2021 Audi Q7

Inside, the Q7 looks upscale and luxurious with a modern display and packages. The SUV is available in three trim levels with pricing in the range of $54,950 to $72,000.The dual-display infotainment and digital instrument console are appealing to the eyes. Also, the Q7's driving dynamics are aided with various safety features, making it an excellent SUV for all-season driving. In the competitive segment, you'll find the Q7 rivaling the BMW X5, the Acura MDX, and the Cadillac XT6. 

The 2021 Audi Q7 comes in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All Q7 models offer three-row seating as standard along with the all-wheel drive. There are two engine options for the Q7: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that churns out 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque in 45 TFSI models or a 335 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in 55 TFSI models. Both powertrains are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Premium and Premium Plus offers optional packages named Convenience and Executive. The Convenience package adds features like a heated steering wheel, Audi Phone Box wireless charger and signal booster, Ambient interior lighting, Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors, and Surround-view camera system. The Executive package adds features like Executive package matric LED headlights, four-zone automatic climate control, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive cruise control, Ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.

Which Trim should you buy?

We would recommend the mid-level Premium Plus trim. It comes with an array of additional standard features such as the latest parking system and audio system. With the V6, the model allows a better hauling experience with loads of cargo and passengers. 

The Audi Q7 offers great performance with its turbocharged V6 engine, The shift from supercharged to turbocharged has allowed the Q7 to bring out optimum power output without taking a toll on the fuel economy. The base Q7 comes with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine which develops 248 hp while the higher trims get a 3.0-liter V6 engine, churning out 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The Prestige trim comes standard with a turbocharged V6 engine. The base engine might feel underpowered when compared to rivals in the segments. 

Comparatively, the Q7’s V6 does generate potential power and torque. The X5 brings out similar power output from its Twin-turbo inline-6 engine but fails to match the torque output of the Q7. Meanwhile, the Acura MDX and Cadillac XT6 offer decent power output from their V6 powertrains. 

How well does the 2021 Audi Q7 handle?

The Q7 SUV features all-season tires along with additional packages that make it drive smoothly through various terrains and climatic conditions. The Q7 goes smooth around corners and easily manages itself in tight spots. Weighing more than 5000 pounds, the Q7 is one of the heaviest cars in the segment. Despite its size and weight, the SUV keeps going live as a powerful machine. 

The turbocharged V6 complements the Q7 in more than one way. With Audi's Quattro AWD setup and air suspension system, the Q7 efficiently goes through lots of driving pressure. It hauls a fully-loaded cabin and cargo easily. You get straight confidence while driving the new Q7 and you can easily push the limits up to some extent. 

2021 Audi Q7 Braking Performance

With 21-inch alloy wheels, the Audi Q7 stands tall and bold. As far as the braking performance is concerned, the SUV manages to bring out the best braking capability. The brakes are sure-footed and offer great impact while sudden braking. There's an effective brake force distribution across the wheels. The adaptive air suspension also plays a vital role in the overall braking scenario. The brake rotor sizes in the front and rear are just decent when compared to its rivals. Also, the braking distance offered by the Q7 is just 117 feet.

Being one of the weighted SUVs, the Q7 excels in braking performance. The X5 gets larger brake rotors and manages to stop at 116 feet. Meanwhile, the MDX and XT6 get slightly smaller brake rotors and offer a braking distance of 134 feet. The MDX also weighs around 4.264 pounds, making it the lightest in the group. 

The Audi Q7 has proved itself as a potent car that does not take much toll on fuel efficiency. you need not worry about the fuel while driving the Q7 and it optimizes this part very effectively. It brings out 17 mpg in the city and goes up to 21 mpg on the highways. The SUV offers a fuel tank capacity of 22.5 gallons, which is sufficient to take you up to 383 miles in the city and 474 miles on the highway. 

The MPG estimates do not impress us either, the rivals like BMW X5 and Acura MDX manage to offer better fuel economy in the city as well as highway. But again, with the powerful engine backing the SUV, you can expect some minor MPG corrections. The BMW X5 offers a driving r

The 2021 Audi Q7 interior is similar to what we saw in the 2020 model year. There are four color schemes- Okapi Brown, Metro Gray, Black, and Saiga Beige. However, for 2021, Audi has brought some minor tweaks in the cabin by adding a few additional packages like the Executive package and convenience package. 

The seats are comfortable across all rows and offer a minimalistic pattern. The range-topping Prestige trim comes fitted with better luxury features and fittings. The seats offer amazing adjustability along with ample support. You'll find good-quality plastic across the dashboard. The front row gets heated leather seats with power lumbar adjustment. 

To add more luxury quotient, you get optionally heated and cooled Valcona leather seats that ensure optimum comfort. The second-row seats can recline to provide more comfort and easy access to the third row. With the cold weather package, you get heated rear seats and heated armrests. The third row is a bit cramped and is most likely best suited for children. 

