Audi’s Q7 full-size SUV is one of the most expensive SUV’s on the market. The other is Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo that tops out at a whopping $81,859 before options.
Fully loaded with every conceivable nicety, amenity and high tech feature - including some you may never use (like rear door sun screens) or even understand (adaptive air suspension) - the Audi Q7 I tested bottom-lined at $81,995.
The Q7 is a pleasure to drive and ride in. It has taut, athletic handling and positive, on-center steering with a good amount of road feel. Its car-like ride is smooth thanks in part to an adaptive air suspension system ($2,600). My only gripe here is that the Q7 does not have a tight turning radius, but it parks with relative ease.
My tester was outfitted with the performance oriented S-Line package ($2,000), which includes 20-inch tires, special interior/exterior trim, headlight washers (which you’ll probably never use) and 3-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Under the hood lies a potent 4.2L, 350-hp V8. Combined with a quick-shifting 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, this heavy SUV rates a thirsty 13 city, 18 highway EPA mpg. Standing stop performance is impressive with Audi saying 0-60 in 7.0 seconds. Highway passing is equally as quick and robust.
The interior on my test car, once you make the low 17.5 inch step-in, was an attractive grey cricket leather with a touch of aluminum trim on dash and doors.
