If you happen to spot the Q7 from the front, or any quarter angle,
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| Would you move over if you saw this charging at you in your rear view mirror? (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
the first thing that you'll notice is how distinctive it looks. Its buff shape, and clever looking lights make it a handsome looking machine, particularly when it rides on its split five-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels. But as you move around, something else strikes you about the Q7 - this thing looks huge, rather, it is huge at nearly 5,086 mm (200.2 inches) in length. At this size, Audi's sporting approach, which is part sports coupe and part Avant, get lost within the sheer visual bulk of the machine. Nevertheless, the Q7 is a clean looking crossover, with the body organized into two distinctive segments above and below that character line, giving it a chiseled look. I have a feeling it's going to take time to adjust to the look of this SUV, but things could be worse. It could be a Cayenne.
While
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| Bright xenon headlamps, LED cornering lights give the Q7 a modern look. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
I'm undecided about the Q7's styling, Audi never fails to get me railed up over the details, of which the Q7 has plenty. Check out the tailgate, which, aside from lifting and closing by itself, has the entire LED brakelight assembly integrated into its amorphous shape. More importantly is the fact that when the tailgate is open, there's an additional set of low-mounted taillights which offer the same brake, signal and reverse light functions for all to see. Clever, no? The Q7 also happens to be the first Audi with turn signals integrated into the side-view mirrors, removing the quarter panel indicator lights. The new Audi is also available with a full-length panoramic sunroof with two panes that open - the one overhead the driver slides, while the one over the third row tilts.
Without any reservations, the Q7's interior is by far the finest in its
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| Audi hasn't lost its touch, even when the cabin's way up in the sky. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
class, with all of the usual high quality plastics, glossy wood, lashings of matte-finish aluminum and glove-soft leather expected in any top-line Audi. You sit up high over the road, but the driving position is perfect, facing a dash and console that's heavily inspired by modern driver-focused design; it's like being in an A6 with a balcony view of the world around. All Q7s feature a similar flowing look to the A6, with teardrop-style gauge surrounds and the MMI system surrounding the gearshift gate. Bar the base model, Q7 buyers get rugged, loop carpet, colour-coordinated in earthy tones, plus big, one-litre bottle holders in the doors, and on vehicles with the third row, a neat, collapsible cargo bay cover that can be stored in a cubby under the floor.
For
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| Clever second and third row seating provides plenty of room for people, cargo, or any combination of the two. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press) |
using a pre-existing platform not designed for three rows, the Q7 is a pretty commodious vehicle, although those who have creaky knees, bad backs or are just tall in general should avoid the third row. Anyone under 5'7" will be comfortable, even for extended driving periods, but if you're taller you risk subjecting yourself to claustrophobia, or rubbing into the roof liner. Entry to the third row comes through a fairly complex second row seating mechanism, which is mounted on rails. Pull a handle at the seat's bottom and it tilts and slides, allowing an access route that's somewhat similar to a coupe. The only problem is that with limited space, and a climb into a cabin, I found myself both knocking my head and scraping my knees as I clambered on board. Nevertheless, even with all three rows of seats firmly in place, you can still stow aboard some luggage, which can't be done in, say, a Volvo XC90 when the third row is in use. Both the second and third row of seats fold flat into the floor, which turns the Q7 into a 2,511 litre (88.7 cu-ft) cargo hauler. If it weren't for the padded pillars and supple roof liner, you could hear an echo inside of the thing.