The 2021 Q7 manages to offer a cargo space in the range of 37.5 to 72.4 cubic ft, which is believed to be the best in the segment. When you consider storage options, the SUV offers better flexibility and you won't have to complain about it. With the rear seats folded, the Q7 offers more cargo space than the BMW X5. Some of the notable interior features available are:

• Leather upholstery
• Ambient lighting
• Heated and cooled seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Heated steering wheel
• Automatic climate control system

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Q7 gets an upgraded infotainment system. Now, with this upgrade, the 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system becomes intuitive and responsive. The SUV gets Audi's virtual cockpit this year as well. Below the infotainment, you get an 8.6-inch touchscreen that offers climate control and other significant controls. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and you also get real-time traffic and weather reports via the SiriusXM travel link. Some of the notable infotainment features are:

• 8.6-inch lower display for HVAC Unit 
• 10.1-inch primary (upper) display
• 12.3-inch display (Audi Virtual Cockpit)
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Colored Heads-up Display (HUD)
• 3D surround system with 19 speakers and 15 channel amplifier
• Bluetooth mobile connectivity
• Two USB ports
• Satellite radio with Navigation
• Active vehicle display

Audi revamped the Q7 just last year for the 2020 model year. Audi has been using a distinguishing design styling that keeps it ahead of its peers. The 2021 Audi Q7 returns unchanged from the exterior front and still gets Matrix LED headlights in the front fascia. The center of the fascia gets an octagonal Singleframe front grille that can also be seen on the Audi Q8. These improvements in the design have added bold characteristics to the Q7 SUV. 

Moving to the side profile, you'll notice the clever use of chrome highlights that increases the style of the SUV. The rear also gets chrome treatment with dynamic swipe indicators and LED taillamps. Overall, Audi's design philosophy for the Q7 looks modern and upscale in all regards. 

With a curb weight of more than 5000 pounds, the Q7 appears well footed and wide enough in terms of overall dimensions. The ground clearance offered by the Q7 is close to the X5 that brings out a bold stance in the SUV. With the latest remap, the Q7 looks younger than most of its rivals like Acura MDX and Cadillac XT6. Some of the notable exterior features are:

• 20-inch 5-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season run-flat tires
• Automatic all-LED headlights with LED taillights and dynamic turn signals
• Heated and electrically operated exterior rearview mirrors
• Chrome exterior window surrounds and roof rails
• An octagonal single-frame front grille
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
• Intermittent automatic wipers

The Audi Q7 is yet to be crash-tested by NHTSA and IIHS. However, the 2020 model received 5-star ratings in the NHTSA crash tests. Since the 2021 iteration comes essentially unchanged from the previous model year, we believe that the 2021 MY will score similar safety ratings. Some of the notable safety features of the 2021 Audi Q7 are:

• Active cruise control with lane-keep assistance
• Audi Pre Sense
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Night vision assist
• Audi park steering assist
• Lane departure assist
• 360 view camera

2021 Audi Q7 vs 2021 BMW X5

In most dimensions, the X5 appears similar to the Q7 but in terms of pricing, the BMW X5 is slotted below the Q5. The Q7 SUV boasts an aggressive front fascia with a chrome outline while the X5 is still on the sporty side. The Q7 reflects a more luxury quotient than the Bimmer that has a sporty interior. With its sporty nature, the X5 is fun to drive compared to the Q7. In case you are looking for a complete package of luxury and [performance, the 2021 Audi Q7 is that car you should bet on. 

2021 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Acura MDX

The 2021 Acura MDX returns mostly unchanged from its previous model and carries over major components. Compared to the Q7, the MDX is somewhat underpowered and would need some time to match the fun factor of the Q7. The Q7's interior looks more upscale and premium with 2020 revamp and you'll get more features with the available packages. With the latest turbocharged V6, the Q7 looks more performance-centric than the dated MDX. 

2021 Audi Q7 vs 2021 Cadillac XT6

The new Audi Q7 offers surplus power, all-wheel drive, and higher towing capacity when compared to the Cadillac XT6. Both the SUVs offer comfortable seating in three rows. Just like the Q7, the XT6 also got revamped for the 2020 model year. The XT6 comes at a comparatively lower price than the Audi Q7. If you are looking for a value-for-money car with a keen watch on your wallet, we see the XT6 as a perfect choice. Although, some extra packages that come with the Q7 make it quite special. 

The Audi Q7 has everything that needs to be present in a three-row 7-seater SUV. The SUV brings a lot of excitement and power to the table. With a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seats, wooden trim, and leather upholstery, the $55,000 asking price appears decent. The base engine might not work as the fully loaded 3.3-liter V6 engine. Despite its 5000 pounds weight, the Q7 efficiently handles well across the terrain.