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2010 Audi Q7 Overview

Audi admits it came late to the sport utility game, but, nevertheless, the 2010 Q7 Quattro is a victory of elegance, technology, quality and performance. The Premium Plus version wraps about seven passengers in safety and classy comfort, offering original features to help you park without problems, drive easily and enjoy a versatile lifestyle. With all the hallmarks of Audi's legacy, the Q7 does not disappoint, and interior conveniences and handling compare with any luxury sedan. Finally, the Quattro AWD system provides exceptional slick-surface traction and security.

You'll Like This SUV If...

If you want seating for seven but dread the thought of trying to park a full-size SUV, you'll love the Q7. The Q7 's available rear view camera guides you into place with an onscreen vision. Hauling people? Try the 28 different seating configurations. Cargo? Maximum trunk capacity is a mammoth 72 cubic feet.

You May Not Like This SUV If...

You may not like the Q7 if adults have to use the third row. They could have difficulty squeezing in and out, but kids and most packages fit easily. Speed demons may find the gasoline V6 version a bit underpowered.

What's New for 2010

The quite new Q7 SUV gets a mid-cycle refresh for 2010. The base 3.6 trim gains more ordinary content, including a trip computer, telescoping front sun visors, the Premium audio system, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Driving Impressions

The heft and solid feel of the 2010 Audi Q7 tooling along at highway speeds delivers a sense of stability and sure-footedness. The cruise control is easy to use and the adaptive air suspension's three settings - Automatic, Dynamic for active driving, and Comfort - cover every possible preference or requirement. In the off-road mode, the 8.1 inches of ground clearance works fine over deep ruts and rocks, although cruel washboard trails can generate some predictable harshness. Then, back on-road, the suspension system automatically lowers the Q7 for higher-speed stability. While the Q7 is a fairly heavy SUV and has a less-than-tight turning circle, the navigation is precise and road noise is minimal. The car seats are high, wide and supportive, the airy sunroof lets in lots of light and, with every feature and function at your fingertips, driving the Q7 compares very well to the top players in its field.

Favorite Features

Parking System
This system includes an audio alert and rearview camera assist in parking. A view of the rear bumper, with color-keyed assistance, appears on the monitor as the Q7 is backed into a parking space. Blue areas show if the space is large enough; orange lines guide the driver for parallel or angle parking.

Adaptive Cruise Control
This system controls speed and following distance in traffic. The driver chooses his driving style, which automatically determines the following space to the vehicle in front.

Interior

The interior, like all Audis, is second to none. The Audi Q7 2010 is trimmed with luxury woods, aluminum inlays and stitched leather everywhere, including the heatable steering wheel. The cockpit is based on the A6 and every ergonomically-designed button, knob and switch is within easy reach, whether on the steering wheel, the dash or next to the shift lever on the center console. There are ten cupholders, a cooled glovebox, the driver's seat and steering column are both height-adjustable and both front seats have lumbar support. The middle seat in the second-row bench flips down to form a mini-table, and single-pull levers allow folding the seats flat. As would be expected, there is a full complement of frontal and side airbags. The cargo compartment includes tie-downs, cargo nets, a retractable cover, partitions, telescoping racks, a ski sack and a protective liner.

Exterior

The 2010 Audi Q7's exterior is sporty sleek, and striking, with high beltline, bold rectangular grille, narrow side windows and a coupe-like roofline capped by a holder. The front hang over is reasonably short and in perfect proportion to the intention of the sporty design. A long wheelbase provides the Q7 with a self-possessed elegance. Headlamps, door handles and arched fenders blend into a seamless, graceful element. Sporty styling keeps this large SUV from the behemoth category and sets it apart as a well-appointed vehicle, for either the Ritz or river-side camping. The raked windshield, a small rear roof spoiler that houses the third rear light and a three-panel sunroof, complete with shade, are well-integrated. A twist 45.7-inch wide tailgate lifts on hydraulic pistons and can be programmed to rise to the height of your choice. Heatable, fold-flat sideview mirrors are very big, their settings are saved in memory.

Notable Standard Equipment

The Q7 3.6 features Premium Sound audio, Quattro AWD, side mirrors with LED turn signals, xenon headlamps, 12-way adjustable power front seats in leather, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium Plus adds heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation with ultrasonic rear park assist and rear parking camera, power folding side mirrors, and Bose Surround Sound audio. Standard safety equipment includes electronic traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, and front side and side-curtain airbags.

Notable Optional Equipment

A worthwhile extra is the adaptive air suspension system with variable ride height and roll stabilization. Also available are rear side-impact airbags and an adaptive cruise control that controls following distance in traffic and speed. Audi's side assist uses radar to detect other cars approaching along the sides and monitors blind spots during lane changes. A towing package increases trailering capacity from 5,500 to 6,600 pounds, and 20-inch alloy wheels with high performance tires are available for the Prestige, Premium Plus and 4.2 models.

Under the Hood

Audi's Q7 has the latest power train innovations: Fuel Straight Injection (FSI) that contributes to spontaneous response and enhanced power, the Quattro AWD system, a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission and a Dynamic Shift Program that adjusts gear changes to road conditions and your driving style. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended, but the 2010 Audi Q7 can run on regular unleaded, although doing so results in a 5% power loss.

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20

4.2-liter V8
350 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18

Pricing Notes

The MSRP on the 2010 Audi Q7 runs from around $47,000 for the 3.6 to about $51,000 for the nicely-equipped 3.6 Premium. The V8-powered 4.2 Premium starts around $61,000 and, when fully loaded, tops out at over $75,000. The resale value of the 2010 Audi Q7 is on par with such similarly-equipped competitors as the Lexus GX 470, and BMW X5, and higher than the Cadillac SRX. Competing top-of-the-line SUVs with V8 engines include Volvo XC90 (in the low-$50,000 range), BMW's X5 4.8is (priced in the low-$70,000 range), the Mercedes-Benz GL450 (in the mid-$55,000 range).

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