There is an S line package that adds 20-inch wheels, trim items such as S line badges and door sills along with an S line steering wheel. The important additions are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and headlamp washers.
Other than those packages, there are a series of common options that range from a three-panel sunroof to a towing package. Some of the options depend on the selection of other equipment.
Driving
Driving the Q7 was an exercise in the enjoyment of a good-handling SUV while basking in the luxury provided. In addition, my total average fuel consumption for nearly 700 km of driving was about 9.8 L/100 km, which for such a large vehicle and my driving style is quite impressive. I know of one feather-foot who claimed to have done considerably better and I have no reason to doubt him!
I did find that if I pushed a bit hard into a tight corner that the mass of the vehicle would make the front start to push out, causing the tires start howling. Fortunately, there is enough time from when the tires begin to make noise to when the nose slides out, that backing off will keep you from crashing nose first.
Going too fast into a corner was easy to do. The Q7 is so comfortable and smooth that speed is deceptive. I found that I was always going 10 to 15 km/h faster than I thought I was, which was much faster than I should have been going. Fortunately, the massive four-wheel disc brakes can haul you down before problems can get out of hand.
Overall handling with quattro all-wheel drive is quite impressive. It does raise cornering limits beyond what is expected, but the more important aspect in a luxury SUV is the stability that comes at all speeds. The Q7 is stable and confidence inspiring without giving up an iota of comfort and luxury.
City Driving
Driving in town was just as inspiring, since all four corners are clearly defined and the Q7 is as agile as SUVs half its size and cost. The tight turning radius means that getting in and out of parking spaces is easy.
It also means that changing lanes in traffic is just as easy, since visibility and the Side Assist system let you know when it is safe to change lanes.
Conclusion
Just think: an SUV that handles well, gets excellent fuel economy, can haul up to seven and looks good. All you have to do is select the options you want and negotiate the price.
photo:Charles Renny, Audi
Other than those packages, there are a series of common options that range from a three-panel sunroof to a towing package. Some of the options depend on the selection of other equipment.
Driving
Driving the Q7 was an exercise in the enjoyment of a good-handling SUV while basking in the luxury provided. In addition, my total average fuel consumption for nearly 700 km of driving was about 9.8 L/100 km, which for such a large vehicle and my driving style is quite impressive. I know of one feather-foot who claimed to have done considerably better and I have no reason to doubt him!
I did find that if I pushed a bit hard into a tight corner that the mass of the vehicle would make the front start to push out, causing the tires start howling. Fortunately, there is enough time from when the tires begin to make noise to when the nose slides out, that backing off will keep you from crashing nose first.
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| Driving the Q7 was an exercise in the enjoyment of a good-handling SUV while basking in the luxury provided. |
Going too fast into a corner was easy to do. The Q7 is so comfortable and smooth that speed is deceptive. I found that I was always going 10 to 15 km/h faster than I thought I was, which was much faster than I should have been going. Fortunately, the massive four-wheel disc brakes can haul you down before problems can get out of hand.
Overall handling with quattro all-wheel drive is quite impressive. It does raise cornering limits beyond what is expected, but the more important aspect in a luxury SUV is the stability that comes at all speeds. The Q7 is stable and confidence inspiring without giving up an iota of comfort and luxury.
City Driving
Driving in town was just as inspiring, since all four corners are clearly defined and the Q7 is as agile as SUVs half its size and cost. The tight turning radius means that getting in and out of parking spaces is easy.
It also means that changing lanes in traffic is just as easy, since visibility and the Side Assist system let you know when it is safe to change lanes.
Conclusion
Just think: an SUV that handles well, gets excellent fuel economy, can haul up to seven and looks good. All you have to do is select the options you want and negotiate the price.
photo:Charles Renny, Audi
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