During redesigns and remodels there are times when a manufacturer will take off a year from offering a vehicle in order to create what it should be. This happens at times when it feels the market has passed it buy which was the case with the 2015 model of the Q7. In an effort to get ahead of the competition and find a way to capture some of the sales missed for the 2016 model year, the Q7 for 2017 is being released early. This is good news for those of us who feel the Q7 is the right SUV for us to drive.
This new version of Audi’s largest SUV has lost 500 pounds and offers more aluminum than before which helps to improve the fuel efficiency and make it much easier for the suspension to keep this lighter vehicle level on the road. There is more space inside for you and for the cargo you need and an improved menu of safety features can make you and your passengers feel comfortable and confident on the road that they will be able to fully enjoy the ride; no matter the destination.
A luxury vehicle should not only give you comfort and advanced features, it should also offer you the safety and road manners you want to enjoy. The Q7 offers this and more by giving you excellent towing capability and the drive you want to have. For 2017 this is an all-new vehicle that has been given new life and a more sophisticated style to ensure you will know this is a high-end luxury SUV every time you step inside. The comfort, convenience and improved fuel mileage put this SUV at the head of the line when you look for a great large luxury SUV to drive.
When you step into a three-row SUV typically you already know the drive is going to be cumbersome compared to sedans and smaller vehicles. With the Q7 you have an improved driving experience that allows you to confidently drive the vehicle smoothly without giving up the quickness you enjoy on smaller vehicles. Not only did the Q7 lose some weight but it lowered the center of gravity by 1.7 inches, making it more balanced and planted. Using the Quattro AWD you can enjoy the confidence you need when driving in rain or snow, knowing your Q7 will handle the task with ease and perfection.
Under the hood we see only one engine in place, but it’s one that makes a lot of sense. Instead of placing a heavy V8 in this area, Audi offers us a beautiful 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that makes 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that offers paddle shifters if you want to use them. This pairing uses the standard Quattro AWD to return 19 city/25 hwy mpg and give you the ability to reach sixty mph in 5.7 seconds. The towing capacity is 7,700 pounds which makes it easy for you to haul anything you want behind the Q7.
Looking to the interior we see the Q7, while fully redesigned, has not gone away from the Audi claim of having the best interiors in the business. The elegant look and sophisticated styling you expect are in place in the Q7 to give you a look and feeling of a comfortable place to ride. You might not want to ever leave the cabin of this beauty with all the space to stretch out and the awesome control systems which give you full command. The second row of seats folds in a unique 35/30/35 split with the third row being a 50/50 split to offer a wide array of possible cargo configurations.
On the outside the Q7 has improved its appearance and features to be one of the most intriguing looks we have seen in a while. The front grill has a 3D look to it and the headlights appear to give is a throwback shape while functioning in the most modern way possible. The smooth style and shape allow for maximum interior space while keeping the drag coefficient low. Riding on wheels that range from 19 to 21 inches this is a vehicle that offers a presence you want to enjoy.
When you buy a large luxury SUV you want to enjoy a long list of great standard features and the Q7 brings in what you desire. These standard offerings include leather upholstery, tri-zone climate controls, a MMI radio with a retractable seven-inch display, multi-mode Audi Drive Select, a two-panel panoramic sunroof, power folding second and third row seats, a programmable power liftgate, Audi Pre Sense basic, pedestrian and vehicle collision warning with automatic braking and front and rear parking assistance. The Premium Plus version adds the MMI Navigation and a hands free tailgate, the Prestige adds the 3D Bose Surround Sound, head up display, LED headlights, quad-zone climate controls and a 360-degree camera.
The Q7 is full of great options for you to choose from as well. These include the MMI Navigation Plus system that uses voice controls and handwriting recognition, a smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a Rear-Seat Entertainment Package, audio upgrades from Bose and Bang & Olufsen, Night Vision Assistance, a Vision Package that includes full LED lighting and a digital instrument cluster, a Driver Assistance package that adds adaptive cruise control and active lane assist. The Prestige adds a Luxury Package that brings in Valcona leather with Alcantara trim and the Adaptive Chassis Package which offers you an air suspension and four-wheel steering.
The pricing of the new Q7 will begin with the Premium model at a little less than $56,000 which is a bit more than the cost was in 2015. The Premium Plus will begin its pricing around $60,000 and the Prestige will demand you pay at least $65,500. A fully loaded Prestige can easily come very close to the $80,000 mark, but at that price you would have every conceivable option and feature to enjoy. This new Q7 sets a much higher bar for quality and drivability for the large luxury SUV class to give you a great choice for your driving enjoyment.
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