2007 Audi Q7 Review
The Q7 is a new full-size crossover SUV that can accommodate up to seven. Based on the Volkswagen Touareg, the Q7 is Audi’s first SUV. While most companies are backing away from the full-size SUV market, Audi is just breaking into it, with a model that is as elegant as it is bold.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Audi Q7 debuts in a time when a large SUVs are looking less and less attractive. Regardless, what it does, it does right. With its bold front fascia, excellent safety, and array of nifty features, the Q7 succeeds in carrying Audi refinement into an SUV. If you want a luxury vehicle with a lot of room, the Q7 is the way to go.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Q7 3.5 stars in overall mechanical quality and 3 stars in overall design quality. No significant issues have been recorded and no recalls have been issued. Expect above average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Q7 earned perfect five-star ratings in government crash tests. IIHS data is not available. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist, hill descent control, tire-pressure monitor, full side airbags, and stability control come standard. Audi’s Side Assist is optional, and warns the driver when another vehicle has entered his blind spot.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Large
+ Adjustable suspension available
+ Excellent build quality
Cons
– Poor fuel economy
– Mediocre value
– Awkward handling due to size
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Acura MDX features a CD changer, leather seats, and a moonroof at the same price, but lacks the Audi’s six-speed and DVD player. The BMW X3 costs $2,000 more but gets up to six more miles to the gallon. But the Q7 has a larger engine, standard automatic, DVD player, and more payload capacity. The Infiniti FX3 comes close, costing $600 less, and adding a CD changer and leather seats. However, the Q7 once again has a six-speed, DVD player, and more payload capacity.
What Others Are Saying:
“There are enough strong points to the Audi Q7 for it to be attractive to enough of those people for success, but industry trends and high fuel prices could pose problems for Audi.” – C|Net
“By SUV standards, the Q7 is quite elegant and wagon-like in its proportions. By Audi standards, however, it is disturbingly ornamental and quite conservative in its engineering.” – Automobile Magazine
“Slowing truck sales don’t bode well for the late-arriving Q7. Larger than most of its competitors, it has solid performance but isn’t the most athletic SUV.” – Forbes
Read more about the 2007 Audi Q7 at the Audi manufacturer web site.