2018 Audi Q7 2.0 Liter

Since its debut the Audi Q7 has been a hit; it’s been a rare month when there was an overabundance of supply. The second generation, which debuted for the 2017 model year, embodied numerous contrasts to its predecessor yet retained its essential desirability—and its lack of ready availability.

Smaller outside and in, and looking quite different than its well-proportioned antecedent, this new Q7 leaves room for even bigger machine to fill out Audi’s crossover roster. While the Q8 and Q9 have yet to come to market, this one represents an excellent combination of practical accommodation for most families, maneuverability and ease of use. The front and middle rows have room for folks of most any size, though the third row is a tight fit. Folded flat, the cargo area is more useful than that of the older machine, and the rigidly linear design interior aesthetic works well in high contrast color schemes. Build quality is excellent, and loaded with the right options, such as the 12.3in Virtual Cockpit screen in place of conventional instruments, the Q7 almost continues Audi’s penchant for leading design. The generation of its MMI (Man Machine Interface) used herein represents a halfway step between the outgoing, wheel-based system system and the touch screens that debuted on the forthcoming new A6, A7 and A8.

The test vehicle road on 18in wheels and conventional, non-runflat tires. While this combo undermines the Q7’s aesthetics, its lighter weight and high profile rubber do grant the Q7 class-leading dynamics, with excellent absorption of rough pavement blemishes and quite running over most all surfaces. Other models use 19in and 20in runflats, which improve the looks but not the drive. This vehicle’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while lacking the moxie for fast runs into the mountains—especially when loaded with passengers and luggage—gives the steering commendable alacrity and the Audi a zest for corners that neither the Volvo nor most any other machine in the class—with the possible exceptions of the much less expensive Acura MDX and Mazda CX-9—can duplicate. Smooth and generally responsive (at least in Sport mode), this motor’s 252hp and 273lb-ft of torque don’t translate into fuel economy savings, something typical of heavier vehicles with small, turbocharged powerplants. The available 333hp 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 is the better bet for use at our higher altitudes, or for those who might tow, as the four cylinder drops the Audi’s rating from 7700lb to 4400lb. The real savings comes in the sticker price; a 2.0T Q7 is $5,800 less than the V6. As a package, it is hard to argue against the Audi as the best combination of utilitarian and upscale virtues in its competitive set.

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0-60mph: 7.0sec
EPA ratings: 19/25mpg; 21mpg
Price as tested: $62,100
4.5 Stars

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Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected].

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