Vehicle Reviews

The 2012 Audi Q7 is a large luxury crossover SUV which seats five or eight passengers, depending on the trim level. Audi's first foray into the SUV segment, the relatively new Q7 is available in 5-, 6-, or 7-seat configurations. It can be equipped with a V-6, a V-8 or a diesel power train. The Q7 competes with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Acura MDX. It is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

The Q7's exterior gets front lighting design and LED daytime running lights, wheel designs, two-tone exterior mirrors and updated front/rear bumpers. The interior gets ventilated Premium Cricket leather front seats, ambient interior door lighting and additional chrome enhancements on switchgear and additional wood decorative inlay on passenger side dash. The MMI navigation system's third generation MMI shows latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS artist/title preview, SIRIUS traffic-based navigation, voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs. Advanced key keyless entry and starting, Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface, Audi music interface, iPod adapter, Audi parking system advanced w/ rearview camera (includes front & rear acoustic sensors), towing package to tow 6,600 lbs, Audi side assist blind spot detection system (activates at 19 mph), Bang & Olufsen 1001 watts / 14 speaker Advanced Sound System, four zone climate control, heated front & rear seats, and steering wheel, Audi adaptive air suspension (height & damping adjustment) and Audi adaptive cruise control (0-90 mph, can bring car to a complete stop) are the innovations and features available.

A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 that produces 272 horsepower in the 3.0T models and 333 hp in the 3.0T S line package provides power to the Q7. A 3.0-liter diesel V-6 engine returns and all three engines are teamed with a new eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

The Q7 features the latest active and passive safety equipment that includes traction control; anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist; electronic stability control system with hill descent control and rollover detection; front-seat side airbags; full-length side curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring system; and active front headrests.