2017 Audi Q7

Audi Q7 has 5 trim levels. The base trim 2.0T premium starts from $49,000, then you have the premium plus trim in 2.0T badging at $53,000. The 3.0L engine has 3 trim levels namely premium, premium plus and prestige starting from $55,000, $59,500 and $65,000 respectively.

Trim	2.0T Premium	2.0T Premium Plus	3.0T Premium	3.0T Premium Plus	3.0T Prestige
MSRP (AWD)	$49,000	$53,000	$55,000	$59,500	$65,000
Key Features	18-inch alloy wheels	keyless entry and ignition (with hands-free tailgate access),	It has 3.0L engine. Same as 2.0T Premium	It has 3.0T engine. Same as 2.0T Premium Plus	Premium Plus options along with 20-inch wheels,
	19-inchers with the V6)xenon headlights	auto-dimming side mirrors,			a head-up display,
	automatic wipers	blind-spot monitoring			additional interior lighting,
	LED running lights and taillights	side exit warnings			a high-resolution 8.3-inch central display
	power-folding heated mirrors	a power-adjustable steering wheel			19-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system.
	a panoramic sunroof	interior ambient lighting
	roof rails	Vision package (LED headlights, a configurable gauge-cluster display, and a surround-view camera system)
	front and rear parking sensors	the Warm Weather package (four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats and manual rear window sunshades).
	forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic braking
	Power liftgate
	selectable drive modes
	three-zone automatic climate control
	an auto-dimming rearview mirror
	a 7-inch color driver information display
	leather upholstery
	eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats (with driver four-way power lumbar adjustment)
	driver-seat memory settings
	35/30/35-split second-row folding seats and 50/50-split power-folding third-row seats
	Standard tech features include a rearview camera
	Audi's MMI infotainment system
	7-inch central display
	Bluetooth connectivity and a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player
	HD and satellite radio, and two USB ports

Audi has an exhaustive list of equipment which is standard Q7. Some of the features are LED running lights and taillights, panoramic sunroof, heated mirrors, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, power liftgate, heated front seats, leather upholstery, 7’ MMI display and the list goes on. More premium features as go up the trim levels are side exit warning, a navigation system, interior ambient lighting systems, ventilated front seats, blind spot monitoring system, 8.3-inch central display, and 19-speaker Bose system.

Our recommendation for the best trim

We would suggest the 3.0T premium trim because it has all the basic and daily use features that you’ll need and that massive 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder gasoline engine will give the smirk when you press the accelerator.

"When it comes to overall performance, the Q7 far exceeds our expectations for a vehicle of its size and intended purpose."-Edmunds

Audi Q7 has 2 great engines, a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine with 252 horses and 273 pound-feet of torque and the big 3.0L turbocharged 6-cylinder gasoline engine with 333 horses and 320 pound-feet of torque. Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission which provides seamless gear changes and comfortable drive.  

Models	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
MSRP	$49,000	$52,250	$68,700
Engine	2.0L 4cyl	2.0L 4 cyl	3.0L 6 cyl
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	9-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	252 hp	316 hp	362 hp
Torque	273 lb-ft	295 lb-ft	369 lb-ft

In comparison, GLS has a great advantage over the rivals with the 3.0L engine with 362 horses and 369 pound-feet of torque. Also, it has a 9-speed transmission whilst others have 8-speed transmission. The only factor is the price tag of $68,700 which doesn’t work in its favor. Audi Q7 is the cheapest at $49,000 and also has the least powerful engine. Volvo is dearer than Q7 and offers more power and torque figures.

Acceleration

The big Audi is quick for its size. The 2.0L has some punch to it and propels it from 0-60MPH in 7 seconds and clears the quarter mile in 14 seconds. The 8-speed transmission is slick and provides optimum gear shifts.

