2011 Audi Q7 First Impressions

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Everyone said that it was late for the ball. These same “everyones” also said, after taking a closer look at the Q7, that it was probably going to be a hit. And so it has been written. The Q7 ended it up being a crucial player in Audi's drive for 1 million worldwide sales. The landmark was obtained in 2008, they understandably fell just shy of the mark in 2009 and now, for 2010, they are well on their way to write another page in their long-standing history books.


Like any wise company, Audi is in it for the money. With a great business plan, desirable products and a “we'll leave the rat race to the others” attitude, Audi has too few cars to meet the demand. While others throw cash into trunks (meaning heavy incentives and discounts), Audi is selling everything they've got without losing a penny.

Their situation is practically unique. In their case, at the moment, they could stand to have an extra plant putting more cars together, but they simply don't. Their competitors have these supplemental assembly lines, and to keep them running costs money. A large portion of the profits is reinvested in R&D for the future. And it shows. Every latest Audi is more sought after than the last and what's heading our way in the near future will be even better; this is a great way to ensure continued success.

Case in point
The Q7 was a well thought-out plan. Big but not too big. Just sporty enough and with looks good to make the cover of Seventeen magazine for car-tards like me. From the 2007 model on, Audi has made subtle improvements and changes to the 7's shell. The most significant came with the 2010 model where the ultra-cool and trendy LEDs made their way in the head and taillights. Immediately recognizable, like the horse-collar grille, these signature beacons signal Audis from the not.

New wheel designs and extra chrome accents also bring the Q7 into the new decade of the 21st century. The 7 continues to be the larger of the siblings which share the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform which also underpins the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both on the receiving end of full revitalization.

The big Audi's cabin is still amongst the finest in its group and has also been updated. Gauges now match those introduced in the current A6, leather is retouched, new interior colour choices and the third generation MMI control system. Regardless of where you sit (in the first two rows), royal comfort is the order of the day.


For 2011
Now that the rugged exterior has been taken care of, it was fine time to look under the bonnet. Like the TT, the larger engine, and in this case, engines, have been left by the wayside. Hence forth, the 3.6L V6 and 4.2L V8 are history. Both have been replaced by one of the latest members of the TFSI family of Audi engines.

Sporting a roots-type supercharger between its banks of cylinders, the 3.0L V6 will be made available in two levels of tune. The base Q7 will charge ahead with 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Sport version will get S4 power; 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Although these numbers are in fact lower than those generated by the powerplants they replace, the real point is fuel consumption.

The new V6 is lighter, stronger and more efficient than the 3.6L, and certainly-so compared to the V8. According to Audi, the 272-hp 3.0L takes in 11.5% less black gold and the 333-hp 3.0L guzzles 15.7% less fuel (both at 10.7 L /100 km). And, where the 272-hp version is concerned (which should be a more popular choice), its acceleration times are quicker by a few tenths of a second. The old V8 trumps the 333-hp TFSI in the 0-100 km/h sprint by a second (5.8 vs 6.9), but the lower fuel consumption and emission numbers more than make up for the extra time.

Let's not forget the TDI!
The other V6 is the turbocharged diesel-ingesting 3.0L TDI. This hero oil-burner now puts out 240 hp (up 15 from 2010) and 406 lb-ft of torque. Although peak torque is the same as 2010, this motor has been thoroughly revised inside and out. It is now stiffer, lighter and certainly more efficient, by 20% to be exact. In my books, this is the one to select. It's roughly as quick as the 272-hp 3.0L and, if we are to believe what Audi says, will average 8.4 L/100 km. Very impressive.

8 gears
First introduced in the stately new A8, the eight-speed Tiptronic will now serve as the Q7's 'box of choice. This transmission has a few tricks up its sleeve, including weighing 11 kg (24 lbs) less than the 6-speed it replaces. This wide margin of ratios allows the engine to rev in its ideal and most-efficient power band for the on-hand demand.


More details including fewer friction plates amongst the clutches and a smaller oil pump with optimized heated oil flow all work in concert to improve the Q7's fuel consumption by 5%. Another element is a Start/Stop function which is reserved, for the moment, to the TDI.

All those details come together in an autobox that is supremely smooth and docile. Shift points are imperceptible and honestly, this 'box blurs the line between the operation of a conventional transmission and a CVT. For more involved driving, the sporty “S” mode holds gears longer.


German roads
The only Q7 I had time to discover was a base 3.0 TFSI. I clearly recall the heavy footedness of the 3.6L and am happy to report the 272-hp feels livelier and more energetic. The 8-speed Tiptronic flicks through gears with finesse scarcely seen in an SUV.

As expected, the Q7 hovers above flawless German roads. Steering and brakes are as solid as the rock of Gibraltar and imbues serious confidence, the type needed to cruise along at 200+ km/h.

The peak
The 2011 Q7's pricing has not yet been announced, but it's expected that it will change little from the 2010's. Classier, more efficient and luxurious than ever, the Q7 has little competition to really consider in the over-5-passenger accommodators. As far as prestige and brand identity go, only the Mercedes GL-Class can match it. If Driving with a capital “D” is an important criteria in your purchase, only the Q can really do.