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2017 Audi Q7 Test Drive And Review: Sharpened Steel

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Audi ’s Q7 has had an amazing run. Enduring since 2006 with only minor upgrades, Q7 has remained in the top echelon of full-size luxury crossovers. The 2017 Audi Q7 is advertised as “all-new,” and it is. The real question, though, is did Audi retain enough of what has made Q7 so successful while upgrading enough features to remain competitive?

Some very smart designers took a look at Q7’s exterior and decided to sharpen and modernize it. Like your favorite movie star, Q7 went from romance to action. The basic shape and look are the same, but are now more defined, chiseled and assertive. In particular, the slab sides of the old vehicle have been reshaped with a sharp shoulder line and more angles than curves. New headlights (available LED) have that action star squint, and “dual arrow” LED taillights (standard) stand out in a crowd. Despite very similar dimensions to the outgoing model, the new Q7 looks sleeker and less bulky – and very attractive. My Premium Plus trim level test vehicle (base price $58,800, as tested $68,925) came with optional ($1,000) 20” wheels, up an inch from the standard set, completing the athletic look.

Q7’s interior didn’t need a lot of attention – it was already a modern, crisp cabin. But Audi took a sharp pencil to the dash, simplifying the look while incorporating even more high tech capability. Q7 has always had a motorized nav screen that tucked away in the top of the center stack. Now, the screen emerges from the top of the dash in a single motion, and gets prime placement in the driver’s line of sight during driving (included with the Premium Plus package). The latest edition of Audi MMI touch is installed. A touchpad in the center console allows you to input destination information by writing it with your fingertip, character by character. It takes a little getting used to, but is ultimately much easier and faster than the old scroll wheel input. Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration are available. I connected my Apple iPhone 5 to the system via Bluetooth, and I was very pleased with the integration. I listen to podcasts more than I listen to radio or other media while I drive, and the Audi MMI was great for this. When I exited the vehicle and returned to drive again, the system immediately reconnected with my phone and started playback right where I left off – exactly as it should. Many systems return to default when you shut down, requiring you to re-select your media each time you re-enter the vehicle. I wish all sound systems were as smart as the Q7’s.

Audi has a sophisticated suite of driver assistance packages. My test vehicle came with the Driver Assistance Package ($2,400), a bundle that included adaptive cruise control, active lane assist, high-beam assistant and traffic sign recognition – all useful safety systems. Add more money, and you can get even more tech. My test car also had the Vision package ($2,000), which added LED headlights, a top view camera system and the Audi virtual cockpit. The virtual cockpit is a 12.3” full color display housed where the gauge cluster would normally be, above the steering wheel. It takes over the expected duties, like speedometer, tachometer and odometer, and adds the capability of a highly programmable driver information center. Navigation prompts and maps can fill the screen directly in front of the driver, overlaid on Google Street View images. It’s very impressive, and less distracting than it sounds. A full color head-up display is also available for even more visual support.

My second row passengers complimented the room and comfort available, and were particularly complimentary to the ambient lighting in the cabin. A big panoramic sunroof is standard, further enhancing the feeling of space. Access to the third row is good, and power folding means that you don’t have to strain to optimize the cargo compartment for luggage hauling. The standard power tailgate completes the luxury operation.

All of this luxury would be wasted if the Q7 didn’t perform beautifully, which it does. While Audi was busy sharpening the crossover’s looks and adding technology options, they also managed to trim nearly 475 lbs off of the curb weight versus the previous generation vehicle. A supercharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine (333 hp/325 lb-ft of torque) sends power through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system. With 4,938 lbs to push around, that’s enough to scoot from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, according to Audi. Driving the Q7, the acceleration is smooth and linear. Punch the gas pedal, and the Q7 jumps ahead like it was just given its head. Almost every other Q7 I’ve driven in the past has been equipped with a TDI diesel engine, which is not currently available due to the Volkswagen emissions scandal. The gas-powered Q7 doesn’t have the locomotive quality that the TDI had, but it’s still plenty fun to drive. Cornering maneuvers feel much improved, with a great feel of stability and confidence through the curves. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway. Over the course of a week, I averaged 23.2 mpg in mixed driving conditions.

I really loved driving the Q7. My only concern with the Q7 is pricing. It starts out at $54,800 for the base Premium model, then steps up to $58,800 for the Premium Plus and $64,300 for the Prestige. The really cool features are only available in packages, not a la carte, and not on each trim level. It adds up quickly. I’d probably choose the Premium Plus and add the $2,400 Driver Assistance package to make sure that I got navigation and adaptive cruise control, rather than going full boat luxury on the Prestige model.

There are several other three-row luxury crossovers to consider. Mercedes-Benz ’s GL-class, BMW’s X5, Land Rover’s Range Rover Discovery Sport and Infiniti’s QX80 can all transport seven passengers in comfort and luxury. Don’t overlook the body-on-frame SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade, Lexus GX and Lincoln Navigator, and of course Audi’s corporate cousins Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.

Audi has done a fantastic job updating their flagship crossover vehicle. The 2017 Audi Q7 is my new favorite full-size luxury crossover vehicle.