In addition to strong braking, the Q7's substantive mass is belied by tremendously good handling for a full-size SUV. Despite its remarkably
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
smooth ride, this is not a ponderous rig. It displays sporty, car-like road manners and youthful agility. Rapid weight transitions don't unsettle its composure or cause excessive sway or body roll. Translation: emergency maneuvers are less likely to compromise control and stability in both vehicle and driver. Should the margins of gravity-management be exceeded, Audi's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) will apply cutting-edge technology to counter Mother Nature's pull. Aiding in controllability is steering that is nicely weighted and quick to respond to input. Naturally, the Q7 is suspended independently at all four corners. The Adaptive Air Suspension system employed in my tester is optional. It enables adjustment of the vehicle's ride-height (up to 240 mm ground clearance), depending on whether off-road driving is intended or boulevard cruising is on the itinerary. The program, which is controlled through Audi's dreaded MMI device (more on that later), also allows the selection of "comfort" or "dynamic" suspension settings; an "automatic" setting blends the two based on vehicle speed and road degradation.
I was highly impressed with the Q7's ability to balance taut handling with lavish ride comfort. Perhaps attributable to the optional air suspension, it
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
was very easy to forget I was piloting such a substantive vehicle. The ride, while never feeling mushy, absorbed road irregularity very effectively without transmitting undesirable shock to the Q7's tightly constructed cabin. Here one will find plenty of head and legroom in the first two seating rows however no such accolades apply to the third row bench. Yes, it may be suitable for squeezing a few extra kids into on the way to soccer but don't contemplate placing adults in such constriction unless employing some sort of barbaric interrogation technique. I found the driver's seat to be a joy to relax in, mile after mile. The driving position is highly adjustable, and should please the wide array of body shapes coming in contact. Where making contact may lead to frustration is in the use of Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) technology.
MMI enables the driver to adjust and control a plethora of functions through a central mouse-like wheel and several ancillary buttons. The
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
concept is similar to BMW's i-Drive system, although slightly more intuitive to operate. As much as I'm a "gadget guy," I'm not big on such complexity in a moving automobile. That said, it amazes that automotive engineers continue to find more and more functions for drivers to adjust and tamper with- admittedly, most those in the Q7's MMI are of the "set and forget" variety. The MMI placement is located on Audi's spectacular centre console, finished in wood veneer. It's gorgeous to look at while adding an elegant touch to the Q7's well designed but slightly austere interior architecture.
Audi A6 owners will feel instantly at home in the Q7's driver's seat. Its cockpit layout closely resembles the straightforward, comprehensive
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell) |
design facing an A6 driver. Overall, the Q7's cabin is luxuriously appointed and well thought-out. Highlights include an optional panorama glass roof and various option packages that add features such as 4-zone climate control, rear side airbags, smart-key entry and Audi's navigation system and rear-view camera parking assist. A further safety feature available is Audi's Side Assist, which activates a LED lighting on the outer-housing of the side mirror when a vehicle is in the Audi's blind spot or rapidly approaching from behind. The system is intended to prevent unsafe lane changes, and can be deactivated at speeds below 100kph. Interestingly the system is quite unobtrusive yet effective. It serves to make highway motoring more relaxing, as does the Q7's quiet, serene cabin. Both road and wind noises are heavily muted, allowing the fullness of the Audi's rich-sounding audio system to saturate the vehicle without unnecessary competition.
