Test Drive: 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 8, 2016

“Fast” and “nimble” are not words that usually come to mind with thinking about seven-passenger SUVs. But the completely redesigned 2017 Audi Q7 proves that a practical family hauler doesn’t have to be boring, and ups the ante with top-of-the-line luxury features and the most advanced available technologies, too.

Once up a time, if you wanted a passenger vehicle with three rows of seats and available all-wheel-drive, you were pretty much limited to the Chevy or GMC versions of the Suburban. Lumbering beasts favored by construction companies and the U.S. Forest Service, they had plenty of interior room and could go practically anywhere, but drove like the full-size trucks they were based on.

Fast forward to 2017 and Suburbans are still around, and their DNA is largely unchanged, even though they are much more refined. But so are a range of other three-row SUVs with available AWD, from relatively inexpensive models to full-blown luxury vehicles that rival the finest premium cars for sophistication.

After a one-year hiatus, the Audi Q7 has returned for 2017 to challenge the top ranks. Although always noteworthy, it has been completely overhauled to feature crisper exterior styling, an even more upscale interior, and advanced technologies that begin with a standard turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower, an slick shifting eight-speed tiptonic automatic transmission with two sport modes, and Audi’s advanced quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Despite the fact that the Q7’s list of standard equipment is more than generous, it can also be loaded up option packages that include adaptive cruise control and lane assist systems, and even all-wheel-steering and adaptive air suspension.

Our test Q7 did not have the most expensive options, like all-wheel-steering and adaptive air suspension. Even so, it was a revelation to drive — light and responsive, like a sport tuned version of a smaller SUV. The engine and transmission worked together to instantly make plenty of power available, even when it wasn’t set in the automatic or manual Sport modes. And the big disc brakes took the drama out of even hard stops.

The Q7 was also remarkably quiet on the road, helping us appreciate the optional BOSE 3D Surround Sound stereo system even more. The Google Map based Navigation system was also appreciated, especially the ability to display behind the gauges, where it could be seen at a glade through the steering wheel.As a three-row luxury SUV, however, we doubt the Q7 will see much time on a racetrack. More importantly, middle-row passengers enjoy a wealth of head- and legroom, and the seats also slide and recline. These seats easily fold and tumble forward with little effort to allow access to the third row. Like most SUVs in this class, the rearmost seats can accommodate kids and perhaps smaller adults in relative comfort. The third row folds flat with the press of a button in the cargo area or by the second-row seats.

There was plenty of room for both front seat and middle row passengers. The middle seat slide and recline to increase comfort, and also tumble forward easily to allow access to the third row, which, of course, is best reserved for children. The third row also folds flat with a touch of a button, which increases the cargo space that is limited when it is up.

The biggest shortcoming was the mileage, which is understandably not great. An answer was supposed to be an optional diesel engine, which unfortunately can’t be sold because it is caught up in the emissions controversy. Hopefully it will be cleared for production soon.

With a base price of $54,800, the Q7 is surprisingly competitive against less sophisticated vehicles with similar equipment. For those thinking they might have to settle for less to meet their family needs, check out the redesigned full-size Audi SUV first.

2017 Audi Q7

Base price: $54,800

Price as tested: $68,925

Type: Full-size SUV

Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (333 hp, 325 lbs-ft)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission

EPA estimated mileage: 19/25

Overall length: 199.6 inches

Curb weight: 3,938 pounds

Final assembly: Bratislave, Slovakia