Models	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
0-60 MPH	7.0 sec	NA	6.5 sec
Quarter mile	14.0 sec	NA	14.6 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.0L	3.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.0	8.0	9.3

In comparison, GLS is faster than Audi in 0-60 MPH run at 6.5 seconds but runs out of steam when going for a quarter mile and finishes at 14.6 seconds. No timings are available for Volvo but it might have some interesting figures to look at.

Handling and Steering

Audi Q7 gives maximum comfort on long drives. The 8-speed transmission provides seamless gear changes and 360-visibility in the cabin makes it super easy to drive. Handling is good and never feels out of control even when going around bends. The standard suspension is really good but if you’re looking for an extra level of comfort, go for the air suspension which just flats out the deepest potholes on the road.

Braking

Audi Q7 has 14.8-inch front ventilated disc and 13.8-inch rear ventilated disc. The XL size SUV weighs in at 4,696 pounds making it bulky and super heavy. It takes about 120 feet to stop this vehicle from 60-0MPH.

Model	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
Brake Front (in.)	14.8	13.2	13.8
Brake Rear (in.)	13.8	12.1	13.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4696	4394	5370
60-0 MPH (ft.)	120	NA	115

In comparison, Volvo weighs the lightest at 4,394 pounds and also has small brake discs 13.2-inch up front and 12.1-inch at the rear. GLS is the heaviest at 5370 pounds and has better brakes than Volvo. The stopping distance, however, is also GLS’s strength. It takes 115 feet whereas Audi, which has the biggest brakes and is lighter, stops in 120 feet. Volvo’s distance is unavailable.

Audi Q7 turbocharged 2.0L engine returns good fuel figures. It does 20 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG combined. For a car weighing more than 2 tonnes, it does justice in this department.

Model	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
MPG (city)	20	20	19
MPG (highway)	25	25	22
MPG (combined)	22	22	19

In comparison, Audi and Volvo have similar MPG in all spheres of driving whereas the big Mercedes is a tad lower than the other two rivals in fuel figures.

"Audi's fit and finish and attention to detail remain excellent. And our test car's sumptuous wood trim and rich, Nougat Brown leather contrasted nicely with the hi-res displays and fancy switchgear, giving a private-jet sort of vibe." -Car and Driver 

Seating and Comfort

The seats of Q7 are one of the best in the market. The front seats are heated and get lumbar support. The rear seat, however, is even better. Getting in and out is easy thanks to large doors and the appropriate height at which the Audi sits. The rear seats recline which give maximum comfort and feel like you’re travelling in first class. The third row of seats is not suited for adults because of less knee room and a slouched roof.

Model	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
Passenger capacity	7	7	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.4/59.5/41.7	38.9/57.7/40.9	41.2/58.5/40.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.8/58.5/38.8	38.5/56.5/37.0	40.0/58.3/38.5
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	35.9/49.4/29.2	36.3/46.9/31.9	38.9/50.5/35.0

When compared with others, the GLS has best front headroom of 41.2 inches, Q7 has best front shoulder room and legroom of 59.5 inches and 41.7 inches respectively. In the second row, GLS is good in the headroom department at 40 inches whereas Audi has best shoulder and legroom of 58.5 inches and 38.8 inches respectively. GLS easily wins in the space of the third row thanks to its massive length and width.

Infotainment

All of the trim levels come with Audi’s latest MMI infotainment. The menu is laid out in a very user-friendly manner and dashboard doesn’t feel cluttered. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which mirror your smartphone’s screen. You also get a touchpad between front seats on which you can write addresses. If you’re a music fan, you’ll not be disappointed as it gets nine speakers, a subwoofer and six channels.

Cargo Space

Cargo space is pretty good, even when the 3^rd row is put. However, when first to rows are up, it has 37.5 cubic feet of boot space. When need to carry massive loads, you put down the second row and have a really humongous amount of space of 71.6 cu ft.

Model	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
Cargo Volume 3rd row up (ft.3)	14.8	15.8	16.0
Cargo Volume 2nd row up (ft.3)	37.5	41.8	49.4
Cargo Volume 2nd row folded (ft.3)	71.6	85..7	93.8

In, comparison, GLS, and Volvo are better than Audi in terms of cargo space. Both of them have massive openings and lower load lip which help in easy loading and also to be noted is the fact that Volvo is no longer than Q7 but it has a bigger boot than the latter.

