internet. 

The Rearview Camera and Parking System incorporates a camera in the liftgate to provide a view behind the vehicle when backing up. The image is clearly projected on the screen, with parking guide lines showing the path the vehicle would take given the steering wheel angle at the time. As the wheel turns, the guide lines change accordingly. We found this to be an extremely useful feature. It's especially valuable when backing up to a trailer, allowing the driver to position the receiver ball directly below the trailer hitch. It's also a great safety feature, whether backing out of the driveway or out of a space in a crowded shopping center parking lot, because it can help the driver spot people or objects difficult to see otherwise. It makes parallel parking easier and more efficient, helping the driver to back within an inch of the vehicle behind. 

Dual-zone automatic climate controls are nothing new for this segment, but Audi made an effort to provide ventilation while reducing draftiness when the vehicle is being heated or cooled rapidly. Hence, the Q7 has an abundance of generously sized vents, including a diffused air vent at the base of the windshield in the front, as well as vents in both the door pillar and the rear of the center console for second-row occupants. Four-zone climate control is optional, featuring two zones in front and two zones for the second-row passengers, included with the warm weather package. 

Cubby storage space is barely adequate. The glove box is tiny, but features a handy air duct that draws in air from the climate control system to help prevent melting lip balm on hot days. Additional storage is found under the armrest and in pockets in the doors. The Q7 is available with up to six 12-volt power points, including one in the tailgate, as well as 10 cup holders, including molded bottle holders in each door. 

Cargo space is on par with other luxury SUVs with three rows of seats. There isn't much space behind the third row, so hauling anything but groceries will likely require that at least one half of the 50/50 split third-row seat be folded away. But, thanks to the sliding second-row seats and flat-folding seat stowing, the Q7 makes the most of its 72.5 cubic feet of available space. Those in need of more cargo space must consider midi-vans or packing lighter. 

Loading cargo into the Q7 is facilitated by a wraparound tailgate that reveals a very wide opening. Particularly clever is the load assist feature of the optional air suspension that lowers the rear of the vehicle approximately three inches at the touch of a button in the cargo area, handy when loading dogs, groceries or heavy cargo. Numerous tie-down hooks and floor tracks are designed to fit accessory cargo securing devices available at Audi dealerships. 

Open Sky is a full-length, three-panel panoramic glass moonroof that brightens the interior significantly. About 5.5 feet in length, the system consists of three tinted glass panels spanning all seating areas. The front section slides back over the fixed second section for full exposure for front seat occupants; another glass panel over the third-row seat and cargo area tilts up for added ventilation. A power retractable sunshade helps keep heat down on hot days. 

Driving Impression

On the road, the Q7 behaves like an Audi, albeit a big, heavy one. The fully independent suspension delivers a comfortable ride and controlled handling. Road imperfections are managed without becoming annoying jolts or booming sounds in the cabin. Even at high speeds, interior noise level is low enough for conversation to be held without raising one's voice. Perhaps not as cushy as a Lexus RX nor as stiff as the BMW X5 or Infiniti FX, the Q7's ride hits the sweet spot many luxury SUV shoppers desire. 

Q7 3.0T Premium models get a 3.0-liter supercharged V6, which produces 280 horsepower at 4920 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 2250. The V6 is a smooth runner that doesn't need hard revving. Aided by the 8-speed automatic it can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, while rating an EPA-estimated 16/22 mpg City/Highway. Premium fuel is required. 

The Q7 3.0T S line Prestige model uses a higher-boost-pressure version for 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph sprint drops to 6.9 seconds, while EPA fuel economy rating remains the same. But if you use the extra 53 hp in a heavier car, you will use more gas

The diesel-powered 3.0-liter V6 TDI delivers ample power, providing seamless and nearly soundless thrust. The real story here is the TDI's massive 406 pound-feet of torque at just 1750 rpm and EPA ratings of 17/25 mpg. With this diesel engine's flexible power, immediate sturdy acceleration is always on tap no matter how fast the engine is turning. It is less than one second slower 0 to 60 mph than the base gas model, but feels at least equal in daily driving. 

This characteristic makes the TDI an unusually reassuring and stress-free driver, and that is despite Q7 TDI's very considerable heft of more than 5,500 pounds. Under strong acceleration, the diesel makes a throaty growl, yet in neutral-throttle cruising, only the most discerning ear will hear anything different. And furnished with the optional Towing Package, capable of hauling 6,600 pounds, the torque-heavy diesel will be happy in its work. The TDI produces about 25 percent less carbon dioxide than a comparable gasoline engine and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 90 percent when compared to past diesels. And, with its efficient filters, the exhaust is often cleaner than the smoggy ambient air that went into the engine (look in the tailpipe, it won't be black). The TDI should last longer than a comparable gasoline engine, which should pay dividends in resale value and long-term ownership value. 

The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly it's almost imperceptible except during full-throttle acceleration. The Sport mode provides faster shifts and automatically holds gears a bit longer for more responsive performance. If the driver wants to shift manually, the Tiptronic manual shift feature is selected by moving the shift lever to the right, then tapping it up or down as desired. The multi-information display in the instrument cluster clearly displays the selected gear. 

Quattro all-wheel drive works full time and requires no driver input. Normally, power is delivered to the front and rear wheels in a 42/58 percent split to create a rear-wheel-drive bias for confident dry-weather handling. When driving conditions become such that traction becomes compromised, the torque split is automatically adjusted between the parameters of 65/35 to 15/85 percent, front-to-rear. 

