Vehicle: 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 with Technology package, 4-zone climate control and rear side airbags
Price as tested: CDN$74550

Performance: The initial launch of Q7 only comes with one single engine. A 4.2L DOHC V8 32-valver with FSI technology, that is good for 350 horses and 325 lb/ft of torque. Its basically a detuned version of the same V8 found in the astounishing RS4 supersedan. This is one superb V8 with exceptional refinement, NVH and flexability. Thanks to the excellent 6-speed Tiptronic that comes standard in Q7, we have clocked 100 km/h at a lowly 2500 rpm. Its obvious the gearing is for highway cruising and fuel economy given the purpose of this vehicle. Despite the tranny’s low gearing, we still have averaged of 18.5L/100km during test drive. With 325 pounds feet of torque arrives at 3500rpm, Q7 is a pretty willing vehicle considered it weights at 2480 kg. Surprisingly, this is also a rev-happy powerplant at high rpm. The 6-speed Tiptronic, on the other hand, does an equally good job by providing smooth shifts with proper gear ratios. Although in manumatic mode, it won’t allowed enthuisastic drivers to shift above redline. It has done what its supposed to do for a large SUV. That means combining an equally good tranny with impressive powerplant.

Handling: Consider Q7’s size and weight, its handling dynamics is a delightful surprise. Audi engineers really have done a marvelous job by retuning the Touareg/Cayenne chassis with “Audi feel”. That means it feels substantial, solid and well put together although not as hard edged as its Cayenne chassis silibing. However, it handles sharper than Touareg even if our Q7 doesn’t come with air suspension. What really shines, dynamically, is Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD. This system really works flawlessly with excellent power transfer through its mechanical set-up. The ride quality, on the other hand, its simply wonderful. It absorbs all the roughness, which are so called Canadian roads, perfectly with excellent rebound damping characteristics. The steering is typical Audi, which means its sharp and precise. It also has proper on and off-center feel. The ESP doesn’t kick-in unnecessarily due to its high threshold. As you would expect in a 2480 kg SUV, there are plenty of body rolls and understeer when pushed. In short, there are few SUVs that combined handling and ride as nicely balanced as Q7.

Brakes: Q7 comes standard with 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, as well as electronic braking force distribution. Both the pedal feel and modulation are excellent for what its worth. The EBD also manage to give the driver a stable feel when stepping hard on the brake pedal, without feeling all those hefty weight at the back.

Interior: As you would expect from Audi, its very well laid-out inside. Everything else from leather to plastic are of top-notch quality. The leather seats are comfortable with great support. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. The automatic climate control works flawlessly. We really have to mention the effectiveness of air conditioner in this kind of weather. It cools up the interior really fast under nearly 30 degrees today.

Both the 2nd and 3rd row of seats provide decent leg and headrooms. Thanks to Q7’s exterior dimensions, its 3rd-row has more legroom that most of its competitions.

Conclusion: With the introduction of Q7, Audi has upped the ante in the ultra-competitive luxo-SUV segment. It got pace, space, dynamics, comfort and quality to match. The Q7 is a sensible choice when buying an SUV until you look at the skyrocketing gas prices…………….!!!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 AUDI Q7 4.2
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Performance: 4.5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4.25/5