By Tom Strongman
KansasCity.com February 25, 2006SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Audi may be a little late to the SUV party, but the seven-passenger Q7 shows the company did its homework well.
Initially, the Q7 will be offered in this country with a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V-8. It goes on sale in June at a base price of $49,900, not including $720 destination charge.
A 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 will be available in September, but a price has not been announced.
A 3.0-liter turbodiesel with 233 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque is offered only in Europe, but it could be imported here when higher-quality diesel fuel standards go into effect this fall. This high-tech V-6 accelerates vigorously, is no louder than the gasoline engine and is more fuel-efficient. The six-speed Tiptronic transmission can be shifted manually with paddles on the steering wheel.
I sampled all three engines at the Q7's worldwide press introduction. The 4.2-liter V-8's acceleration seemed a bit ponderous at times, although Audi quotes a zero-to-60 figure of seven seconds. The standard towing capacity is 5,500 pounds.
The V-6 was not as strong as the V-8, but it seemed to be livelier.
If Audi decides to import the diesel, it will clearly be the engine of choice.
The Q7 is a performance SUV that is closer to a luxurious all-wheel-drive station wagon than a rock-crawling off-roader. That puts it in contention with car-based crossover SUVs that are rapidly being developed by nearly all manufacturers.
The Q7 feels as much at home on winding mountain roads as it does in city traffic. It rides like a car and handles like one. Even though the air suspension allows additional ground clearance to be dialed in for rugged terrain, this isn't an SUV that you would use in the rough.
The Q7 comes in five-, six- and seven-seat versions, although the seven-seater will probably be the most popular in this market. The split-folding third seat doesn't have a great deal of legroom and getting into it can be a challenge, so it's best used by kids.
The second-row seat is as comfortable as it is spacious. Two configurations are offered: bucket seats with a center console or a three-section bench. The center section of the bench seat folds flat for carrying skis.
Audi's SUV has a coupelike profile and a bullish nose. It looks a bit disproportional in photographs, but less so in person. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard, but 19- and 20-inch wheels are optional.
This SUV's cabin is crafted in typical Audi style. The surface textures are elegant and rich. Wood trim comes is walnut, olive ash and tamo, a Japanese dark wood. Brushed aluminum is used for an accent. The gauges are easy to read. and controls are logical and nicely weighted. The optional suede-like Alcantara headliner is very nice.
Audi's MMI multimedia controller is mounted on the center console, and it operates the audio, climate control, navigation and basic vehicle functions. MMI is easier to operate than BMW's iDrive, but it still requires a rather long period of familiarization.
Luxury equipment such as a power tailgate, navigation system, rear-vision camera and a radar-operated cruise control are par for the course in this segment, and the Q7 can be so equipped.
Audi is pioneering a side-assist system that uses radar to warn the driver when cars are in the vehicle's blind spot. LEDs in the side mirror housings flash each time a vehicle pulls alongside, and I soon found this to be extremely helpful in freeway traffic.
A panoramic sunroof option has glass panels for most of the roof, and that gives the vehicle an airy and spacious feeling.
On models equipped with air suspension, a button inside the tailgate lowers the back of the vehicle for easier loading of heavy items.
The audio system is available with Sirius satellite radio and a surround-sound function. Safety items include side-curtain airbags, vehicle stability control, anti-lock brakes and traction control.
Look for a more detailed test drive when production vehicles are available this summer.
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Price Prices start at $49,900.
Warranty Four years or 50,000 miles.
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Engine: 4.2-liter, 350-hp V-8
Transmission: Automatic
All-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 118.2 inches
Curb weight: 4,935 lbs.
Base price: $49,900
Mpg rating: Not yet available
Tom Strongman's e-mail address is tstrongman@kc.rr.com.
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