Q7: big, bold and sophisticatedNot to be left SUV-less while German counterparts Porsche and Volkswagen profit from the lucrative, premium SUV segment, Audi has
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
introduced its own contender which evolves from the much-vaunted Cayenne/Touareg platform. Audi's Q7 is larger in all exterior dimensions than both its homeland running mates. Look domestically and you'll find exterior dimensions similar to the Q7's in the Dodge Durango. While equipped with a third row seat, the Q7 is not endowed with the low-range gearing that buttresses the off-road competency of the Cayenne and Touareg pair. Nonetheless, the Q7's traction capability is beyond reproach thanks to Audi's renowned "Quattro," all-wheel-drive technology. The likelihood of the Q7's target market feeling under-prepared by the absence of low-range gearing is about as probable as the sudden onset of world peace. It won't be 'grit-in-the-teeth' off-roaders lining up in the Armani togs to lay out $68,900 to claim an entry-level Q7. Those that do shell-out a bantam fortune will net themselves a distinctive-looking, high-powered SUV that takes its family's pedigree seriously.
The Q7 ascribes to Audi's latest styling theme, which includes a massive grille bisected horizontally by a broad beam. Particularly distinctive are the
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
dramatically swept-back, rectangular headlight assemblies that emphasize the protruding grille ensemble. From the side, Q7 looks like the pugnacious big brother to the diminutive Audi A3. The diminishing contour of its side glass and its high waistline produce an appearance that is more aggressive and sportier than typical in the SUV class. I think the stylists responsible for the brashness earned their Euros. The big mount is unmistakably an Audi; its characteristic styling is both exciting and appealing- not milquetoast bland.
In fact there's little bland about the Q7. Powering the North American version is the 4.2 litre, 32 valve DOHC V8 snatched from the punchy R-S4
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
sedan. This proven performer churns-out 350 silken horses at 6,800 rpm and 325 foot-pounds of torque at only 3,500 rpm. Those ratings are sufficient to thrust the Q7 ahead of most SUVs with nary a worry. According to Audi, only 7.0 seconds is required for a Q7 to exchange stationary for 100kph- not bad for a rig that loads its wheels with a curb weight of 2,390 kilos. Contributing to its spryness is a 6-speed, Tiptronic automatic transmission. This autobox shifts smoothly when conducting routine duty but is not reluctant to throw the gears smartly when power is in immediate demand. The result is sharp acceleration from any speed, especially out of corners, which is where the big Q really shines. It also shines when the need to eliminate motion presents itself. In fact the Q7 shines a little too brightly for my preference. Its 4-wheel antilock disc setup is highly sensitive, especially at lower speeds. Some time behind the wheel is needed before smooth, grab-free stops are second nature- but hey, I guess over-sensitive is better than under-sensitive when it comes to braking ability.
