Used 2011 Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7, now in its fifth year of production, is one third of Volkswagen’s trinity of uber-capable SUVs, sharing its basic architecture with Volkswagen’s Touareg and Porsche’s Cayenne. But that was then, this is now. Both VW and Porsche have aggressively freshened their offerings for 2011, while Audi retains the same basic platform (with three rows of seating) as it had at launch. And that platform was regarded as overweight and inefficient then; the Q7’s disconnect with the competitive environment today is made even more striking. It does, however, benefit from new powertrains. The 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 available in 2010 are jettisoned, and replaced by two variants of one 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Those powertrains, in combination with Audi’s 3.0-liter TDI diesel, provide the Q7 with a relevance it didn’t possess with an overworked V6 or thirsty V8.

Despite standard all-wheel drive, with a performance-oriented 40:60 front to rear bias, the Audi Q7 will never be confused with one of Audi’s sedan-based station wagons. A high center of gravity and the aforementioned two-and-a-half-ton curb weight prove vexing, even with all-independent suspension, communicative steering and an appropriately rigid body structure. With all that, the ability to carry both you and an extended family will typically necessitate some compromise, and while not as nimble as an Audi sedan the Q7 offers so much more in tactile feedback than comparably priced American SUVs, and certainly more refinement than the off-the-rack minivan. As noted earlier, the adaptive air suspension is most definitely a win, both on-road and off.

You simply can’t fault Audi on its design execution inside. And here – in 2011 – we see significant enhancements. Every Q7 features hand-picked wood inlays, along with heated 12-way power front seats. Since its introduction the Q7’s trump card has been its three-row packaging. And while that third row is marginal for even small adults, the Q’s additional interior length provides a bonanza for those that are activity-oriented. With the second and third rows folded flat – which don’t require removal of the headrests – you’ll enjoy a full 72 cubic feet of cargo area. And if equipped with Audi’s accessory bike rack, two bikes can be transported inside the car standing upright, an option that provides those bikes with better security – and doesn’t impact your miles-per-gallon (often the case with roof-mounted transport). And did we mention the 28(!) possible seating combinations?

You can’t deny the Q7’s visual force, from its signature Singleframe grille to its tapered hatch at the rear. The windshield is aggressively raked, while the greenhouse – which won’t be confused with the parent company’s Microbus – is sufficiently generous to provide adequate visibility. Relatively short overhangs front and rear communicate both the Q7’s rear-wheel drive bias and some semblance of off-road credibility. Also of note: The availability this year of 21-inches of alloy wheel; just the thing for getting in touch with your inner Dub. While judgments on exterior design are almost always subjective, the Q7 – in the absence of a significant design update – is looking dated when compared to its Cayenne and Touareg siblings, which look and feel more athletic.

quattro All-Wheel Drive
At this point in Audi’s recent history, quattro all-wheel drive is fully integrated into the carmaker’s DNA. And when you combine quattro’s performance dynamic with all-season attributes, you’re hard pressed to conjure a better asset to an upright, over-spec’d SUV.

3.0-liter TDI Diesel
With all of the negative ink generated by the general media in the U.S., Audi and Volkswagen continue to make a compelling argument for the modern diesel powertrain. With 3.0 liters Audi’s clean diesel generates 225 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, while delivering you to sixty miles per hour from a standing stop in just over eight seconds.

To the Audi team’s credit, there is no such thing as a poorly equipped Q7. Even in base Premium trim, the Q features standard quattro all-wheel drive, 18-inch alloy wheels, power and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, Audi music interface (intelligent integration of iPod and iPhone), leather seating surfaces, Bluetooth prep, power tailgate and HomeLink. Standard safety features balance the active (your ability to avoid an accident) with passive (the ability to survive an accident). Active elements include all-wheel drive, ABS and electronic brake force distribution, while passive safety is reinforced with a host of airbags, including Sideguard side-curtain airbags protecting all three rows of seating. Of note: Standard equipment levels on the TDI are slightly higher than those of the base 3.0 TFSI V6.

If an SUV is intended to convey an adventurous spirit, the adventure will be enhanced with the Prestige S Line trim. Motivation is improved by the V6’s 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, all the better to propel the Audi’s 5,400 pound curb weight (with options). The S Line also includes a Warm Weather Package featuring four-zone climate control and rear side window and cargo shades. For your ultimate adventure, equip your Q7 with adaptive air suspension. Electronically controlled, it continuously adapts the suspension to its on-or-off-road environment, while its adjustability will secure over nine inches of ground clearance. Finally, Audi’s MMI Navigation plus offers a 7-inch screen, color driver information system, real-time traffic, navigation and telephone functions.

For the 2011 model year, three is the magic number: Three powertrain choices, each displacing 3.0 liters. The base 3.0-liter supercharged V6 develops adequate horsepower and torque while providing a highway mpg figure of 22. Opt for the S Line Prestige trim level and that same displacement nets 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, while achieving 0-60 in under eight seconds. Finally, the 3.0 TDI, while delivering less hp, generates 406 pound-feet of torque – and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. Efficiency, of course, is helped in no small party by the newly available 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Now, if they can only remove approximately 500 pounds of vehicle weight.

3.0-liter V6 Supercharged
272 horsepower @ 4750 rpm
295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22

3.0-liter V6 Supercharged
333 horsepower @ 5500 rpm
325 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2900 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22

3.0-liter Turbodiesel V6
225 horsepower @ 3750 rpm
406 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25