The luxury of a clear conscience
The main appeal of this Q7 is of course its diesel engine, of which Audi lists no less than 17 advantages. The 3.0-litre V6 only generates 225 hp, but like with all diesel engines it’s the torque that’s really impressive. In this case, the mill churns out 406 ft-lb.
Nonetheless, my first impression is still that power output is a little on the short side, but on a day-to-day basis the engine gets the job done. Torque is progressively available, ensuring honest if not explosive accelerations. What’s more, even though it weighs in at 5,200 lbs, it only consumes 12 litres of fuel per 100 km.
The Q7’s engineering does its very best to make us forget its mammoth size. Steering is precise and very direct, with an extraordinary steering wheel grip. The suspension has been stiffened up (S-Line) for livelier handling, and it still boasts its sporty side. Brake performance is along the same lines, thanks to nice, firm braking and good pedal feel.
The six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles is very smooth and completely silent.
Competition
The class is still in its infancy, but already includes some serious contenders like Mercedes-Benz. In fact, the price of the ML320 BlueTEC (from $61,400) is closest to the Q7, however, in terms of size, the GL320 BlueTEC comes closer with only two millimetres extra (from $71,500).
Among the other diesel offerings are the Volkswagen Touareg 2 Highline 4MOTION (from $57,975) and the BMW X5 xDrive35d (from $62,200). Only the GL and X5 offer seven seats. The Q7 3.0 TDI starts out at $57,700.
Conclusion
Despite its corpulence, the Q7 is simply exceptional. Comfortable, generous, attractive, well built and relatively fuel-efficient, it’s got everything it needs to become one of the best crossovers on the market.
photo:Bertrand Godin
The main appeal of this Q7 is of course its diesel engine, of which Audi lists no less than 17 advantages. The 3.0-litre V6 only generates 225 hp, but like with all diesel engines it’s the torque that’s really impressive. In this case, the mill churns out 406 ft-lb.
 |
| Even though it weighs in at 5,200 lbs, it only consumes 12 litres of fuel per 100 km. |
Nonetheless, my first impression is still that power output is a little on the short side, but on a day-to-day basis the engine gets the job done. Torque is progressively available, ensuring honest if not explosive accelerations. What’s more, even though it weighs in at 5,200 lbs, it only consumes 12 litres of fuel per 100 km.
The Q7’s engineering does its very best to make us forget its mammoth size. Steering is precise and very direct, with an extraordinary steering wheel grip. The suspension has been stiffened up (S-Line) for livelier handling, and it still boasts its sporty side. Brake performance is along the same lines, thanks to nice, firm braking and good pedal feel.
The six-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddles is very smooth and completely silent.
Competition
The class is still in its infancy, but already includes some serious contenders like Mercedes-Benz. In fact, the price of the ML320 BlueTEC (from $61,400) is closest to the Q7, however, in terms of size, the GL320 BlueTEC comes closer with only two millimetres extra (from $71,500).
Among the other diesel offerings are the Volkswagen Touareg 2 Highline 4MOTION (from $57,975) and the BMW X5 xDrive35d (from $62,200). Only the GL and X5 offer seven seats. The Q7 3.0 TDI starts out at $57,700.
Conclusion
Despite its corpulence, the Q7 is simply exceptional. Comfortable, generous, attractive, well built and relatively fuel-efficient, it’s got everything it needs to become one of the best crossovers on the market.
 |
| Only the exhaust tips disappoint, not fitting in too well with the rest of the ensemble and somewhat lacking in class. |
photo:Bertrand Godin
2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro Premium
2009 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro Premium
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