Electronic stability control, or ESC, manages wheel slip by applying the brake at the slipping wheel. The system helps maintain stability in corners by lightly applying the brakes to individual wheels when the vehicle's path doesn't match the driver's intentions. The Q7's electronic stability control system is enhanced with an off-road mode that can be switched on to allow some slip for smooth power delivery on gravel or sandy surfaces. For steep, slippery grades, hill descent control automatically maintains (as long as the tires have traction) a 12-mph speed by applying the brakes to individual wheels without driver input, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering. 

Towing capacity starts at 5500 pounds for all models but rises to 6600 pounds with the optional towing package. The adaptive air suspension features a trailer mode that helps manage the unique physics of towing. The air suspension is self-leveling, so when towing you're not blinding other drivers with your low beams. The Q7 also has a Tow mode for the electronic stability control calibrated to counteract swaying motions that can become dangerous when pulling a trailer. 

The Q7's power steering is speed-sensitive, reducing the amount of assistance at higher speeds to deliver more road feel. Steering isn't as heavy as that in the BMW X5, for example, but nor is it as light as that of the GMC Yukon. On-center feel is outstanding, with steering inputs met by quick response, and it's just 2.7 turns of the steering wheel from lock to lock. 

Handling is superb for a vehicle of this size. The Q7 is only two inches shorter than a Cadillac Escalade and actually has a longer wheelbase. Nonetheless, it feels much smaller, reacting readily to quick changes of direction. It cuts a decent U-turn, tighter than some five-seat compact crossovers. Only in close-quarter handling such as small or parallel parking spots and narrow drive-throughs does the Q7's size become evident. 

The Adaptive Air Suspension uses electronically controlled, air-filled bags in place of traditional steel springs and allows the driver to select one of three firmness settings, as well as raise the vehicle to a ground clearance of 9.4 inches for deep snow or off-road driving. The Comfort setting allows the suspension to absorb more road impacts for a relatively smooth ride at all situations. The Automatic mode offers compliance during straight-line travel, but stiffens up during cornering for tauter handling. The Dynamic mode lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches to a ground clearance of 6.5 inches, which lowers the center of gravity and enhances aerodynamics. Generally, we found the Q7's ride to be acceptable though firm, even in the softest Comfort setting. That's typical of a German sedan. We preferred the Automatic setting during normal driving because Automatic offered the best ride and handling balance. The Dynamic setting was noticeably stiffer; rewarding during enthusiastic driving, but hard enough that we switched back to Automatic or Comfort for around-town motoring. 

We also drove the Premium Plus model with 20-inch wheels and without the air suspension. In a tough test on pockmarked Chicago roads the Q7 proved to be firm but never harsh. It ironed out the small stuff well and significantly limited the harshness of sharp bumps and potholes. The base suspension is a good choice if you won't tow anything near its limit with your Q7 or don't need the height adjustments. Big 21-inch wheels with fat, sticky tires are available with the S Line and offer maximum grip, but ride quality will suffer somewhat, chains may not be usable, and the tires are expensive to replace. 

A Q7 is mildly capable off the highway. With short overhangs, decent vertical wheel travel and electronic traction technology, Audi says it can ford up to 20 inches of water and can climb a 31-degree slope. That said we would limit off-road adventures to sand dunes, gravel or muddy roads or desert by-ways. If you adventure into more severe terrain, a Land Rover LR2, Dodge Durango, Lexus LX or Infiniti QX would be more appropriate. 

The brakes feature four-wheel discs, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, and Brake Assist, all of which can help the driver maintain control after slamming on the binders. We found the Q7's brakes terrific: They were responsive, with a firm yet communicative pedal. There was no hint of brake fade whatsoever on our spirited drives. 

Adaptive Cruise Control goes a step further than conventional cruise control systems by using radar to maintain a constant distance between the Q7 and the vehicle ahead, accelerating and braking as necessary. The Q7's system is unusual in its ability to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and then accelerate again all the way up to 90 miles per hour without any driver input. The Q7 driver can specify how aggressively the system will operate, from sporty to leisurely. Many similar systems from other automakers will not stop the car completely. 

Side Assist employs a radar sensor mounted in the rear bumper to monitor the presence of vehicles occupying or entering the Q7's blind spots. The presence of a vehicle traveling alongside the Q7 within the 16.5-foot range of the sensor will prompt subtle amber LEDs to illuminate in the corresponding outside mirror housing. If a turn signal is switched on, indicating a pending lane change, the LEDs become brighter and start to flash. The system is active at speeds above 35 mph and can be deactivated. We found this system works well, helping alert us to cars in our blind spots while driving on L.A.'s I-405, one of the nation's busiest freeways. The system can be turned off when not desired. 

Summary

The Audi Q7 delivers luxury, comfort, safety, and capability. It offers significant towing and flexible capability and mild off-road performance. It seats seven and offers a high seating position that commands an excellent view of the road ahead. The Q7 is richly infused with Audi's luxurious style and habitually high-grade interior materials and design. 

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondents Ted West, Kirk Bell, Mitch McCullough, G.R. Whale, and John Katz contributed to this report. 

Model Lineup

Audi Q7 3.0T Premium ($46,250); 3.0T Premium Plus ($52,550); 3.0T S Line Prestige ($59,950); 3.0 TDI Premium ($51,450); 3.0 TDI Premium Plus ($57,750); 3.0 TDI Prestige ($63,950). 

Assembled In

Bratislava, Slovakia. 

Options As Tested

MMI navigation ($2,850); towing package ($550).