By KBB.com Editorial Staff
Now in its third year of production, the 2010 Audi Q7 quattro has proven a triumph of technology, elegance, performance and quality. The Premium Plus version wraps around seven passengers in classy comfort and safety, offering innovative features to help you park easily, drive smoothly and enjoy a versatile lifestyle. With all the hallmarks of Audi's heritage, the Q7 does not disappoint, and handling and interior amenities compare with any luxury sedan. Finally, the quattro all-wheel-drive system provides exceptional slick-surface traction and security.
If you require seating for seven but dread the thought of trying to park a full-size SUV, you'll love the Q7. The Q7 's available rearview camera guides you into place with an onscreen view. Hauling people? Try the 28 different seating configurations. Cargo? Maximum trunk capacity is a mammoth 72 cubic feet.
You may not like the Q7 if adults must use the third row. They could have trouble squeezing in and out, but children and most packages fit easily. Speed demons may find the gasoline V6 version a bit underpowered.
The Q7 receives a slight exterior freshening, with a new grille, lights, mirrors and lower panels. LED daytime running lamps are added to V8 models, while all trims receive LED tail lamps and turn signals. The Luxury Package gains ventilated front seats.
Driving Impressions The heft and solid feel of the 2010 Audi Q7 tooling along at highway speeds delivers a sense of sure-footedness and stability. The cruise control is easy to use and...
the adaptive air suspension's three choices – Dynamic for sporty driving, Automatic, and Comfort – cover every imaginable preference or requirement. In the off-road mode, the 8.1 inches of ground clearance works well over rocks and deep ruts, although severe washboard trails can generate some expected harshness. Then, back on-road, the suspension system automatically lowers the Q7 for higher-speed stability. While the Q7 is a fairly heavy vehicle and has a less-than-tight turning circle, the steering is precise and road noise is minimal. The seats are high, wide and supportive, the airy sunroof lets in lots of light and, with every function and feature at your fingertips, driving the Q7 compares very well to the top players in its field.Adaptive Cruise Control
This system controls speed and following distance in traffic. The driver chooses his driving mode, which automatically determines the following interval from the vehicle in front.
Parking System
This system consists of a rearview camera and audio alert to aid in parking. An image 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.
Interior
The interior, like all Audis, is second to none. The 2010 Audi Q7 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 sleek, striking and sporty, with a bold rectangular grille, high beltline, narrow side windows and a coupe-like roofline capped by a rack. The front overhang is comparatively short but in perfect proportion to the intent of the sporty design. A long wheelbase provides the Q7 with a self-possessed elegance. Headlamps, door handles and arched fenders fuse into a seamless, graceful unit. 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 wrap-around 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 massive, and settings are saved in memory.
The Q7 3.6 features Premium Sound audio, quattro all-wheel drive, side mirrors with LED turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, power and heated front seats in leather, power liftgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Premium Plus adds xenon headlamps with LED running lamps, panoramic sunroof, navigation with rear parking camera and ultrasonic rear park assist, Bose Surround Sound audio and power folding side mirrors. Standard safety equipment includes front side and side-curtain airbags, electronic traction and stability control and anti-lock brakes (ABS).
A worthwhile extra is the adaptive air suspension system with adjustable ride height and roll stabilization. Also available are rear side-impact airbags and an adaptive cruise control that controls speed and following distance in traffic. Audi's side assist utilizes radar to detect other vehicles approaching along the sides and monitors blind spots during lane changes. A towing package increases trailering capacity from 5,500 to 6,600 pounds, while the S-Line package adds a three-spoke leather steering wheel with shift paddles, aluminum inlays and 20-inch alloy wheels with high performance tires. Audiophiles with deep pockets will want to opt for the Bang & Olufsen audio system, which adds about $6,300 to the bottom line.
Audi's Q7 gasoline models have the latest powertrain innovations: Fuel Straight Injection (FSI) that contributes to spontaneous response and enhanced power, the quattro all-wheel-drive system, a six-speed Tiptronic transmission and a Dynamic Shift Program that adjusts gear changes to your driving style and road conditions. Premium unleaded fuel is recommended, but the 2010 Audi Q7 can operate on regular unleaded, although doing so results in a five-percent power loss. For those who seek better fuel economy there's the 3.0-liter TDI turbodiesel, which offers more pulling power than the V8 with better fuel economy than the V6.
3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/19
3.0-liter turbodiesel
225 horsepower @ 3750 rpm
406 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25
4.2-liter V8
350 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/18
Based on 86 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Audi Q7 models.
Review this carBy audi fan (UT) on Wednesday, April 04, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "room, fit and finish, sporty and unique, not a bmw"
Cons: "eats tires, 3.6 engine not overly impressive"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"lots of competition in this segment and our q7 was a bit more than comparable acura, volvo, etc. models but we have loved our q7. two years, 15k miles no problems. comfortable, handles great, safe and fun to drive. liked it so much traded for a 2012 tdi model. not for everyone as there is better 'value' out there but if you appreciated driving as more than just point a to b, great suv."
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By lovemyTDI (WA) on Friday, March 23, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 38,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Safe and quiet!"
Cons: "awkward cup holder location"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"Mom of four and have had my Q7 TDI for 3 yrs... FAR quieter interior than the gas version, as easy as a minivan to alter seat arrangements for passenger or hauling requirements, outstanding mileage (easily 28 on the freeway, and I speed), great on ice and snow (within reason). Great nav gets me to remote sports fields on time, although the voice recognition needs to listen up (or maybe its just me). Purchased on a whim on my way to sign for a X5, this car has not disappointed, and I had the extra $10K in my pocket. Love the diesel, but this is a heavy car so you will need to become accustomed to popping into Sport for some extra torque accelerating uphill, onto freeways, etc."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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