German Engineering, its what every car should have. Quality craftsmanship and top of the line products are just some of the things featured in a Audi automobile. Combine a 3.0 litre turbo charged motor, 7 passenger seating, up to a 6,600 pound towing capacity, and the S line styling package, this is a family vehicle that will make even the most scrupulous person happy. With the Best Total Cost Of Ownership In It’s Class per KBB, Audi has hit a home run with this Luxury SUV. Keep reading to see my thoughts on it.
EXTERIOR:
The Audi Q7 S line has a very curvaceous look to it. From the rounded nose of the car all the way back to the rear bumper the body lines just flow through the whole vehicle. On the front, the large chrome accented Audi grill and aggressive stance make for a very attractive looking car. There is very minimal badging on this vehicle so as to not take away from the looks of the vehicle.
The exterior is full of LED lighting. The rear break lights, turn signals on the front and rear, turn signals in the mirror, and the driving lights are all LED. This not only adds to the stylish look of the Q7, but also makes it more electronically efficient. There are heated washer nozzles to make sure that you can keep your windows clean, even in the winter.
The rear tailgate of the Q7 is a powered tailgate with programmable opening height. This enables you to set the height so you don’t have to worry about it opening too far if your are of a shorter stature.
The wheels of the Q7 S line are 20 inch 5 spoke Rims. These are wrapped in 275/45/20 all season tires. This is standard on the S line package.
The roof of the Q7 S line is lined with a panoramic sun roof. The sunroof is dark tinted and has a retractable sun shield. The front pane of glass on the sun roof operates as a vent and also retracts. The rear pane operates as a vent. The sunroof is activated by a rotary knob that has multiple axis movement for multiple options of both openings.(see above pic)
INTERIOR:
The interior of the Q7 is filled with amenities that one would expect to see in high end luxury cars. The seats are wrapped in leather and the drivers seat is heated and cooled. The center on the bottom and back of the seat has vent holes for the cooling system. This provides you with circulating air to keep you cool on the hottest of days. There are 3 rows of seats in the Q7 The 3rd row folds flat to add storage room in the rear. There is a retractable cargo cover in the rear also. There is a decent amount of leg room ( 37.1 in) in the second row. The third row in cramped with only 29.2 inches of leg room.
The drivers side seat also has 2 memory slots to remember you exact position when you get into the car. This is accomplished by one of two ways. First is the addition of two buttons underneath the door handle. Each of these is for two people to program their settings. The other is via the Key fob used for the car. when you enter the car and start it, the seat automatically adjusts to the setting provided by the key holder.
The Q7 also has a a state of art infotainment system. The system in the Q7 gives you directions, Am/FM/CD/ Sirius XM, and includes 2 SD card slots. On top of that, the Q7 has a Wi-Fi hot spot capable of up to 8 devices. This feature is a industry-first for factory vehicle integration of Wi-Fi service. Via bluetooth you can pair your phone, and if your phone has the option, sync your contacts to the Q7 infotainment system. This gives you the option to voice dial contacts, and also see who is calling you and answer hands free.
The navigation feature of the Q7 gives youon screen maps to get you to where you are going. The GPS navigation function is the same as any other GPS unit you are used to. There is the on screen map and verbal directions. You have a option to see what cronstruction is in the areaon a seperate screen.
The infotainment system contains all of the options for controlling some functions of your car. The first option you have is car, this allows you to change the ride height and ride comfort of the Q7. There are five different ride settings to choose from. The other options are for your phone, info, navigation, media, radio, and tone.
The Q7 has a backup camera with gradient lines to show you how far you are from the object you are backing up towards. The on screen guides curve the gradient when you turn the wheel to show you the direction you will be going. The camera turns on and off automatically when you put the car into reverse or take it out of reverse.
All of the infotainment options are controlled via buttons and knobs that are arranged around the center consol mounted gear shifter. The knobs and buttons are well placed and covienent to use. Even with the amount of buttons there, it was easy to learn where they were and us their functions without having to take my eyes off the road.
To help you keep your eyes forward and not looking at the infotainment screen, all of the main items that you may need to see are provided on the instrument cluster on a small screen between the speedometer and tach. This will give you your caller id, radio information, door ajar warnings, and temperature.
HVAC is dual zone for both front and rear seats. All four of the front occupants hav the ability to control temp, air speed, where the air is comming from, and on or off.
POWERTRAIN:
The Q7 S line comes with a super charged, DOHC, direct-injection 3.0 litre V6. This engine package is good for 333 horsepower. This combination will give you 16 MPG city and 22 MPG on the highway for a Combined Fuel Economy of 18MPG. This is on the low side of the slider for SUV’s but not the lowest available.
The transmission is a 8 speed automatic with Triptronis and Dynamic Shift Program. Also includes a additional sport program. The transmission automatically adapts to your driving style with over 200 shift point programs to match your needs. This transmission is very smooth and the shift points are pretty much unnoticeable except under very had acceleration. This transmission is mated to Audi’s latest generation quattro all wheel drive system. with dynamic torque distribution.
There is the option to add a trailer hitch and towing package to be able to tow up to 6,600 lbs.
Anti-lock breaks are standard as well as Electronic Stabilization Programs with roll-over protection. There is also Hydraulic Break Assist that gives you extra breaking power in emergency situations.
Front brakes are 8 piston and rear are 4 piston calipers.
Stopping is provided by 4 wheel disc breaks.
SAFETY:
The 2012 Audi Q7 S line comes with multiple safety features.
- Driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage air bags
- Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side thorax airbags
- Rear passanger (second row) side curtain air bags
- Front passenger occupant detection for air bag activation
- Sideguard head curtian airbag for all three rows
- 3 point safety belts
- Audible seat-belt reminder for driver and passenger
- LATCH system for mounting child restraint seats
- Integrated child locks and window locks
- Central locking system
- Pinch protection for all windows
- If a crash is detected, the Audi Q7 will automatically, Unlock all doors; turn the interior lights on; turn off the fuel pump and engine; turn you hazard lights on
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System TPMS
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The Audi Q7 S line defines what a German Engineered Sport SUV should be. The interior is spacious with plenty of room for a large family with luggage. All three rows of seats are lined with leather and comfortable enough for extended trips.
The controls for the infotainment system are withing easy reach, and the placement is easy enough to remember that after a few times behind the wheel, you can manouver through all the options with eas and never have to take your eyes off the road. The ability to pair your phone with the car and not only talk hands free, but also dial hands free and see who is calling from the instrument cluster is not only convenient, but also a great safety feature.
The addition of built in Wi-Fi for up to 8 devices is a great options to have when you have kids in the car that love spending time on their tablets or iPods and need Wi-Fi for internet. This not only keeps them occupied, but you sane during that long road trip.
The ride is one of the most comfortable I have every had. The ability to adjust the suspension on the go makes for a great ride no matter the conditions. The Audi adaptive air suspension is top of the line and something that should come in all vehicles.
Gas mileage is slightly below adverage for SUV’s, with a combined total of 18 MPG. Annual Estimated Fuel Cost is $3,294 USD. This is based off of 15,000 miles per year at $3.95 USD a gallon. The mileage while not bad is one of the down sides in a market where gas prices seem to keep going up
My overall thoughts are if you are in the market for a Sport SUV and have a extra $ 59,950.00 US base price (price as tested 64,925.00 US). You can’t go wrong with the German Engineered SUV that is guaranteed to not only get your family where you are going in style, but also bring your youthfulness back while you are behind the wheel.
