"The 2017 Audi Q7 is one of the best-handling utility vehicles on the market; and the four-wheel steering and active suspension systems help make the most of it." - TheCarConnection
2017 Audi Q7 Engine and Transmission
The 2017 Audi Q7 adds an all-new turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine to its lineup apart from the V6 engine. This 2.0L I-4 engine outputs 252 hp @ 5000 rpm and has a torque output of 273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm. The other superior supercharged 3.0L V6 engine makes 333 hp @ 5,500 rpm and 325 lb-ft @ 2900 rpm. Both these engines come mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and come with AWD as standard. The V6 is standard on the Prestige trim and optional on the other trim levels.
Models |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Volvo XC90 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLS class |
2017 BMW X5 |
MSRP |
$49,000 |
$47,950 |
$67,050 |
$56,600 |
Engine |
2.0L I-4 |
2.0L I-4 |
3.0L V6 |
3.0L I-6 |
Transmission |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
9-Speed Automatic |
8-speed automatic |
Horsepower |
252 hp @ 5000 rpm |
250 hp @ 5600 rpm |
255 hp @ 3600 rpm |
300 hp @ 5800 rpm |
Torque |
273 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
258 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
455 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm |
300 lb-ft @ 1300 rpm |
The Audi Q7 is cheaper and more affordable than the GLS and the X5. It makes similar power to that of the XC90 and the GLS class. The BMW X5 has a more powerful engine with a higher output of around 50 hp and 50 lb-ft more. The GLS comes with a 9-speed automatic whereas the remaining cars get an 8-speed automatic. In terms of the torque output, the GLS has the highest torque output at 455 lb-ft. However, the peak torque is much readily available on the BMW X5. This provides the BMW will better performance numbers as well.
2017 Audi Q7 Acceleration
The 2017 Audi Q7 powered by the 2.0L I-4 engine has impressive performance numbers. The car has a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, with the quarter-mile coming up in 14.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 140 mph. With the 3.0L V6, this 0-60 mph time reduces to 5.7 seconds, and the quarter-mile is quicker at 14.3 seconds. It has a top speed of 155 mph.
The car comes with five driving modes, which all implement a different response system based on the driving character in play. On the Dynamic mode, the suspension, the steering, the engine, and the transmission all get heightened responses and quicker systems to allow for better and faster runs.
Models |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Volvo XC90 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLS |
2017 BMW X5 |
0-60 mph (sec) |
6.6 |
6.4 |
6.5 |
6.1 |
Quarter-mile (sec) |
14.9 |
14.1 |
14.6 |
14.8 |
Engine |
2.0L |
2.0L |
3.0L |
3.0L |
Top-speed (mph) |
140 |
132 |
130 |
143 |
The Audi is not at all a light car, but it has a good performance time even if it's the slowest of the lot. The BMW is the quickest, thanks to its earlier peak torque, the lower weight, and a more powerful engine. The Volvo takes the second spot with a time of 6.4 seconds. The GLS follows close, behind by only 0.1 of a second. In the quarter-mile run, however, the Volvo takes the lead due to its gearing and wider mid-range. The X5 has the most top speed at 143 mph, whereas the Audi has a top speed of 1140 mph.
2017 Audi Q7 Handling and Steering
The 2017 Audi Q7 handles like a charm. It has one of the most precise and on-the-dime steering systems among midsize SUVs. For a car of this proportions, the Q7 offers an extremely satisfying experience behind the wheels. The wagon-like body gives the car better aerodynamics which helps the car remain stable at higher speeds. Around turns, the car does not lose ground, and one can carry higher speeds into corners without worrying about body roll and slippage.
The handling of the Audi Q7 is like a point-and-shoot affair. The lighter chassis, the enhanced suspension, and the four-wheel steering all help the Q7 deliver extremely enjoyable driving no matter what condition. The adaptive air suspension is a must and improves everything by a mile. The handling is sporty and very communicative and inspires a load of confidence in the driver.
2017 Audi Q7 Braking
The 2017 Audi Q7 has a braking distance of 140 feet from 60-0 mph. For a car that weighs 4600 odd lbs, this stopping power is very good. The car gets a 14.8-inch front brake rotor and a 13.8-inches rear brake rotor. The car employs ventilated brake systems.
Model |
2017 Audi Q7 |
2017 Volvo XC90 |
2017 Mercedes Benz GLS class |
2017 BMW X5 |
Brake Front (in.) |
14.8 |
13.2 |
13.8 |
13.7 |
Brake Rear (in.) |
13.8 |
12.1 |
13.6 |
12.6 |
Curb Weight (lbs.) |
4696 |
4394 |
5335 |
4680 |
60-0 MPH (ft.) |
120 |
N/A |
115 |
129 |
The Volvo XC90 gets the smallest brakes among the four, with the front brake rotor size of 13.2 inches and a rear brake rotor of size 12.1 inches. The Audi gets the largest brakes. In terms of stopping distance, the GLS despite its heavyweight of 5335 lbs has a stopping power of 115 feet. The X5 stops the last at 129 feet.