2017 Audi Q7 3.0 T quattro Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Audi Q7 3.0 T Quattro tiptronic. If an SUV is at the top of your list and you want luxury (rarely do you NEED it) and price is right for your budget this segment of the market is darn nice.
Not needing to carry a lot of folks and no longer do I use a lot of carrying capability the SUV doesn’t make much sense. The point is you must be wise and buy what your need is. Not only because large sucks up a lot of gas, but rather it is more difficult all the way around. It’s a large footprint, more difficult to park and there are many more options.
If price is an issue and cost to maintain is a consideration, there are many more options for SUV’s. I will be featuring more at far less money next week.
General Information:
It is assembled in Bratislava, Slovakia; Parts – US/Canadian 1%, Slovakia 45%, Germany 30%; Engine – Hungary and transmission – Germany; Classification is Standard Sport Utility. Cars from Audi: A3 Cabriolet, A3 Sedan, A3 Sportback e-tron, A4, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6, A7, A8, Allroad, Q3, Q5, Q7, R8, RS 5, RS 5 Cabriolet, RS 7, S3, S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Coupe, S6, S7, S8, SQ5, TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS Coupe.
Handling & Performance:
The Crest Test was impressive. It is fast and for a large vehicle it handled well.
Styling:
Typical Audi Quality Look and feel. I wasn’t impressed with the interior lighting touches but I’m sure others will like the pizzazz.
Fit and Finish:
Audi excellent.
Cost:
Pricey. . . but maintenance in this class should also be a considered. My ownership of an Automotive Repair business taught me that.
Conveniences and comfort:
Outstanding array of most all of my preferred high tech features available these days. I drive a lot and have become convinced that all of the driver assistants, like Smart Cruise, would be worth every dollar spent. They will one day be standard and that will bring the prices down so most can afford them. They not only make the drive safer, they reduce stress.
– MMI refers to enhanced multimedia Bluetooth access.
– Audi Pre-Sense employs a front camera on the windshield to capture events up to a distance of about 328 ft. to activate braking to help avoid collisions.
– Audi Active and passive rollover protection is a system that recognizes impending rollover and selectively applies brakes with a high burst of pressure to the appropriate wheels and sometimes decreases the engine torque to interrupt the rollover before it occurs.
– Traffic sign recognition – is simply a camera / computer system to read signs ahead and displays on the instrument display to view when you’re not otherwise occupied.
Consumer Recommendations:
Warranties are comparative with Jeep providing a slight edge, but along with Cadillac they only seat 5 as opposed to the others that seat 7.
Recognized Competition:
Audi Q7 $60,000, Acura MDX $60,000, Volvo XC 90 $58,000, Cadillac XT5 $63,000, Jeep Grand Cherokee $54,000, Ford Explorer $54,000, Buick Enclave $51,000, GMC Acadia $48,000.
Good News:
Fast, comfortable luxury.
Bad News:
Expensive to own and operate for most consumers.
Standard Equipment:
3.0 liter333 hp V-6 engine, quattro all wheel drive, 8-speed auto transmission, 19” 5-V-spoke design wheels, tire pressure monitor, Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and tailights, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, auto dimming mirror with compass, heated outside mirrors with power folding and memory, heated 8-way power front seats with driver memory and lumbar support, power folding 3rd row seats including LATCH for 2nd and 3rd rows, 7-passenger leather seating, three zone auto climate control, parking system plus with rear view camera, MMI Radio with Audi sound system, Sirius satellite radio, 3 spoke leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, garage opener, preparation for Bluetooth phone, audi pre sense basic and city, rain and light sensor, USB Audi music interface, AM/FM/HD radio, Alu-optic roof rails, front and side seat mounted airbags, head curtain airbags. Active and passive rollover protection, LATCH system in rear, front and rear impact body crumple zones, anti-theft alarm system and ignition immobilizer.
Options:
Prestige package: $9,500 includes 20”10-spoke wheels, BOSE 3D surround sound, Heads up display, LED interior lighting vision package, warm weather package Audi advanced key, MMI Navigation, Audi connect prime and plus, and connect CARE, Smart phone interface, side assist and pro sense rear, power tilt and telescoping steering column, heated auto diming power folding mirrors.
Adaptive Chassis Package: $4,000, includes: 4-wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
Driver Assistance Package: Adaptive cruise control, Active lane assist, traffic sign recognition and high-beam assistant.
Gas Stats:
$2.95/ Gal avg. March 10, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
*An interesting note is that two years ago gas price average was a $buck a gallon more.
19 City and 25 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $54,800.