2017 Audi Q7

7/21/2016

The Q7 is more serious than an expensive suit.

After spending some quality time with the new Q7, the overall impression is high quality inside and out. The technology and safety package led the way with excellent implementation of MMI/HCI and a highly polished driver assistance package. Ride quality was impressive despite this tester not having adaptive suspension. All pavement types were a non-issue as damping was on point, thanks mostly to the suspension layout. Aggressive driving was equally satisfying as the Q7 hid the weight of the platform making it entertaining to drive.

Transmission, Motor and Interior

The transmission was smooth, however not the best from a performance perspective as it was not responsive to downshifts and did not rev match. The shifter mechanism was our least favorite as it uses the now targeted digi-shift pattern with no detents or mechanical feel. The "video game" shifter does not stay in a gate and always springs back to a neutral position. The problem is human condition, as vehicles for the past 60+ years have had a mechanical gate that has worked extremely well.

The motor is so absurdly smooth that it's almost alarming. The vibration and harshness has been stripped which leads to one of the smoothest sounding in the class. MPG was also good on highway averaging over 25MPG but in the city is suffered leaving our combined at 21.5, although not bad for the size of vehicle.

The Interior was the best aspect of the Q7 namely at night, the attention to detail is extremely high, but the Korean competition is starting imitate many of the features in the Audi. This was notable in the upper dash, trim pieces and center stack. Overall the interior space when fully option is just pure comfort to be in.

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PROS:

Interior
Interior Illunination
Comfort and low NVH
Smooth Motor
Safety and Tech Top Notch
Refinement

Cons:

Shifter (Lacks Mechanical Feel)
Sedate Styling
Transmission favors smoothness over performance
Bose System, a bit average
Upper dash plastics and lower door plastics look below price point
Steep learning curve for MMI and Safety Settings

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