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2012 Audi Q7

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Audi Q7

Overview

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2012 Audi Q7 Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

KBB Expert Rating: 8.2

The Audi Q7 received some very welcome engine upgrades for the 2011 model year – the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 gasoline engine remains well-received and the 3.0-liter V6 TDI turbodiesel delivers both ample torque and welcome fuel economy – and those two terrific engines continue for the 2012 Audi Q7. As part of the VW group's trinity of high-end SUVs (along with the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne), the Q7 is built to exacting performance and efficiency standards, and new standard-equipment additions and options packages give the consumer a better range of vehicles from which to choose – ensuring the 2012 Audi Q7's place in the lineup of one of the fastest-growing badges in the U.S.

You'll Like This Car If...

Fans of the Audi aesthetic will find much to like in the Q7. The three-row seating and quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) give drivers everything they need for reassurance in family daily driving. The commendable EPA numbers of both the gasoline V6 and the available TDI turbodiesel don't hurt either.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Q7 is a big SUV, and some may find its bulk to be a deal-breaker, especially in the face of smaller, capable SUV competition (including Audi's own Q5) not to mention the re-emergence of the station wagon.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.2
Driving Dynamics

8.2
Comfort & Convenience

8.2
Design: Interior & Exterior

8.0
Value

7.8
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#21

out of 46

MPG

#44

out of 47

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

8.7 out of 10

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consumer ratings

What's New for 2012

The base 3.0T gasoline engine gains an extra eight horsepower, bringing the non-S-Line-Package-equipped models to a total of 280 horsepower.

Driving the Q7

Driving Impressions The 2012 Q7 has a performance-minded rear bias in its all-wheel drive (40:60 front-to-rear), but there's no escaping the effect of its size on handling crispness. Steering is responsive and...

the body feels inspiringly solid, but the sheer bulk of the Q7, along with its height, conspires to rob some nimbleness from what, in fairness, is a big car. As it is, the 2012 Q7 displays ride quality and feedback that many will find lacking in American SUVs, and the interior sets it even further apart. The adaptive air suspension is listed as optional, but it's a worthwhile choice.

Favorite Features

S-Line Package
With two-and-a-half tons to move, you might regret not taking the upgraded 333 horsepower of the S-Line. Not only does the S-Line Package give the 2012 Q7 more urgency, but in concert with the quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) it makes for a better year-round vehicle.

3.0 TDI Diesel
The diesel engine is carving a niche in the American market at last, and Audi's TDI deserves a lot of the credit for that. In the 2012 Q7 the turbodiesel engine won't break any speed records, but it moves the big SUV around admirably while returning surprisingly good mpg in the face of the Q7's daunting curb weight.

2012 Audi Q7 Details

2012 Audi Q7 Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior is where the 2012 Audi Q7 earns its keep. The leather is supple and elegant, and the Dark Brown Walnut wood trim is a fantastic touch. The power front seats hold the driver just so, and the second and third rows provide ample room. Speaking of room, with those back two rows folded flat there is 72 cubic feet of cargo space inside the Q7. The seating combinations (28!) are more than you'll likely ever need but demonstrate Audi's ability to coax the most out of a platform. But the biggest impression of the interior is of the overall beautiful and meticulous appearance of every detail.

Exterior

The 2012 Audi Q7 makes quite a statement visually. There's no denying its heritage, with the raked windshield and subtly-aggressive stance. The Q7 is all Audi, to be sure, but updated body styling on its sibling Touareg and Cayenne models is making the Q7 look a bit old. The S-Line Package's trim additions help, but some might feel the Q7 could benefit from some redesign. What is impeccable about the exterior, though, is the level of fit and finish and overall excellent assembly quality.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Another point for the 2012 Audi Q7 is how well equipped it is as standard. The base 3.0T and TDI turbodiesel models feature rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Audi Multimedia Interface and a power liftgate. The 2012 Q7 Premium Plus gets additional chrome pieces, a rearview camera, navigation system (now standard with Audi Connect), and Bose Surround Sound system. The TDI Prestige package comes with 20-inch wheels and Audi's Warm Weather package. Across the line, quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD), electronic stability control with roll-over mitigation, and the full litany of airbags, including side-curtain airbags that protect across all three rows, are present. Gas/diesel fence-sitters take note: The TDI standard equipment level is a notch above that of an equivalent 3.0T V6's.

Optional Equipment

The most notable option for your conventional gas-powered 2012 Audi Q7 is the S-Line package. Improving the feel and responsiveness of the 5,400-pound Q7, the S-Line Package coaxes 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque out of the Q7's V6 and includes the Warm Weather Package with four-zone climate control. The Multimedia Navigation unit is available as on option on Premium models. Adaptive air suspension is also available, and will go a long way toward improving your Q7's performance on or off-road.

