Used 2018 Audi Q7

The 2018 Audi Q7 is the flagship SUV from the German luxury brand, a 3-row/7-passenger hauler that deftly competes with the Infiniti QX60, Acura MDX and BMW X5. The Q7 was revamped last year, when it entered its second generation as a lighter, lither and more advanced luxury vehicle. Audi’s largest crossover SUV stands out with its dynamic driving nature and sophisticated technology that touts everything from innovative safety and semi-autonomous driving features to its future-is-here Virtual Cockpit with realistic Google-maps navigation. You won’t find monstrous V8 power under the hood or acres of room in the third row, but if you want a luxury SUV with brand cachet, standard all-wheel drive, sleek design and smart technology, the 2018 Audi Q7 nails the list.

The first-gen Audi Q7 was already among the most fun-to-drive 3-row SUVs available, and its dynamics and driving enjoyment have only gotten better with this new, 2nd-gen model. That’s what happens when you lose roughly 500 pounds, lower your center of gravity by 1.7 inches and install a 5-link front/rear suspension. On the road, this translates to an SUV that’s supple and quiet in everyday driving, and dynamically polished when the need for speed or a curvy road beckons. The supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is a commendable powerhouse. The new 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine packs decent motivation for its size but lacks the deeper reserves of the V6 for high-speed passing and towing. Whichever model you choose, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic steering feel. Opt for the Adaptive Chassis Package available on the Prestige variants, and you’ll get full air suspension and 4-wheel steering that helps slice three feet off the turning circle.

Audi has a knack for crafting some of the finest yet most useful cabins, and the Q7 is no exception. The interior of Audi’s flagship SUV is highlighted by standard leather upholstery and a recast dash with an A8-style double-inlay design. Logically arrayed controls, a fresh 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and highly legible instrumentation — both conventional and the via the Virtual Cockpit display — round out its more user-friendly character. The Q7’s new platform expands interior volume and cargo space, which includes nearly 15 cubic feet of space behind the third row. For humans, that last row is quite tight.

Although exterior dimensions and wheelbase on the latest-gen Q7 have decreased marginally, this latest iteration puts a more sophisticated visual spin on the SUV formula while imparting an even sleeker character that brings an impressively low 0.32 coefficient of drag. Up front, the Q7’s prominent Singleframe grille portrays strength and premium appeal, while edgier fascia treatments, bolder front/rear lighting elements and sporty-looking twin tailpipes in back bring it all together. On the practical side, the tailgate is power-operated, and the standard xenon headlights make night driving easier.

AUDI VIRTUAL COCKPIT
This tech option makes the 2018 Audi Q7 dash look like something out of the future. The Virtual Cockpit replaces traditional analog speedometer and gauges with an immersive 12.3-inch digital display. Fully configurable and connected via 4G LTE, it can show everything from Google Earth maps to what’s playing on satellite radio.

ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
Exclusive to the top-end Q7 Prestige trim, Adaptive Air Suspension is part of the Adaptive Chassis Package that also includes 4-wheel steering. Along with improving comfort and control, it can raise ride height 2.4 inches for better off-road ground clearance, and lower it an inch at freeways speeds to reduce aero drag.

The 2018 Q7 comes in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. With a name like “Premium,” it’s no surprise that even a base Q7 is well-equipped. Highlights include leather interior with heated front seats, 3-zone climate control, power tailgate and panoramic sunroof. The Q7 features a 7-inch center display, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD Radio with USB/SD card inputs and Bluetooth streaming. The Q7’s safety features include Audi pre sense and pre sense city, which can monitor traffic and watch for pedestrians. If a collision appears imminent, the car will warn the driver and, ultimately, apply the brakes on its own.

If you want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility standard, step up to Q7 Premium Plus. We recommend this midtrim model, and think its $4,000 increase over the base model is justified with its navigation system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, 3D Bose premium audio system and power-adjustable steering column. Top-line Prestige models come with the V6 engine, 19-speaker Bose audio system, Virtual Cockpit, full LED headlights and 20-inch wheels. Options include a superb Bang & Olufsen audiophile sound system, Driver Assistance Package with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, adaptive suspension, and rear-seat entertainment package.

Two engines are available in the 2018 Q7. The new base engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a pretty swift 0-60-mph time of 7.1 seconds, but with more than a couple of passengers and their gear, this engine risks feeling saddled. Not so with the optional supercharged V6, which makes 333 ponies and 325 lb-ft of twist, and has a 0-60-mph time of 5.7 seconds. Both engines are linked to a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission, and all Q7s have standard all-wheel drive. The 4-cylinder is rated to tow 4,400 pounds and the V6 a stout 7,700 pounds. Like more and more new cars, the Q7 has an idle start/stop system that can be manually deactivated.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
252 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg

3.0-liter supercharged V6
333 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg