2017 Audi Q7 - Review

A completely new, second-generation version of Audi's large Q7 luxury crossover is expected to arrive in early 2016 as a 2017 model — but we've gone for an early preview drive in Europe.

The first, outgoing generation of the Q7 has been on sale in the U.S. since the 2007 model year (with a couple of facelifts during that period), although it hasn’t felt as in need of a redesign as some other models on the market. That’s because, in retrospect, the Q7 was a true trendsetter, eschewing all the rugged, truck-influenced cues in favor of a look that’s always looked far more like a tall sport-wagon than a traditional SUV.

While many of its crossover peers have been playing catch-up, the 2017 Audi Q7 appears to take on a look that’s even more sport-wagon-influenced than before. It’s a familiar look and profile, but with a somewhat more chiseled look to the details, a more prominent beltline, and a roofline that looks ‘canted back.’ Up front, it gets a brighter take on the single-frame grille, with thick crossbars and a little more sculpting; it connects directly into the headlights. which now have either xenon HID, LED, or matrix LED lighting technology, and the DRLs are arrow-shaped.

Inside, the Q7 takes on a horizontally oriented instrument-panel theme, contrasted with a cockpit-like layer of controls just ahead of the driver. The shift knob and center console have been cleaned up yet finely detailed, with the MMI Touch pad and controller now has haptic feedback and is located just ahead, in an even better location than before. The Q7 will remain available with third-row seating, and passenger space should post improvements for those in the second and third rows.

Expect performance to be much-improved, as the Q7 has lost more than 700 pounds versus the outgoing model, thanks to a new multi-material design that uses more ultra-high-strength steel, as well as aluminum castings—and aluminum, exclusively for the front fenders, doors, hood, and hatch. In all, it now has a curb weight of around 4,400 pounds. It’s also 26 percent more efficient than the current Q7, according to Audi.

The Q7 will launch with two powertrains: a 3.0 TFSI supercharged gasoline V-6, rated at 333 hp, or a 3.0 TDI turbodiesel V-6, making 272 hp. A short time later there will also be a Q7 e-tron quattro model, packing Audi’s first plug-in hybrid powertrain with a diesel engine. It can go more than 30 miles on a full charge of its battery, while it has an output of 373 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque altogether—capable of cranking out 0-60 mph times of under six seconds and a top speed of nearly 140 mph.

Each of those powertrains incorporates an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual control, and there’s a driving dynamics system that now works with the optional adaptive air suspension for up to seven drive programs, including allroad and lift/allroad modes. Underneath, the Q7 now has five-link front and rear suspension designs, replacing the previous double-widhbone setups; at least on European models, all-wheel steering will be offered for the first time. Handling should be much-improved across the model line, however, as the center of mass has been lowered by a very significant two inches.

Quattro all-wheel drive will be offered throughout the model line again, but it’s a lighter system—in weight, not ability—with a new mechanical center differential that operates with torque-vectoring through the stability control system. The system normally sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels, but it can send up to 70 percent to the front or up to 85 percent to the rear. The Q7 doesn’t give up any of its rough-road ability, and it might even gain some trail prowess in this redesigned version. In the latter you can access up to 9.3 inches of ground clearance (raised 2.4 inches) and more wheel articulation. An available display will show pitch and roll angles, and hill descent control is an included aid. Meanwhile that suspension can lower the body by as much as 1.2 inches from normal at highway speeds.

The 2017 Audi Q7 is slightly shorter (1.5 inches) and narrower (0.6 inches) than its predecessor, but Audi says that the cabin itself is longer and there’s more headroom. It’s fitted an array of ‘premium acoustic insulation’ to keep the Q7’s reputation for quietness and a refined ride. Its low coefficient of drag of 0.32 was achieved through new underbody aerodynamic panels, as well as an underbody spoiler around the rear axle. Mirrors are now also mounted on the shoulder line.

Features haven’t yet been outlined and are likely going to be quite different for the U.S. than in European versions. But Audi does say that the Q7 will use a next-generation T30 NVIDIA graphics processor for its infotainment, as well as a central seven-inch MMI screen that rises up from the instrument panel. There’s enhanced, natural voice control for infotainment functions as well, plus the potential for third-party apps, and integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. New driver-assistance systems include cross-traffic assist, full stop-and-go for the adaptive cruise control, an exit warning system, and a trailer assistant. A head-up display is also available, as well as a 1,920-watt, 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. In back you can opt for up to two Audi tablets with 10.1-inch screens, allowing those in back to have access to media, navigation, and some vehicle functions.

For more information on interiors and exteriors, please visit:

http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/audi_q7_2017#mainReview

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