Audi does not offer many different SUV models, but the Q7 is their biggest and best. The evolution of this SUV through the years has brought a lot more power and a hot new looks to this flagship SUV model from Audi. The authoritative look and bold style of the Q7 cannot go without notice. The one big change for this new model, is that there will actually be less options. This simplifying of product lines may bring down the overhead for the Audi, but many consumers liked the options of a V-6 or a V-8 engine. Now the only motor available in this model is a 3.0 liter V-6 that runs on diesel and comes standard with the world renowned Audi quarto AWD system.
This model, like many others from Audi now comes standard with an 8 speed automatic transmission that boost fuel economy and makes shifting even smoother. The one obvious complaint about the Q7 is the ridiculous high tailgate, which makes loading and unloading mildly difficult.
The Range
Bodystyles: SUV
Engines: 3.0L supercharged V-6, 3.0L diesel V-6
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic
Models: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige
What's New
Most of the work done to the 2011 Audi Q7comes under the hood with a new supercharged V-6 engine in two levels of performance and a new 8-speed automatic transmission across the line. Top trims for both the gasoline and diesel models get adaptive headlights, ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof standard. The 6-CD changer is gone, but HD Radio is now standard across the line.
Exterior
Already a style leader, the 2011 Audi Q7 stays up to date with revised front and rear fascias and slick new LED running lights. Ground clearance and towing capacity are class competitive in the unlikely event they're called upon.
Interior
Like any good luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 features standard leather, wood trim, heated seats, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control and a power tailgate. Second-row seat heaters and four-zone climate control are optional.
Performance & Handling
The Audi Q7 is almost a new vehicle for 2011 in terms of its performance. While the turbocharged diesel V-6 is a carryover, it is now mated to a new 8-speed transmission and quattro all-wheel-drive. The Q7's new supercharged gasoline V-6 produces 272 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque in the base model and 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft in S Line trim, mounted in both cases to the new 8-speed automatic and standard quattro.
Safety
Front and side airbags are standard for front seat passengers, as are side curtain airbags for all three rows. Side airbags for second-row passengers are optional. A host of stability technologies, including quattro, electronic stability control and traction control are all standard.
EPA Fuel Economy
3.0T V-6: 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway
3.0T S V-6: N/A
TDI: 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway
You'll Like
- Great styling
- Diesel option
- Great handling
- Sliding second row
- Seating for seven
You Won't Like
- Numb steering
- Hard to fold third-row
- Tall load floor
- You'll never take it off-road
Sum Up
Style to trump all comers
If You Like This Vehicle
- BMW X5
- Mercedes-Benz GL
- Infiniti QX56
- Cadillac Escalade
- Lexus GX