2017 Audi Q7: A Lot More than Just a Handsome People-Hauler [Review]

2017 Audi Q7 quattro

There’s been plenty of work done on the redesigned 2017 Audi Q7. Four different driving modes, adaptive air suspension, significant weight reduction, and laden with more tech than ever before, making the second-generation 3-row crossover a sophisticated and highly capable performer.

Underneath the hood is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that Audi claims will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Backing those numbers up are 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of twist that can respectfully get 19/25/21 city/highway/combined using premium gasoline. Power is transmitted through an 8-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission that channels power to Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

The brake-based torque system is complex, delivering power in varying degrees to the front, rear, right and left tires. The selectable driving modes — efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic — dutifully respond to the whims of any driver behind the wheel. The electric-powered steering delivers a nimble, responsive feel, which articulates the automaker’s focus on stiffness and lightness when carving up the curves.

2017 audi q7 quattro

Optional rear-wheel steering enhances stability at higher speeds by slightly turning the rear wheels in concert with the front wheels. At low speeds the system turns the rear wheels counter to the direction of the front wheels, thereby reducing the turning circle when parking or executing a quick U-turn on a city street.

From the driver’s seat, the Q7’s hood is pleasingly low, its ergonomics admirable, and boasts an interior that is upscale and handsome without being fussy.

Thanks to the traffic jam and active lane assist features, the 2017 Q7 can almost drive itself at speeds up to 37 mph. Basically, It adjusts speed and distance relative to the car ahead and keeps the car centered in its lane without the driver having to steer when adaptive cruise control is engaged. The driver must keep their hands on the steering wheel or it sounds a warning when you remove your hands from the wheel for too long.

Other assisted driving features include those common to luxury vehicles such as imminent front collision warnings of pedestrians and vehicles with automatic braking, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.

Audi’s MMI infotainment system rises to a new level. In addition to the retractable 7-inch TFT display (8.3-inch optional) that is placed front and center on the dashboard, there is a large 12.3 LCD color display in front of the driver. The driver information screen is the same one found in the new TT and has a fully configurable “virtual cockpit” display that functions in a similar fashion as the sports coupe or roadster. The LCD cluster can show the SUV’s instrument readings, navigation instructions, and infotainment content on a number of viewing screens that can be moved about.

Audi was an early adopter of using Google Earth mapping in vehicles, and even though it’s nothing new, seeing the photorealistic maps, especially when spread across the 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster, still makes all other navigation maps look antiquated. The navigation system also has an exclusive predictive efficiency assist feature that uses navigation data to anticipate speed limits, inclines, and curves ahead. This allows the Q7 to automatically adjust its speed for optimal fuel efficiency when adaptive cruise control is engaged, or provide appropriate instructions to the driver via the instrument panel when adaptive cruise is off.

Front seat passengers get to enjoy plenty of room in an attractive cabin. Middle row is comfortable and offers 38.8 inches of legroom. However, the Q7’s third row is hard to get in and out, and provides less than 30 inches of legroom.

Other luxury crossovers with three rows of seats — six, seven or eight seats, if you’re counting — include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Infiniti QX60, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Mercedes GL.


Title of the video may say “2016” but it’s really the 2017 model year for the Q7. The second generation Audi Q7 officially debuted in Detroit with much less weight and a gaggle of high tech. Check it out as Emme finds out Almost Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the all-new 2017 Audi Q7.

2017 AUDI Q7 quattro SPECS
MSRP $54,800
Price as tested $72,875
Engine 3.0L TFSI supercharged V6
Power (hp) 333 @ 5,500 – 6,500 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 325 @ 2,900 – 5,300 rpm
Transmission 8-speed Tiptronic®
Drivetrain layout front engine / all-wheel-drive
Curb weight 4,938 lbs.
EPA-estimated fuel economy mpg 19 / 25 / 21 (city/highway/combined)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 5.7 seconds
Top track speed 130 mph

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