#71 Audi Q7 – Stunning and stylish

One of the most attractive luxury crossover SUVs available on the market is the Audi Q7. The Audi Q7 comes with all the quality and understated opulence buyers have come to expect from a respected German marquee. The Q7's bloodlines are evident in its incredibly posh interior. Craftsmanship is first-rate throughout, and the big SUV is decked out with a wide array of sophisticated luxury and safety features. The Q7 is the large Audi for sporty individualists, for people who are seeking a vehicle that will take them anywhere they want to go for sports, recreation, and business. Its dynamic proportions and distinctive lines express this character, and subtle modifications endow its styling with even more elegance.

Audi Q7

Design

At the front end, the large single-frame radiator grille has been redesigned. Vertical chrome bars contrast with its black high-gloss finish. The bumpers too have been restyled. Their lower section is now painted in a contrasting black or gray, depending on the body colour. The newly integrated under body protection in the centre section of the bumper has a distinctive ribbed design. As alternatives to the standard halogen headlights, Audi offers powerful Xenon headlamps with a new adaptive-light system that integrates not only low-beam, high-beam but also turning and cornering lights. Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs), assembled to form U-shaped bands, act as the daytime running lights.

Aggressive front look 

The front blinkers are also composed of LEDs as straight-line arrays, located at the upper edge of the air intakes. The side view too (with its coupe-like roofline, low window area and tautly curved body surfaces) reinforces the dynamic look of the Audi Q7. Door mouldings have been modified to add interest. At the rear end, the bumper has also been given two-tone paintwork; the tailgate, which includes a portion of the rear pillars in an S-shaped contour, has been given a distinctively 3D shape in the vicinity of the license plate bracket. To reduce the weight of the Audi Q7, the tailgate has been made of aluminium, as have the engine hood and the fenders. Standard LEDs in the tail lights create a distinctive lighting pattern.

Distinct proportions 

Performance

The Audi Q7 engine line up comprises five engines with six cylinders and one eight-cylinder unit. The two three-litre gasoline engines – supercharged V6 units with different power ratings – and the three V6 TDI units are characterized by groundbreaking efficiency. The V8 diesel offers an impressive 800 Nm of torque. The Audi Q7 line-up consists of a 3.0 TFSI Quattro with 200 kW (272 hp), a 3.0 TFSI Quattro with 245 kW (333 hp), a 3.0 TDI Quattro with 150 kW (204 hp), a 3.0 TDI Quattro with 180 kW (245 hp), a 3.0 TDI clean diesel Quattro with 180 kW (245 hp) and a 4.2 TDI Quattro with 250 kW (340 hp). All of the engines in the various Audi Q7’s deliver their power to the Quattro permanent all-wheel drive via an eight-speed tiptronic.

Cockpit 

Interior

The Audi Q7 sets standards for interior flexibility. As a standard feature, the seat backs in the second row can be folded down to provide a level cargo floor. This increases load capacity from 775 litres to 2,035 litres in volume. Operation of the controls is simple and logical, and the clearly marked instruments are easy to read. For the driver and front passenger there is a choice of three seat versions: standard seats, electrically adjustable sport seats and luxury seats that can be both heated and ventilated. The ambient lighting provides subtle highlights, and many of the control elements have fine chrome trim. The workmanship is typical of Audi - quality with no compromises. The choice of colours and materials emphasizes the distinguished character of the interior of the Q7.

Rear look 

Verdict

The Audi Q7 full complement of features contributes to its stunning looks, performance, and reliability. The large cargo space and third-row seat room make it an ideal SUV for hauling a large family around. If you're in the market for a practical and spacious luxury crossover, the Audi Q7 deserves a place on your list. An all-new model is expected to debut early next.