2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro

2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro

2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro: a sport sedan-like driving experience

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, September 1, 2017 1:30am

The 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro Tipronic full-size sports utility vehicle – in my mind at least – sets the benchmark in its category. It is that good.

During a week’s staycation, the Q7 was certainly put through its paces. And like my vacation, I wished the test drive could have lasted longer.

Simply put, the Q7 was the quietest and smoothest ride I’ve had in a long, long time. But that’s the least of it.

Q7 delivers a sport sedan-like driving experience along with three-row seating that accommodates up to seven passengers in living-room-style comfort. Add the latest whiz-bang technology, connectivity features, apps, along with a striking design and you have the entire package.

“Q7 is positioned as an industry leader in the development of connected car applications and driver assistance systems that are redefining how customers interact with our vehicles, said Scott Keogh, president Audi of America.

Powered by a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, the combo generates 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque.

There was enough to love about the Audi Q7 to fill an entire month of reviews, so I’ll cut to the chase and describe what impressed me most:

The adaptive cruise control, which is nice in itself, now includes stop-and-go and traffic-jam assist that automatically maintains distance from the vehicle in front, including braking and accelerating to help maintain a set distance. Between 0-37 mph, traffic-jam assist combines acceleration, braking and steering guidance, which, unfortunately, came in handy several times, including a trip to Safeco Field.

The expertly crafted double-inlay dash design, customizable ambient interior LED lighting and Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced sound system are out-of-this-world. The Bang & Olufsen system delivers an impressive, life-like musical experience through 23 speakers including two retractable acoustic lenses all powered by a 23-channel amplifier with an output of 1,920 watts.

The Audi Q7 has a powerful and distinctive presence on the road, through its sculpted body and taut design lines giving it a striking yet leaner appearance. That leaner appearance translates into an approximate weight reduction of 475 pounds compared to the previous model. Towing capacity has increased to an impressive 7,700 pounds, with optional towing package.

As an aside, if you happen to be moving your daughter out of her college apartment, the Q7 delivers as well – push buttons to fold flat the third-row seats and tug a loop to fold flat the second-row. The Q7 becomes a cavernous cargo hauler, large enough to stow a full-size mattress, end table, dresser, clothing and more. It took two trips, and an assist from our Subaru Forester, but the job was done.

My tester came with a new car’s worth ($20,000) in options including a Prestige package valued at $9,500, the Bang & Olufsen advanced 3D sound system ($5,000) and an adaptive chassis package ($4,000).

Base Price: $55,500

Price As Driven: $75,525

Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.

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