You like gadgets? Then, forget the base model...
If the all-new Audi Q7 becomes a vehicle for the ages, much credit will go to its wide array of forward-thinking technologies and gizmos. The four-ring brand's first-ever SUV is a true lab on wheels. But buyers beware: most of the innovative features are not available with the base, V6-powered model.
Among the plethora of gadgets offered by the Q7, I liked some better than others. First, there's the intelligent cruise control--I mean "ultra intelligent". It not only adjusts to the speed of the vehicle ahead but also detects gridlocks from afar and automatically applies the brakes until the Q7 is completely stopped. When the traffic gets moving again, the vehicle accelerates back to its previously set speed... and the driver doesn't have to do a thing.
How ingenious!
Other interesting technologies of the Q7 include:
For marketing purposes, all this wizardry is not available on the base Q7, even though its $55,000 asking price is quite high. In order to benefit from the majority of the aforementioned features, you have to opt for the V6 Premium model, which retails for $62,900.
If the all-new Audi Q7 becomes a vehicle for the ages, much credit will go to its wide array of forward-thinking technologies and gizmos. The four-ring brand's first-ever SUV is a true lab on wheels. But buyers beware: most of the innovative features are not available with the base, V6-powered model.
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| The Q7 features a plethora of innovative gadgets. |
Among the plethora of gadgets offered by the Q7, I liked some better than others. First, there's the intelligent cruise control--I mean "ultra intelligent". It not only adjusts to the speed of the vehicle ahead but also detects gridlocks from afar and automatically applies the brakes until the Q7 is completely stopped. When the traffic gets moving again, the vehicle accelerates back to its previously set speed... and the driver doesn't have to do a thing.
How ingenious!
Other interesting technologies of the Q7 include:
- Audi Side Assist, which incorporates a visual warning into each sideview mirror to alert the driver before changing lanes if another car is entering any of the blind spots;
- Audi Rear Camera, which makes parking easier. At over five metres long, it's a must with the Q7...;
- Bi-xenon Adaptive Lighting, a technology that pivots the headlights to follow twists and turns in the road. As a result, the road is more clearly illuminated during nighttime driving;
- Voice Command, which allows the driver to verbally adjust the 4-zone climate control system and the audio unit; otherwise, you spend an awful lot of time trying to set the right inside temperature, for instance;
- Finally, Keyless Start--at the touch of a button, the engine comes to life. So cool...
For marketing purposes, all this wizardry is not available on the base Q7, even though its $55,000 asking price is quite high. In order to benefit from the majority of the aforementioned features, you have to opt for the V6 Premium model, which retails for $62,900.
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| You have to opt for a costlier model to benefit from most of the latest technologies. |