2010 Audi Q7 Review

Overview

The 2010 Audi Q7 is a large luxury crossover SUV which seats five or seven passengers, depending upon the trim level. Audi's first foray into the SUV segment, the relatively new Q7 SUV gets a refresh for 2010. Available in 5-, 6-, or 7-seat configurations, the Q7 can be equipped with a V-6, a V-8 or a new diesel power train. The Q7 competes with the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and Acura MDX. It is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims.

Power and performance

Two gasoline engines are available - a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V-6 with 266 pounds-feet of torque (14/20 city/highway mpg), and a 350-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 with 325 pounds-feet of torque (13/18 city/highway mpg). A new clean-diesel powertrain is also offered for 2010. The 225-hp, 3.0-liter V-6 with 406 pounds-feet of torque is estimated to deliver 17/25 mpg city/highway. All powertrains are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and feature permanent all-wheel drive. An adjustable air suspension and carbon-fiber brakes are optional.

Body and styling

The Q7's exterior gets a lot of significant changes in the form of new front lighting design and LED daytime running lights, new wheel designs, two-tone exterior mirrors and updated front/rear bumpers. The interior gets ventilated Premium Cricket leather front seats, ambient interior door lighting and additional chrome enhancements on switchgear and additional wood decorative inlay on passenger side dash. The new MMI navigation system - third generation MMI shows latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS artist/title preview, SIRIUS traffic-based navigation, voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs. Advanced key keyless entry and starting, Bluetooth hands-free telephone interface, Audi music interface - iPod adapter, Audi parking system advanced w/ rearview camera (includes front & rear acoustic sensors), towing package to tow 6,600 lbs, Audi side assist blind spot detection system (activates at 19 mph), Bang & Olufsen 1001 watts / 14 speaker Advanced Sound System, four zone climate control, heated front & rear seats, and steering wheel, Audi adaptive air suspension (height & damping adjustment) and Audi adaptive cruise control (0-90 mph, can bring car to a complete stop) are the innovations and features available.

Safety Features

The Q7 features the latest active and passive safety equipment that includes traction control; anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist; electronic stability control system with hill descent control and rollover detection; front-seat side airbags; full-length side curtain airbags; tire pressure monitoring system and active front headrests.