Overview & Reviews

One of the more attractive luxury crossover SUVs available, the Audi Q7 comes with all the quality and understated opulence buyers have come to expect from the respected German marque. The Q7's bloodlines are evident in its incredibly swank interior. Craftsmanship is first-rate throughout, and the big SUV is decked out with a wide array of sophisticated luxury and safety features.

The Q7 isn't without its flaws, however. The vehicle's full complement of features contributes to its ponderous curb weight, which strips some crispness from its maneuverability and makes its below-par cargo space and third-row seat room all the more disappointing. As such, there are more sensible large SUVs available, but there's certainly no arguing with its luxury credentials.

Current Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that seats up to seven. Audi's largest crossover emphasizes performance and luxury, as its car-based unit-body construction and flurry of high-end accoutrements attest. It is available in 3.0T Premium, TDI Premium and 3.0T S line Prestige trims.

Standard features even on the base "Premium" trims are impressive, with highlights including xenon headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, Audi's MMI control interface and a power liftgate. Adding optional packages or stepping up to the Prestige adds things such as an air suspension, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, keyless ignition and entry, a navigation system, a rearview camera, a surround-sound audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

The 3.0T Premium is powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 3.0T S line Prestige gets a more powerful version of that engine, producing 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. An alternative choice is the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 found in the Q7 TDI. It produces 240 hp and a robust 406 lb-ft of torque, while returning a relatively frugal 22 mpg combined. All engines are mated to "Quattro" all-wheel drive and an eight-speed transmission with manual shift control.

The Audi Q7 shines on pavement. Its optional adjustable air suspension helps it navigate bumps and ruts with panache, and Audi's all-wheel-drive system keeps the wheels firmly glued to the road. The SUV is somewhat porcine, which of course hurts acceleration and fuel efficiency.

The Audi Q7's cabin manages to be both high-tech and warm at the same time. There's lots of burled wood on display, and come nighttime, the gauges light up with a pleasing red glow. The construction is arguably class-leading, while materials quality is first-rate. The navigation, climate control and audio systems are all accessed via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). Once you get up to speed on the system, it's fairly easy to use. Third-row seating is strictly for the kids, making rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti more family-friendly. Both the second and third rows may be folded flat to swallow 72.5 cubic feet of cargo, which is below that of most other competing large luxury crossovers.

Used Audi Q7 Models
Audi introduced the Q7 for the 2007 model year. Initially, engine choices consisted of a 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp and 266 lb-ft) or a 4.2-liter V8 (350 hp and 325 lb-ft), both matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. Neither was an ideal choice, as the V6 was underpowered and the V8 was thirsty. For 2009, the turbodiesel-powered Q7 TDI (225 hp and 406 lb-ft) debuted, while other trims saw a shuffling of features. The following year saw a mild refresh, with updated front and rear styling and an updated MMI system.

Extensive engine lineup changes occurred for 2011, with the previous V6 and V8 engines being replaced by supercharged 3.0-liter V6s known as the 3.0T (272 hp and 295 lb-ft) and 3.0T S line (333 hp and 325 lb-ft), respectively. This year also saw an eight-speed automatic become standard on all Q7s. For the next year, the base 3.0T's output increased slightly, to 280 hp. Other than a modest bump in horsepower for the TDI (to 240 hp), things stood pat for 2013. Other than some minor equipment shuffling, these latter Q7s are similar to today's version.

User Reviews:

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  Love this car - 2009 Audi Q7
  By cars - August 5 - 9:50 pm

  It is a great SUV if you need the space for the kids. I had a Lexus Rx 350, great car but a little boring to drive. I also has infinity Fx, Fun to drive but i needed more room. I find the Audi Q has it all, comfort, roomy, unique.. not as many Q7 as lexus and mercedes.

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  Terrific SUV - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Rick H - July 26 - 11:00 am

  We have had a vastly different experience to many of the recent posts. We have had this car for nearly 2 years and have had no defects or problems. The engine, MMI system, tires etc have all been faultless. The car is extremely comfortable and surprisingly easy to drive given its size. In fact, we are considering purchasing another Audi due to our satisfaction. Perhaps we just got lucky, but this vehicle has been terrific for us. Prestigious, stylish, comfortable, and reliable. If it got 10mpg more in the city it would be perfect!