"The 2017 Audi Q7 gets a rakish new sport-wagon look, a finely detailed, tech-savvy interior, and serious chassis advancements underneath—including a dramatic weight loss, available rear-wheel steering, and a plug-in hybrid version." -The Car Connection

Instead of looking like a traditional SUV, it’s more of a big posh estate. It looks futuristic but retains the old shape of the previous gen Q7. The LED work in the headlights and taillights gives the car a transformer look. The indicators slide outwards in the direction of the turn which is quite savvy. All in all, it looks big on the outside which also makes it very practical inside.

Dimensions and Weight

Audi Q7 measures 199.6 inches in length and 77.5 inches in width. With a ground clearance of 8.1 inches, it can easily go over potholes and road undulations. Height of 68.5 inches provide for a good stance on the road. The massive wheelbase of 117.9 inches opens up a lot of interior space which lets the passengers sit with relaxation.

Model	Audi Q7 2.0 TFSI Premium	Volvo XC90 T6 Momentum	Mercedes Benz GLS 450
Curb weight (lbs.)	4696	4394	5370
Length(in)	199.6	194.9	202
Width(in)	77.5	79.1	76.1
Height(in)	68.5	69.9	72.8
Ground clearance (in)	8.1	9.4	8.5
Wheelbase (in)	117.9	117.5	121.1
Track width (in) F/R	66.1/66.6	65.7/65.8	65.2/65.9

In comparison, Mercedes GLS is the longest and tallest at 202 inches and 72.8 inches respectively. Also, to be noted is the fact GLS has the largest wheelbase providing ample amount of room for passengers inside. On the other hand, Volvo is the widest at 79.1 inches and has the best ground clearance of 9.4 inches. Wheelbase of Audi and Volvo is almost similar.

Exterior Features

• Xenon headlights with LED,DRL and LED taillights
• Power tailgate
• Rear fog lights

Audi Q7 comes loaded with safety kit, some of the features are: -

• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Engine Immobilizer
• Stability Control
• Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
• 2 Front Headrests
• Auto Delay-Off Headlamps
• Front and Rear Head Airbags
• Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes

IIHS Ratings

IIHS has given the Q7 good rating in all departments.

Crashworthiness

Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Good
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Avoidance and Mitigation

Front Crash Prevention	Superior
Headlights	Marginal
LATCH	Good

 

The NHTSA hasn't rated the Audi Q7 yet.

Audi Q7 Vs.  Mercedes Benz GLS 450

GLS overall is a good offering from Mercedes but the only problem with it is the price which is almost $20,000 more than base Q7 and $5,000 expensive than top-spec Q7. It can comfortably seat 7 people, can do off-roading thanks to its air suspension but cabin quality isn’t up to the mark. It looks dated when compared to Q7’s high tech interior. The ride quality is good but as go up the trims, it gets super expensive. The price might play a big factor when choosing between these two.

Audi Q7 Vs.  Volvo XC90

Volvo is an absolute stunner when you look at it. It’s one of the safest, luxurious and best-priced SUV currently available. The interior of the car is gorgeous with that huge tablet-like infotainment which controls everything in this car. The button use is very minimal and fine lines can be seen everywhere. The third row is cramped just like the Q7, but it has a bigger boot space than it. Engine wise, it does pack a punch and is a tad better than Audi, but the transmission is a bit slow to react to fast advances. Volvo’s base model is $3,000 dearer to Audi but it also has many other safety features with a really good engine and super comfy seats.

Audi Q7 is big, bold and luxurious. It has really good engine mills with great transmissions. Futuristic design combined with high tech interior and safety features make it a win-win combo. The seats are spacious and comfortable with the ride quality being top notch. Everything is solidly built, and nothing feels out of place or over the top. Price wise, it’s really a bargain! Go for it.