2007 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award: Testing
Nothing Wrong With Being Fast, Sexy, And Clever
By Matt Stone
Audi is one of the last automakers to jump into the sport/utility pool, but it did so with a splash. And it's thrown water on many onlookers in the process. The judges' notebooks were filled with superlatives for this one. "Wow! A completely different mode of surface transportation," according to Markus. "A marvel of overengineering and technology," says Lassa. Chirico summarizes: "Dynamically, the best of this year's field. Function and sport, dressed in an attractive European suit."
The Q7 shares its basic platform architecture with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, but is stretched to allow room for the ever more important third-row seat. Not everyone loves the exterior styling, but the interior is a typical Audi combination of high-quality materials, handsome design, a class-competitive safety package, and high creature-feature content. Audi's MMI controller system and screen seem easier to learn and use than others like BMW's. The adjustable suspension raises or lowers the ride height depending on the need and conditions. Third-row seat room isn't as good as it is in the GL450 or the GM sport/utilities, but it's handy to have for short trips and large enough for preteens. In terms of acceleration, braking, and handling tests, the Z7 ran away and hid from the rest of the field, large or small. The SUV version of Audi's 4.2-liter V-8 is a stormer, no doubt aided by the close ratios of the new six-speed automatic transmission, although the latter's shift phasing doesn't always seem in communication with the engine. There are other powertrains to consider as well. A less costly V-6 is on its way. Soon after will come a hybrid powertrain--which will likely make the Q7 the first three-row seat SUV to offer one--and possibly a turbodiesel. It's a handsome, luxurious--musclecar-like--sport/utility that was worth the wait.
| 2007 Audi Q7 |
| Base price range | $40,620-$50,620 |
| Price As Tested | $63,770 (4.2 quattro) |
| Vehicle Layout | Front engine, AWD, 6-7-pass, 4-door SUV |
| Engine | 4.2L/350-hp/325-lb-ft DOHC 32-valve V-8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Curb weight (f/r dist) | 5394 lb (51/49%) |
| Wheelbase | 118.2 in |
| Length X Width X Height | 200.2 x 78.1 x 68.4 in |
| Max Cargo Capacity | 72.5 cu ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 6600 lb |
| 0-60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Quarter Mile | 15.6 sec @ 90.2 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 118 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.84 g (avg) |
| 600-Foot Slalom | 62.1 mph (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 27.3 sec @ 0.62 g (avg) |
| EPA city/hwy fuel econ | 14/19 mpg |
| Bet you didn't know | Two 24 GHz radar sensors monitor rear blind spots and light LEDs in the mirror housing when danger lurks there. |
| Sum Up | minor shortcomings--but still a marvel of engineering and technology. |
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