The big Audi's cabin is still amongst the finest in its group and has also been updated. Gauges now match those introduced in the current A6, leather is retouched, new interior colour choices and the third generation MMI control system. Regardless of where you sit (in the first two rows), royal comfort is the order of the day.
For 2011
Now that the rugged exterior has been taken care of, it was fine time to look under the bonnet. Like the TT, the larger engine, and in this case, engines, have been left by the wayside. Hence forth, the 3.6L V6 and 4.2L V8 are history. Both have been replaced by one of the latest members of the TFSI family of Audi engines.
Sporting a roots-type supercharger between its banks of cylinders, the 3.0L V6 will be made available in two levels of tune. The base Q7 will charge ahead with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Sport version will get S4 power; 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Although these numbers are in fact lower than those generated by the powerplants they replace, the real point is fuel consumption.
The new V6 is lighter, stronger and more efficient than the 3.6L, and certainly-so compared to the V8. According to Audi, the 272-hp 3.0L takes in 11.5% less black gold and the 333-hp 3.0L guzzles 15.7% less fuel (both at 10.7 L /100 km). And, where the 272-hp version is concerned (which should be a more popular choice), its acceleration times are quicker by a few tenths of a second. The old V8 trumps the 333-hp TFSI in the 0-100 km/h sprint by a second (5.8 vs 6.9), but the lower fuel consumption and emission numbers more than make up for the extra time.
Let's not forget the TDI!
The other V6 is the turbocharged diesel-ingesting 3.0L TDI. This hero oil-burner now puts out 240 hp (up 15 from 2010) and 406 lb-ft of torque. Although peak torque is the same as 2010, this motor has been thoroughly revised inside and out. It is now stiffer, lighter and certainly more efficient, by 20% to be exact. In my books, this is the one to select. It's roughly as quick as the 272-hp 3.0L and, if we are to believe what Audi says, will average 8.4 L/100 km. Very impressive.
8 gears
First introduced in the stately new A8, the eight-speed Tiptronic will now serve as the Q7's 'box of choice. This transmission has a few tricks up its sleeve, including weighing 11 kg (24 lbs) less than the 6-speed it replaces. This wide margin of ratios allows the engine to rev in its ideal and most-efficient power band for the on-hand demand.
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| The new V6 is lighter, stronger and more efficient than the 3.6L, and certainly-so compared to the V8. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |
For 2011
Now that the rugged exterior has been taken care of, it was fine time to look under the bonnet. Like the TT, the larger engine, and in this case, engines, have been left by the wayside. Hence forth, the 3.6L V6 and 4.2L V8 are history. Both have been replaced by one of the latest members of the TFSI family of Audi engines.
Sporting a roots-type supercharger between its banks of cylinders, the 3.0L V6 will be made available in two levels of tune. The base Q7 will charge ahead with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Sport version will get S4 power; 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Although these numbers are in fact lower than those generated by the powerplants they replace, the real point is fuel consumption.
The new V6 is lighter, stronger and more efficient than the 3.6L, and certainly-so compared to the V8. According to Audi, the 272-hp 3.0L takes in 11.5% less black gold and the 333-hp 3.0L guzzles 15.7% less fuel (both at 10.7 L /100 km). And, where the 272-hp version is concerned (which should be a more popular choice), its acceleration times are quicker by a few tenths of a second. The old V8 trumps the 333-hp TFSI in the 0-100 km/h sprint by a second (5.8 vs 6.9), but the lower fuel consumption and emission numbers more than make up for the extra time.
Let's not forget the TDI!
The other V6 is the turbocharged diesel-ingesting 3.0L TDI. This hero oil-burner now puts out 240 hp (up 15 from 2010) and 406 lb-ft of torque. Although peak torque is the same as 2010, this motor has been thoroughly revised inside and out. It is now stiffer, lighter and certainly more efficient, by 20% to be exact. In my books, this is the one to select. It's roughly as quick as the 272-hp 3.0L and, if we are to believe what Audi says, will average 8.4 L/100 km. Very impressive.
8 gears
First introduced in the stately new A8, the eight-speed Tiptronic will now serve as the Q7's 'box of choice. This transmission has a few tricks up its sleeve, including weighing 11 kg (24 lbs) less than the 6-speed it replaces. This wide margin of ratios allows the engine to rev in its ideal and most-efficient power band for the on-hand demand.
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| The 7 continues to be the larger of the siblings which share the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com) |