Shopping for a great luxury SUV is easier than ever.
But don't think of the Audi Q7 as just another name in a crowded field of qualified contenders. There are plenty of details and options that really allow this upscale vehicle to stand out from the pack.
We'll go through all the reasons so many drivers recommend this SUV for those looking to cruise in style. It gives you and your passengers a comfortable ride and lots of performance when it counts. Before we get into all the pros and cons of this model, let's take a look at the company behind it.
A Little About the Audi Q7
Audi has long been known for providing luxury rides and advanced German tuned performance. That legacy lives on in the latest version of the Audi Q7. Since sport utility vehicle's are all the rage, it makes sense that they've gotten much more refined. And we'll give you all the details in the review below.
Background About the Brand
You might think of Audi as Volkswagen's posh automotive sibling. And it's true, you can see the family resemblance. But the brand itself has a storied past all its own that spans three centuries.
Back in 1899, an aspiring auto maker August Horch was working with an eponymous car company. Since Horch was already trademarked, he had to find a new name when he ventured off for his own company. He decided on its Latin translation -- Audi -- and established a legendary car brand. By the end of World War I, the company had already attained worldwide recognition. Its founder once again left the car company named after him. But he continued working as an industry expert in Germany.
Who The Audi Q7 is Great For
If you're looking for a big automobile to tote the family and all your stuff, you might be considering an SUV. And if you also want to ride in exceptional luxury and style, you're probably looking at luxury brands. So why would you consider the Audi Q7? For starters, it's got all the comfort you could ask for. The interior is opulently appointed with features that make even long rides a breeze.
Then there is the practical application. There is lots of space in this full size SUV. It's more than just a sleek design and smooth ride. This thing really performs, even if you actually decide to take it off road. But for cruising down the road, even with a big load behind you, it behaves just like a luxury Audi should.
Best Uses for The Audi Q7
There's lots to love about this SUV. First of all, there's everything that you can appreciate about almost any large vehicle. There's room for lots of people and stuff in there. Then there are the benefits of buying a luxury brand like an Audi. You get the plush ride of a fine sedan with the functionality of a big SUV.
So there's basically no limit to the uses for a new Audi Q7. Aside from a few minor complaints, most drivers have great things to say about its overall performance. But you'll have to decide for yourself if it has everything you need. And we'll give you some thorough reviews to help you figure out your next move. But for a wide variety of drivers, the Audi Q7 provides everything they need -- and more.
Features & Benefits of the Audi Q7
As you'll see, there is plenty to recommend about this luxury SUV. And since different drivers are looking for different things, it's important to break down all the features. Take a look at some of the high points below and see where they fall on your priority list. And we'll also throw in a few of the potential negatives of owning this vehicle.
1. Safety
There are tons of features in the latest Audi Q7 that should make you feel safe on the road. From basic structural rigidity and strength to the latest high tech gadgets, it's built to protect occupants. It's clear from testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that Audi has succeeded.
For starters, the 2019 Audi Q7 got a perfect five stars in the administration's overall testing. Crash testing also gave the SUV five stars in its side impact test. And finally, tests for front end crashes and rollovers earned this vehicle four stars each. Looking for some of the newfangled electronic accessories meant to increase safety? Well, buckle up -- the Audi Q7 has got a slew of options.
Standard equipment includes a rear view camera that will help you park and sense possible hazards. You also get the Pre Sense alert system that automatically applies the brakes to prevent a front end collision. There are several innovative options you can add to your purchase, too. Choose from clever features like lane departure warnings, lane assistance, automatic parking and adaptive cruise control. Your Audi Q7 can also come with night vision assistance that includes pedestrian detection technology. There's a lot more on the list, but if you can dream it there's probably an option available.
2. Performance
There was a time not too long ago when the SUV was seen as a utilitarian off roader. And at their root, these autos are by and large still geared toward performance. But they are a lot more domesticated -- especially when you get into the luxury segment. That doesn't mean that the Q7 won't get you through traffic in a hurry.
For starters, a four cylinder engine is available on entry models. But with nearly 250 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque, it's no slouch. Still, if you want real performance you'll want to upgrade to the optional V6. This 3.0 liter beast produces 329 horses and 325 pound feet of torque. Either way you go, you'll have a smooth eight speed automatic transmission to flow through the gears.
All of that power won't drain your gas tank as much as you might think, either. Whether you choose the turbocharged four cylinder or the bigger V6, you can expect the same economy. Look for about 19 miles per gallon in city driving and a respectable 25 miles per gallon on the highway.
