Road Test: 2007 Audi Q7 Video

Audi remained strangely absent from the ever-expanding sport utility market until recently with the ...

Transcript

00:00 Audi remains strangely absent from the ever-expanding sport utility market until recently with the

00:10 debut of their sporty Q7.

00:12 In Motortrend's recent Sport Utility of the Year competition, the Q7 did exceptionally

00:16 well, almost stealing the crown from the brilliant Mercedes GL450, this year's winner.

00:22 Our editors gushed over its dominating performance, its top-notch build quality, and wonderful

00:27 luxury appointments.

00:29 A perfect combination of sport and function, dressed in an attractive European suit.

00:34 It impressed us so much that we decided to add one to our long-term fleet, so we could

00:38 continue enjoying it around the streets of Los Angeles.

00:41 The Q7 shares its basic platform architecture with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne,

00:47 but is stretched to allow room for the ever-more important third-row seat.

00:51 Not everyone loves the exterior styling, but the interior is a typical Audi combination

00:56 of high-quality materials, handsome design, a class-competitive safety package, and high

01:01 creature feature content.

01:03 Audi's MMI controller system and screen seem easier to learn and use than others like BMW's.

01:10 The adjustable suspension raises or lowers the ride height depending on the need and

01:14 conditions.

01:15 In terms of acceleration, braking, and handling tests, the Q7 dominates the field.

01:21 Powered by a 4.2-liter V8 tuned specially for use in the Q7, the Audi storms to 60 miles

01:26 per hour in 7.5 seconds, and pumps out a respectable 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.

01:34 Braking from 60 miles per hour only takes 118 feet, and the Q7 is able to pull 0.84

01:39 Gs in the lateral acceleration test.

01:43 With a base price starting at $40,620, the Q7 isn't cheap.

01:48 Our long-term Q7 had the premium package and started at $59,900.

01:54 We added the S-Line Sport Package for $2,150.

01:58 That included the S-Line three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 20-inch S-Line wheels with

02:05 all-season tires, modified front grille with S-Line bumpers and badges, brushed aluminum