Used 2019 Audi Q7

As Audi’s flagship luxury SUV, the 3-row/7-passenger 2019 Q7 is perfectly positioned to challenge rivals like the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Lincoln Aviator. Although its styling remains on the subtle side, the Q7 is brimming with high-tech features and possesses one of the most handsome interiors in its class. Audi’s experience with performance sedans carries over to the Q7, as does its extensive roster of semi-autonomous driving features and high-tech wizardry like the brilliant Virtual Cockpit with Google Maps navigation. With an eye on efficiency, the 2019 Audi Q7 shuns large-displacement engines in favor of a turbocharged 4-cylinder or supercharged V6, both powerful yet easy on gas. All-wheel drive is standard, but there is still no hybrid or diesel option.

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, which 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 via the Virtual Cockpit display — round out its more user-friendly character. The Q7’s 2nd-generation 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.

The 2019 Q7’s massive grille and menacing HID headlights stand in stark contrast to the rest of the vehicle, which strikes a subtle yet sophisticated stance. With an impressively low 0.32 drag coefficient, the Q7 is a far cry from the massive brick-like structures that make up the Land Rover Range Rover, Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. Big wheel-and-tire packages include 20-inch rims with run-flat all-season tires. Around back, sleek LED taillights flank a power-operated rear liftgate that includes a height-adjustment feature and remote opening via the key fob. The Q7’s roofline isn’t as tall as some full-size SUVs, making it easier to access items lashed to the optional roof rack.

AUDI VIRTUAL COCKPIT
Audi’s Virtual Cockpit brings the future front and center, replacing the traditional speedometer-and-gauge setup with a visually stunning 12.3-inch digital color display. Housed in a hooded binnacle, the screen can be configured to mimic analog gauges, display satellite radio stations or project a huge navigation screen using Google Earth maps.

ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
Offered only on the Q7 Prestige, Audi’s Adaptive Air Suspension helps improve ride quality and handling. The system can raise the Q7’s ride height an additional 2.4 inches for driving in deep snow or light off-road situations, or lower the Q7 at highway speed by one inch, improving aerodynamics and stability.

The 2019 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, power-folding 3rd-row seat, MMI Navigation Plus, a panoramic sunroof plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Q7 features a 7-inch center display, 10-speaker 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.

We recommend the Q7 Premium Plus. Its $3,500 increase over the base model is justified with its blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, top-view camera, Virtual Cockpit, LED headlights, 3D Bose premium audio system and power-adjustable steering column. Top-line Prestige models come with the V6 engine, 19-speaker Bose audio system 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.

Standard on the Premium and Premium Plus trim is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. While not scary fast, this engine can move the big Q7 to 60 mph in about seven seconds, but that’s not with a full crew onboard. The available supercharged 3.0-liter V6 is more to our liking. It provides amazing power with 329 horses on tap and 325 lb-ft of torque available as low as 2,900 rpm. With this engine, the Q7 can bolt to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and has plenty of power for high-speed passing maneuvers. Regardless of which engine you choose, it will come paired to an efficient 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The tow rating for the 2.0-liter is a modest 4,400 pounds, but the V6 can pull up to 7,700 pounds. Due to a standardization change in the way Audi and SAE conclude horsepower ratings, both engines see a slight reduction in their horsepower ratings versus the 2018 models.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
248 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
329 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg