Vehicle: 2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro Premium with S-Line Pkg and 3-panel Panoramic sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$68700

Performance: Other than the minor revision to both exterior and interior, the biggest highlight to Q7 has to be the addition of a turbodiesel powertrain to this flagship Audi SUV for 2010.

If location, location and location matter most to real estate, then low fuel economy and emission are what matter to diesel buyers. What makes this 3.0 TDI resides underneath Q7′s hood so special is it provides low CO2 emissions with excellent fuel economy. All have done without losing all the performance of what Audi TDI has been known for years, as we have witnessed in 24 hours of LeMans races. While this DOHC V6 TDI has 225 hp on tap, its the amount of torque that is most amusing. 406 lb/ft of torque just arrives at 1750 rpm. When you consider Q7′s 4.2 liter V8 with both variable valve timing and FSI has 350hp but “only” 325 lb/ft of torque, it makes the TDI much more attractive for those who are looking for low-end torque. That amount of torque also move Q7 with authority, despite of its hefty 5512 lb of German leather-lined luxury. They are plenty of throttle response when pushed this elephant through the low and mid-range. Matched with this awesome TDI is Audi’s 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. Not only does our S-Line equipped TDI comes with paddle shifters, which encourage a bit of fun shifting this beast around while having the best fuel economy. The gearbox has excellent gear ratios. The 1st and 2nd gears are low enough to launch 406 lb/ft of torque off-the-line, while the top 5th and 6th are tall enough to provide wonderful cruising abilities. Combined all of these nifty engineering with world-class refinement, as well as engine smoothness that have never heard of in diesel world (at least in the case of North America, mind you!!). Our Q7 TDI got an average of 11.8 liters per 100km during our day of this test. This is nothing short of amazing judging by how heavy the Q7 weights, also how hard we have pressed it around. We are damn sure those who don’t push it as hard would get close to manufacturer’s official figure of 11 liters per 100km.

Handling: One would have thought Q7 handles like a barge when you look at how much it weights, not so. Q7 starts with an excellent platform that is both solid and rattle-free, its stiff enough to handle as much horsepower as 400 ponies, which is the case of Cayenne Turbo, a Porsche that shares platform with the Q7. Our TDI’s optional S-Line sports package is an added bonus to the already attractive dynamic package. The stiffer shocks and springs give Q7 less body rolls when pushed hard. The steering provides excellent feedback and feel, without losing any of its precision. Q7′s air suspension is another welcome bonus, as it gives ideal ride comfort without losing much when it comes to handling capabilities. That makes Q7 one of the most comfortably riding SUV on the market, without the loose and soft drama as some of its rivals. The combination of Audi Torsen Quattro system with 40/60 rear-bias with ESP have given an added level of security to the overall package. It all adds up to an SUV that is equally comfortable on the highway without losing the handling dynamics, when the driver needs to have fun. The understeer is well-controlled when pressed hard through corners. All and all, only BMW’s X5 and Mercedes’s M-Class are able to match Q7′s overall dynamic package.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, the Q7 stops commandably well given its heavyweight status. The stopping distance is short while the pedal feel is much better than expected, given its weight. Best of all, ABS doesn’t step in unnecessarily until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Slip behind the wheel of Q7, you found what one expects to find in a close to 70 grand Audi SUV. That means excellent use of plastic and leather materials on the cabin. The optional 3-piece Panoramic sunroof is worth the extra dough as it opens up our tester’s all-black interior.

It got automatic tailgate for easy access into the spacious cargo area. When both the 2nd and 3rd row of seats fold down, Q7 has plenty of cargo space. It also have a squared side cut-off and low liftover for loading luggages. The only problem is the rear glass doesn’t open independently from the tailgate, which it should!

Conclusion: The Q7 TDI has what everyone asked for in an SUV. It comes with lots of interior space, plenty of standrd features, well-finished interior and a well-rounded dynamic package. The most intriguing fact is this 3.0 liter TDI run rings around its V8 gasoline silibings, with significant fuel economy advantage. It makes you wonder how astounishing those V10 and V12 TDI are.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2010 Audi Q7 TDI
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Performance: 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: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.5/5