2017 Audi Q73.0T Quattro: drives like a luxury sports car

2017 Audi Q73.0T Quattro: drives like a luxury sports car

  • By Wire Service
  • Friday, July 15, 2016 7:46am

by Larry Lark, Herald Special Sections Writer

The 2017 Audi Q73.0T quattro was completely redesigned for this model year, marking its official “second-generation status as a luxury, full-size, crossover that caters to the well-heeled, upper-echelon wage earners.

My wife immediately took a shine to the Q7, even when I informed her that all the bells and whistles came with an almost $70,000 price tag. She’s got good taste – she picked me, after all.

There was a lot to like, even it the Q7 was oversized, a little heavy, and maybe not quite as stylish as the next guy – I mean SUV.

Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine with eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, the Q7 generates 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Even the sound of the engine gets one’s juices flowing. It’s not a sports car – although it drives surprising like one – the Q7 moves from 0-to-60 in 5.5 seconds.

It moved aggressively in and out of corners. No lean. No understeer. No problem.

Audi Drive Select includes up to seven modes. Standard drive select includes Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Offroad and Individual settings, so you can dial in a different drive experience for every day of the week!

And, of course, Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is second to none, and assures both driver and occupants will arrive at their destination regardless of what Mother Nature throws their way.

My tester came with numerous optional packages that added layer after layer of technology and creature comforts. I almost don’t know where to start. A premium package ($4,000) adds MMI navigation, electric tilt/telescoping side mirrors, heated, auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors and an LED interior lighting package.

A driver assistance package ($2,400) adds adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist, high-beam assist and traffic sign recognition. A vision package ($2,000) adds LED headlights and a top-view camera with views from the front, back and sides. A warm-weather package ($1,600) adds four-zone automatic climate control, ventilated front seats with four-way power lumbar, and sunshades for the panoramic sunroof, rear door side windows and tailgate.

A Bose 3D surround sound system ($1,000) broadcast concert-hall-quality sound throughout the cabin via more speakers than I could count. And, finally, 20-inch,10-spoke bi-color wheels ($1,000) announce your arrival before ever setting the electronic parking brake.

Audi attention to detail is readily apparent throughout the cabin, which is opulently appointed. The leather seats are contoured to provide maximum comfort, with lumbar and massage settings. Split tumble-folding 35/30/35 second-row seats include fore/aft position and seatback angle adjustment. Standard power 50/50 split-folding third-row seats with electric fold and return functions make the conversion from passenger to cargo modes as simple as pushing a button.

The Q7 features an improved interior space — with more headroom, legroom and shoulder room in the second and third rows, and seating for seven standard on all models. The Q7 is rated at a combined 21 miles per gallon in city/highway driving by the EPA.

2017 Audi Q73.0T Quattro

Base Price: $54,800

As Tested: $68,925

Base price includes destination charge. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. Prices may vary at local dealerships.

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