Used 2020 Audi Q7

The 2020 Audi Q7 is a superb way of transporting up to seven occupants in luxury-crossover-SUV style. It would be preferable, however, if two of those seven are young, short and flexible; there’s only so much space a midsize 3-row-crossover SUV can offer.

Even so, the Q7 is full of high-tech features and has possibly one of the most handsome interiors in its class. And having power folding as standard for that third seating row is definitely a boon.

Audi is a permanent fixture on the cutting edge of automotive technology, bringing cool gadgetry like partial autonomy and the Virtual Cockpit with Google Maps navigation into the suburbs. In the engine bay, things are somewhat unexceptional, with turbocharging employed to make useful power without excessive fuel consumption. Sadly, there’s no hybrid version on offer.

There are some great alternatives like the Volvo XC90, BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, but the 2020 Q7 continues to be attractive and compelling. The newest arrival, the 500-horsepower SQ7, adds a halo to the range.

If any company was going to turn something as unlikely as a 3-row premium-midsize-crossover SUV into an engaging drive, chances are it would be German. The Audi Q7 adds enjoyment to its impressive resume.

For day-to-day duty, the Q7 is quiet, refined and supple. Yet it remains composed at higher speeds or when snaking roads come along. Even the steering feel is fantastic.

The adaptive suspension makes a great contribution to the dynamics, providing a wider range between comfort and sportiness. And one of the best reasons for choosing the Prestige trim is the availability of rear-wheel steering, which enhances agility and makes maneuvering easier.

The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine has sufficient punch for the average commute, able to push the Q7 respectably from standstill to 60 mph in around seven seconds, although not with a full complement of people and luggage. Anyone seeking greater power for high-speed passing and towing will appreciate the turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which can send the Q7 sprinting to 60 mph in only 5.7 seconds.

The V8-powered 2020 SQ7, meanwhile, is claimed to perform that same feat in 4.3 seconds. A Q7 weighs about 5,000 pounds, so that’s some serious thrust.

It doesn’t take a 4-ringed symbol in the middle of the steering wheel to tell an Audi cabin. The Q7’s interior is a prime example of a major Audi strength, where aesthetics and functionality work in harmony.

The big change for the 2020 Q7 is the dual-screen infotainment system that takes up most of the center console. Choose the Virtual Cockpit as well (recommended) and the cabin takes on a high-tech (yet user-friendly) air that complements the clean lines and fine materials.

Luggage space behind the third row of seats measures 14.2 cubic feet. This expands to 35.7 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet when both rows are folded.

Saying the redesigned 2020 Q7 resembles the Q8 isn’t much use to anyone who hasn’t seen Audi’s new flagship SUV. The upshot of the changes means a slightly different grille shape, flanked by smaller LED headlights, giving the Q7 more of an attitude and presence. Audi’s restrained approach to styling was leading toward a certain blandness, but a recent shake-up has been arguably positive.

Not that Audi is going for the monolithic look of things like the Land Rover Range Rover and Lincoln Navigator. There’s still a sleekness that also translates into beneficial aerodynamics. The Q7 has an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.32.

Detail nerds will enjoy the turn-signal animation, while fans of big wheels can choose up to 22 inches in diameter. The Q7’s roofline isn’t as tall as some rivals, making it easy to access items lashed to the optional roof rack.

VIRTUAL COCKPIT
This high-resolution 12.3-inch digital driver-information display is now Version 2.0, allowing the user to access regular things like road and engine speeds, plus satellite navigation images, without having to look at the central screen. It’s a standard feature in all but the entry-level model.

ADAPTIVE AIR SUSPENSION
Offered at the Premium Plus level with the V6, Audi’s adaptive air suspension improves ride quality and handling. The system can raise ride height by 2.4 inches for negotiating deep snow or light off-road situations. On the highway, it will lower the Q7 by an inch, improving aerodynamics and stability.

It’s pretty much $56,000 for a new Q7 in Premium trim with the smaller engine, which buys a lot of premium-midsize-crossover SUV.

As well as a 3-zone automatic climate control, this model comes with a dual-screen infotainment system (featuring a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch display beneath it), Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, leather seating surfaces, heated/8-way power-adjustable front seats with driver’s-side memory settings, keyless entry/ignition, power-adjustable steering column, selectable driving modes, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, six cup holders, four bottle holders, and a 10-speaker audio setup.

Although the Premium trim seems well equipped, the next step up, Premium Plus, is worth stretching the budget. This is where the Virtual Cockpit comes in, along with a Bose audio system, top-view/corner-view camera system, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and exit assist. It’s also eligible for most of the equipment that’s standard in the topmost Prestige trim, including the adaptive suspension (as long as the V6 is also selected).

Other options include all-wheel steering, night vision with large-animal detection, heated rear seats/heated steering wheel, massaging front seats, bigger wheels, laser headlights, rear-seat entertainment package, and a 23-speaker/1,920-watt Bang & Olufsen audiophile sound system.

The base engine in Premium and Premium Plus versions of the 2020 Q7 is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit generating 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is sent to all four wheels (Audi always calls its all-wheel-drive systems “Quattro”) through an 8-speed automatic transmission. The tow rating for this setup is a relatively modest 4,400 pounds.

The optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 develops 329 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Once again, an 8-speed automatic transmission is deployed. All-wheel drive is standard. Maximum towing capability here is 7,700 pounds.

Complete specifications of the new-for-2020 SQ7 were unavailable while compiling this review, but its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter creates a muscular 500 horsepower, putting it against the BMW X5 M40i with 523 horsepower. And yes, the formula of all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission applies here.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (45 TSFI)
248 horsepower @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
273 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25 mpg

3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (55 TSFI)
329 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm
325 lb-ft of torque @ 2,900-5,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/21 mpg

4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 (SQ7)
500 horsepower
568 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: N/A