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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  problems - 2017 Audi Q7
  By dawn - February 20 - 10:17 pm

  I love my Q7, but Im having problems already and have only owned it since the end of June. The hatch has a tendency to not to want to open and it makes a screeching noise when it does open. You have to try and pull it up enough to shut it so you can try and open it again. Ive had it in for a fix and all they did was a master reset. What good is that really going to do?? Ha, nothing, as it is happening again. Im pretty sure the pre sense is not working. Ive had a couple close calls where it should have and it didnt work. But they tell me it is. Ive just started having issues with the key remembering my settings. I have had to push the button several times now to get it where I have it set for me. Im wondering if I made a mistake buying this Audi. :( I got rid of my explorer because I was constantly bringing it in for the same problems they couldnt seem to get fixed right. I dont want to have to be doing that again!

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  A Little Disappointed - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mike - February 13 - 5:09 pm

  This is my 3rd Audi. I have owned an A4 and currently still own an A6. I am disappointed in the reliability and quality of the Q7. I have only 28,000 miles on this car and brakes are already going. The tires also need to be replaced. I have never owned a vehicle where the brakes and tires went bad at such low mileage. The engine sounds like it is struggling all of the time and is sounding more and more like a pick-up truck and not an Audi SUV. We spent the extra money for the keyless start and it doesnt work when it is cold out. I think the quality of Audis have definitely decreased.

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  Not up to Audi standards - 2007 Audi Q7
  By stoak - February 4 - 11:35 am

  Our 3rd Audi. This one is just not up to what we had expected. Example - the gas door feels and works like a Yugo. Instrument panel is directly under cup holders and any spills screw up the audio. $800 to fix and not covered by warranty. Service has declined dramatically over the years. It feels like they are trying to wring every dime they can from us at every chance. Not much different than most but different than our past experience. Have had for 1.5 years and seems like there is always some little thing wrong. Engine is great, great on snow. If I had it to do over again I would get the GL 450 or 550. The Acura is more reliable but does not drive as well or turn as sharply.

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  Loving it - 2008 Audi Q7
  By eplots - January 28 - 10:07 pm

  Ive had this vehicle now for about 9 months and completely love it. Mine has most of the extra bells and whistles, and I have been totally spoiled by the features - even the ones I thought Id never use (keyless entry/start, lane assist, back up camera). With the 21 inch wheels this thing corners and handles more like a sports car than a SUV. But the beefy curb weight (while providing for a sense of security and impervious-ness-ity) definitely makes for less than thrilling accelerations. I expected this though when I bought it, so no surprises there. A few minor issues with squealing brakes and the like have been promptly handled by Audi care and all-in-all I am very happy with my Q7.

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  Did I make a mistake? - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Bigdog - January 20 - 5:56 pm

  The Q is my 3rd Audi. The car has good performance and room inside. As my wife says, "this thing can turn on a dime and give you change." It does have a great turning radius for this size of car. Mileage stinks (gets about 14/gal). Great handling on snow/ice in the mountains of Colorado. Had to replace all brakes & rotors at 18k miles at the tune of $1200. Dealer said this was a common problem on this car. No warranty coverage. Just take it out of the pocket. This should really be a recall issue but Im sure Audi wont step up to the problem.

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  This will be my last Audi - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Mark Conway - January 7 - 11:59 am

  I traded in a lemon 2002 A6 in for the Q7. Within 2 months of the Q7 purchase, the windshield wipers collided during a bad rainstorm on the highway. After 5000 miles the power lift gate stopped working and the back seat wouldnt lock into place. After 19000 miles, the tires needed to be replaced for $1200. Then at 28000 miles the brake warning light came on, $1700 to replace the brakes and rotors. There was a leak in the sunroof and mold started to grow on the drivers side carpet. Great looking cars, very poor reliability and very expensive to keep up. From now on, Im spending a little more for another BMW. There is a reason you see many more older BMWs than older Audis on the road.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Audi Q7
  By disappointed - December 9 - 6:29 pm

  Love the car except the electronics. Console buttons shorted out from windex used to clean off finger prints. Really bad design as the buttons are not sealed and will short out with only a couple of drops. Audi will not stand behind. Cost $1000 to replace in the first 6 months. Afraid to use the cup holders that are located above the elect. 2 drops and another $1000. pule the hassle. Want my Range Rover back.

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  Audi versus Acura - 2009 Audi Q7
  By Bob A. - December 6 - 10:37 am

  Prior to purchasing my Audi Q7 I owned an Acura Mdx (2007) for 2 years. So I cant help but make comparisons. In my view the Audi is a better looking car inside and out. It also is the better riding of the two at highway speeds (75 mph and up for sure). It feels more like a sports sedan. Audi is geared lower than the Acura (raising the rpms considerably) The interior really is top of its class as well. But the Audis navigation system is completely inferior to Acuras nav. Smaller screen size and the absence of Acuras joystick like control makes a huge difference Audis system is simply frustrating to use. I give it a D.

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  A big headache! - 2017 Audi Q7
  By Isabel R. - November 26 - 12:55 am

  I own a new 2017 Q7 for 7 months and its currently 6500 miles. I love the esthetics and the drive but the electronics of this car are absolutely terrible! Dont buy this car! I have had a steering wheel malfunction in this car 4 time where all the controls in the steering wheel stop working, -and next day everything is working again! . I took it to Audi 3 times and they cant figure it out! Also the rear camera doesnt work every time it rains. My volume button stopped working temporarily 3 times! My oil change light went off when it wasnt due for an oil change. The light went off the next day by itself. There is a clicking noise everytime I start the car. Like a processor sound. I took the car to Audi and none of the issues where fixed yet. I am planning to apply to lemon laws.

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  Good Engineering, Poor Customer Service - 2007 Audi Q7
  By kerryjth - November 15 - 12:41 pm

  I enjoy driving the Q7 and it is a well built basic SUV. Unfortunately for $60K price tag Audi falls short on customer service and attention to detail. I had serious electrical problems the 1st week I drove out of dealership and the dealers reaction was "so what". They fixed it but it was as if it was expected. Next the battery died several times and had to be jumpstarted. After bringing it in 3 times Audi finally figured out the Software had a glitch. The MMI system(electronic brain) is unsealed and located below the tilted forward cup holders- so if you spill even a little liquid on the shifter the MMI shorts out and it costs $1000 to fix. Audi said not their design flaw my fault.