Under the Hood

The base 2012 Audi Q7 is powered by a 3.0-liter gasoline V6 that delivers 280 horsepower, while the S-Line version gives 333 horsepower. The 3.0-liter TDI turbodiesel has 225 horsepower, but with 406 lb-ft of torque, it's quite the powerplant. Highway mpg for the Q7, depending upon model, ranges from 22-25, helped by the standard Triptronic 8-speed transmission found in all models.

3.0-liter V6 Supercharged
280 horsepower @ 4,920 rpm
295 lb-ft torque @ 2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22

3.0-liter V6 Supercharged
333 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
325 lb-ft torque @ 2,900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22

3.0-liter Turbodiesel
225 horsepower @ 3,750 rpm
406 lb-ft torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

Pricing Notes

As is the German way, your choice of options can dramatically affect how much your 2012 Audi Q7 costs. Models range from an MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of over $46,000 for the 3.0T Premium to around $64,000 for the TDI Prestige. Adding more options can send high-end 2012 Q7s easily into the $70,000 range and higher. Be sure to check KBB's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2012 Audi Q7. The initial cost can seem a bit daunting in the face of competition from BMW's X5, the Porsche Cayenne and the less-expensive Acura MDX, but Audi's growing appeal to American buyers is helping to increase resale values.

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2012 Audi Q7 Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.7

Out of 10

Based on 91 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

8.8/10

Performance

9.0/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.2/10

A Lifestyle Vehicle

By Raul (FL) on Saturday, February 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 28,377

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Tasteful, safe, lifestyle vehicle"

Cons: "Repair cost are high without warranty"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"I selected the Audi Q7 TDI due to lifestyle changes. I live in Tampa, FL and work in Jacksonville, FL and commute between the two cities on the weekends. So on any given week I clock close to 600 miles. It's also a vehicle which looks good when driving up to the valet attendant at any upscale hotel. Soccer moms that like to drive with girlfriends for lunch at a local outdoor bistro when the kids are at school will be very pleased with this vehicle. I traded in my 2012 Audi Q5 3.2L Premium S Line for the 2010 Q7 TDI. The Q5 although had very good performance but limited cargo and not very comfortable for larger persons. Sitting 3 teenagers in the back also proved to be somewhat cramped. My primary criteria for the purchase of any vehicle is its safety rating. The Audi Q7 has an outstanding safety rating. As it pertains to my lifestyle I required more cargo room, driving comfort for larger individuals, comfort for longer distances, and the ability to tow at least two large Harley Davidson motorcycles or a boat. Some other considerations were having a vehicle that I could use for camping or to drive onto sand on any Florida beach. The Audi Q7 TDI met all of my requirements. In my opinion, the Porche Cayenne and the Mercedes BlueTech SUV were too "pretty" for someone with an outdoor lifstyle. The X5 Diesel was also considered but the MPG were not as good and with a slightly higher price tag. My very first weekend of ownership I drove from Jacksonville, FL to South Florida via I-95 and back up the West Coast via I-75, thru Alligator Alley, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Ocala. I choosed to travel via the Ocala country roads to get a feel for handling the small hills and curvy roads which led me back to Jacksonville, FL. That was about a 1200 mile weekend getaway. The entire trip was very pleasant and the handling was very good. Yes, it a bigger vehicle and one should not compare this vehicle with your previous sedan, an older model SUV of a different make, or a sports car. It's not a vehichle to break the sound barrier but a vehicle to enjoy. Consider the TDI (Diesel) model since the fuel is no more expensive, and many times less expensive, than 93 Octane. I'm 45 years old and have owned Porche, BMW and various Audi models. My take for anyone that is trying to make a decision on any car is too choose based on your actual lifestyle and budget. All cars do well with proper maintenance. So drive what you like and if you wish to own a luxury brand and your budget does not allow for it then consider buying Certified Pre-Owned for greater warranty. Certified Pre-Owned vehicles offer great value and will certainly make your financial advisor or your significant other happier knowing that you have made a sound decison. Good luck on your selection. - Raul"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Fantastic Buy for 2013

By Q7 Fan (CA) on Friday, January 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 120

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Totally worth the price."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This luxury SUV is not only beautiful inside and out, it handles incredibly well, has great power and is doesn't feel like you are driving a bus. The technology in the SUV is state of the art with cameras, voice navigation,heated steering and seats and a bunch of other gadgets. The panarama sunroof is wonderful."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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