3. Versatility
There's a lot you can haul in an Audi Q7. For starters, it can hold seven occupants with three rows of seating. Of course, those rear seats can get a bit cramped on larger occupants. But they also fold down easily for much more cargo area than you might imagine. It's also really easy to attach child safety seats to any of the rear seats.
With nearly 15 cubic feet of space behind the rear row, there's some room to start with. But all of the rear seats can be easily folded to produce a whopping 71.6 cubic feet. We can't say that's a class leading number. In fact, some of its rivals offer more space with the seats down. But it's more than enough for almost any typical hauling the average Audi Q7 owner might need to do.
And you can access all of that space easily. Standard equipment also includes a power lift gate in the back. Those riding up front will find lots of comfort features. Options include seats the move in 18 ways and both heat and cool for maximum relaxation. And the second row of seats provides plenty of space for adults and kids of almost any size.
4. Comfort
You really can't have a proper luxury vehicle without a smooth ride and supreme comfort. And the Audi Q7 provides both in spades. You'll get plush leather seating and interior touches standard. Plus, the wood trim is made of ultra high quality materials and you can tell it's not just decorative plastic. Want to upgrade to more opulence? Choose the package that covers almost everything you touch wrapped in Nappa leather.
And then there are the creature comforts. You'll get tons of high tech options including built in Bluetooth, multiple USB inputs and satellite radio. Easily hook up your Apple or Android smartphone via the included integration system. But we haven't even gotten to the 8.3 inch screen to review all of your important information. It also helps you control the entertainment system directly through the program.
Once you figure out the process of navigating through the menus, you'll find the system logical. And whatever you choose to listen to, you'll get full, rich sound. A standard system includes 19 Bose speakers throughout the SUV. And you can upgrade even further to a 23-speaker sound system from Bang & Olufsen.
What Motorists Have to Say About the Audi Q7
Whether you're in it for the style, comfort or power, this SUV probably has you covered. But no vehicle can check off all the boxes for every shopper. So we've taken a close look at the pros and cons being discussed by those who have actually bough the Audi Q7. Here are the most common reviews we found.
PROS:
CONS:
Still not quite sold on the Audi Q7? Don't worry. There are several other solid contenders in the same general class of automobiles. Keep reading for three vehicles we think give this one a run for its money.
Alternative Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles to Consider
The luxury SUV market is more saturated than ever. That might mean you'll have to do some more research before picking just the right one. But it also means there are more great options than ever before. Below, we have selected three that we believe are worth consideration alongside the Audi Q7.
Looking for a sporty option that's also better for the environment. Porsche has a newly redesigned Cayenne with hybrid technology. This sport utility vehicle is high on performance, as you'd expect from the maker. But it might surprise you just how fast this hybrid engine is able to launch you down the road.
And it will do it in style and comfort unlike almost any other SUV on the market. The interior offers lots of room to transport people and stuff. It's got less cargo space than some of its competitors. But it's got a heck of a lot more than your typical Porsche. And high tech touches give it some great features you'll love to use. Like the Audi Q7, it's got a fairly high starting price. If style and power are the driving forces behind your choice, though, it deserves a closer look.
You probably know Range Rover as among the most capable off roading luxury SUV. And with its latest Velar model, it keeps up that tradition. But it also continues the brand's commitment to a luxurious and posh riding experience. In the driver's seat you'll have access to plenty of power and some cool high tech features.
Everything in the interior is crafted from the finest materials. The nice, solid feel to everything you touch contributes to the air of luxury. It also gets fairly high fuel economy for the class. And even without an available engine as big as some competitors, it handles well and has sufficient.
You might know BMW as the creator of the "ultimate driving machine." And it carried forward that mantra when it introduced the X5. In many ways, that model helped create the midsize luxury SUV market. But it did not rest on its laurels and continued to improve an already great vehicle.
With an all new design for 2019, you'll find some new features and benefits that really make it attractive. You can equip it with a V8 engine that puts out more power than most of the class. Great seats provide for a comfortable ride. And the user interface with a host of high tech options makes sense from the first time you use it.
Choosing a luxury SUV means selecting from a range of innovative and high quality models.
We think the Audi Q7 is a strong choice for anyone in the market. But only you can decide if it's right for you. We hope our guide has helped make that decision a bit easier.
If so, share this article with the luxury SUV shoppers in your life. And leave us a comment below if you have any final thoughts or questions.
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