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  Replaced Brakes & Tires @ 18K - 2007 Audi Q7
  By JPE - July 5 - 9:32 pm

  I just spent almost $2000 to replace the brakes & rotors and the tires on my Audi Q7, which is only two years old and has only 18,000 miles on it. I called the Audi dealership, and they said I must "drive the car hard." They also said they see plenty of Q7s that need brake replacements at 18K. Im a middle aged housewife--not a teenage speed racer who slams on the brakes Im more like Driving Miss Daisy. After reading many reviews, I have found out that many other owners have had to do the same "routine maintenance" during the course of their leases. Unfortunately, the $500 maintenance package that I bought when the lease started only covers oil changes. Luxury Jiffy Lube.

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  Hesitation - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Lauren - June 25 - 11:40 am

  Ive experienced an unnerving hesitation occurs at low speeds (ex.) parking lots or left turns when a full stop is not required. The accelerator must be pumped several times before the engine responds. Dangerous at times so Ive learned to adapt to the quirk. Audi has looked at the car twice so far and says there is no apparent problem and my experiences cant be duplicated. Dont find it to be particularly nimble (unfair comparison, perhaps to my previous MDX) Very quiet and luxurious with very good visibility.

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  Pleasure on my trips - 2009 Audi Q7
  By JAN FLINN - May 22 - 12:48 pm

  I have been traveling about 450 miles 3 or 4 times each month for the last 5 years on business and pleasure. I love the fact the I am never as fatigued now as I was when I started these junkets 5 years ago in my first SUV. I have to hand it the German manufacturer. The vehicle is definitely designed for fun driving and long hauling. I also find that it handles much better in the parking lot than my previous 2 SUVs - they seem like real tanks compared to this. I purchased the Audi Care package so all of my services visits are covered by Audi. I have 21k miles now and have not spent anything on the Q7 yet.

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  Great reliable car. - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Al Forte - May 17 - 10:25 am

  Drives like a tank. Built very solid....

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  Great reliable car. - 2014 Audi Q7
  By Al Forte - May 17 - 10:25 am

  Drives like a tank. Built very solid....

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  DONT buy an Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Shammy - April 28 - 10:09 pm

  Important to note: I am a grandma and a teacher. I do not speed. I always take my car for service promptly! I am absolutely outraged with the quality of this car. I only have 19,000 miles and I need a NEW ENGINE. How ridiculous is that! This vehicle has had many faults. One example is that emergency brake locked on me while I was driving on the freeway, very scary. Other defects: Window mechanism broken on both front windows -Molding coming off -headlights fogged from inside -bad brakes. BE AWARE...the blue-book price has drastically decreased FIFTY Percent. Overall, DON’T buy an AUDI! I wish I never did!!!

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  German Junk - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mike - April 21 - 9:35 am

  Despite meaningful price-incentive at purchase, discount cant make up for poor quality and ongoing issues. Brakes and tires needed replacing at ~25K mi in response to which dealer congratulated me for outlasting the average (most customers only get 22K out of both at best)... Reason: heavy weight. Quickly upgraded tires (they were pathetic in snow/ice - seems insane for an AWD SUV) but had to stick with same (lousy) brakes due to some proprietary sensors (anyone test this theory?). Sunroof rattles, steering wheel vibrates at 70 mph, 2nd row seat rattles like a 15-year old Chevy pick-up. Dealer happy to keep trying to fix but sick of driving A4 loaners.

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  Very Disappointed - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Kelly - April 9 - 3:08 pm

  Very nice looking car but brakes have been squealing since the day I bought it. Resurfaced twice. At 15K service told me I needed new brakes at the cost of $2k. Said they changed the warranty on brakes to 12K miles and I see why now. Neither Audi nor dealership were helpful just basically said "sorry". From what I understand there have been many brake problems in this vehicle. Brakes still squeal. Terrible customer service from Audi headquarters and dealership and obviously do not stand behind their vehicles. It is a fun car to drive but for the money I spent you would expect high quality and customer service. Fuel economy bad even for an SUV. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE.