The second generation of the Q7 line is wholly redesigned to merge the best of German machinery with the typical American family necessities. The sporty look of the Audi Q7 conceals its actual size. While previous iterations were monstrous in size, this generation of the Q7 is a bit svelte in its appearances, without sacrificing its interior space. With the Q7, Audi latches on the midsize luxury crossover market segment in the US, being family friendly while still managing to look sporty.
Driving Experience
The 2019 model is more demanding and “road hungry.” Do not be fooled by the sporty looks, though; the automobile also possesses excellent drive dynamics, nimble control, and a respectable powertrain. If powered by the available 3.0 V6 TFSI engine, the Q7 churns out slightly over 330 horsepower and around 325-pounds-feet of torque, giving it much more power than previous model years. The three-row seats, eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard hallmarks that many have come to know and love about the Audi bloodline. The vehicle’s engine is EPA rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Getting all these in one package is welcoming for any SUV owner. The Q7 goes an extra mile by offering a smooth ride due to its air suspension available. Those who love peace will appreciate the experience. Unlike many SUV’s, the driver has visibility access to the rear. The Q7 emerges to be an admirable SUV for families as it is objectively careful on the parking lot and relatively silent on the highway. This is mostly due to the lower center of gravity and hushed engine tucked under the hood.
Impressive Interior
While the driving experience matters a lot when selecting the perfect automobile, the inside matters just as much. The elegance on the outside and the engine extends to the inside where good material and quality design are the order of the day. Up front, the virtual cockpit is laid out logically with a decent interface. The second row is equally comfortable, offering support for outboard positions. Mostly for teenagers and children, the third row has a short leg space. This can be rectified, however, by adjustable rows. Although there are no qualms over the interior space, the limited cargo space in the Q7 can be a bummer. Other SUV’s in this range typically offer more cargo space in comparison. The Q7 offers a space slightly shy of 15 cubic feet.
Superior Technology
Technology-wise, the Audi Q7 is equipped with everything a consumers could want at this price point, except for self-pilot capabilities. The Q7’s virtual cockpit display screen has received much praise for its clarity as well as its functionality. The cockpit is also fitted with satellite radio, navigation assistance, and all other embedded technologies that one would get from a regular SUV.
From the driver perspective, the MMI controller sits on the right. This makes it easily accessible by the right hand. The knob and a touch screen input allow the driver to navigate through a bunch of entertainment as well as information functions. A touch pad is also included to enter commands as an input medium. The company even boasts of a “virtual cockpit,” right behind the steering wheel. Basically, there is now a virtual display about a foot in length in front of the driver, which can make for easier navigation, among other features. These controls might be cumbersome for a new Audi driver. But for pre-owned drivers, the functions are more than welcomed.
But that’s not all the 2019 model has to offer. The Q7 has some nifty additions in traffic sign recognition cameras, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and departure intervention. HD screens for games, music, and movie consumption are also desirable features.
Final Word
All in all, the Audi Q7 has all the bells and whistles of a modern SUV, although it falls short on cargo space. This takes nothing away from the beast, though. This SUV is simply an excellent luxury crossover that punches above its weight in drive experience and carriage capacity. With a price tag starting at $49,000, the 2018 Q7 is not exactly cheap but worth every penny spent.
2019 Hype
While not yet released, Audi will offer a 2019 year model of the Q7. Not much information is out right now, unfortunately. As of now, it looks as if Audi will not drastically alter the Q7; again, however, not much information is available. It is speculated to have roughly the same fuel efficiency as the 2018 model year: 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in the highway. The price will be bumped up a bit too, with it starting at approximately $53,550 for the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This bumps up to almost $60,000 for the 3.0L V6 option.
