Audi Q7 - DETAILED REVIEW

The 2009 Audi Q7 ranks 10 out of 16 Luxury Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on analysis of 74 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q7, and analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Audi Q7 delivers distinctive elegance, spacious cargo room, and lots of safety features. However, prices can climb to $60,000 and the SUV's performance can't quite compensate for its weight.

"A combination of luxury features, excellent build quality and a smart-looking interior make the 2009 Audi Q7 a solid choice for a five- or seven-passenger luxury crossover SUV," . "However, the Q7 isn't the quickest or roomiest crossover on the block." Where the Q7 really stands out is in its interior, which lives up to Audi's reputation for quality and luxury. Still, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system confuses some reviewers, though most say it's better than BMW's similar iDrive system.
For 2009, the Q7 adds a turbodiesel model to its lineup. This should boost fuel economy, which was formerly a low point for the Q7. Also for 2009, several models get more standard and optional features.

The Q7 comes in several trims
The 3.6, 3.6 Premium, 4.2 Premium and new turbodiesel-powered TDI.

• "Recognizing that vehicles in this class are more about coddling occupants than carrying cargo, and need to make a style statement in the process, the Q7 fits the premium-large-SUV bill." -- Consumer Guide
• "Being smooth, quiet and effortless to drive, the V6 TDI is a perfect match for the Q7's luxury SUV personality. In fact, the Q7 will be the most posh diesel SUV on the market when it arrives next year." -- Automobile.com
• "What especially deserves underlining, after our test drive of the upcoming Q7 TDI, is that diesel engines deliver exceptionally good fuel economy in the type of driving that most Americans do, without a sacrifice in performance or hauling ability, and now with the AdBlue system, emissions that are better than soot-free." -- The Car Connection
• "The Q7 may be the new leader of the pack, but the pack still follows uncomfortably close to its heels. It is much closer to SUV heaven than to the hell of live-axle trucks, but it is not quite the aged-straight, single-barrel, gold-medal stuff we sip in our dreams." -- Automobile Magazine
• "Yeah, 60 grand is a lot to pay for a family car, but instead of having two or three vehicles in the driveway, it might be worth putting your whole automotive budget into this pleasure machine." -- U.S. News

Q7 PERFORMANCE - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 Audi Q7 drives like a heavy vehicle, but most reviewers are still impressed with its engineering. "The Q7's biggest drawback? Weight -- big, raw, don't-sit-near-me tonnage," says the Los Angeles Times. "This is an unavoidable consequence in these sorts of kitchen-sink vehicles that must offer credible off-road capacity as well as luxury on-road performance. But beyond that, you can begin to feel the effects of its weight and aerodynamic resistance in passing performance." While low fuel economy is a drawback, the new turbodiesel model should improve it substantially.

Q7 EXTERIOR- 9.0 (Excellent)

Reviewers have mixed opinions on the 2009 Q7's exterior styling. Some find the distinctive look appealing, while others find it disappointing. The Detroit News is one of the detractors, noting, "If you can get past the hideous exterior styling of the Q7, there is quite a bit to recommend." On the flip side, another reviewer calls the Audi's looks "flat-out beautiful."

Q7 INTERIOR - 8.2 (Very Good)

The Audi Q7's interior is appropriately luxurious for its luxury-SUV status. "The mix of materials conveys a level of luxury that matches, if not exceeds, the Q7's price," says New Car Test Drive. Though the Q7 seats seven, reviewers differ as to how many passengers can actually ride comfortably. They also complain about the cockpit controls.

Q7 SAFETY - 9.9 (Excellent)

The 2009 Audi Q7 does very well in federal government crash tests. Reviewers are also impressed with the innovative accident avoidance features on the Q7. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety names it a "Top Safety Pick." Road and Track calls the Q7 a "remarkably safe passenger hauler." The Q7's unique safety options include Side Assist.

Q7 RELIABLITY- 4.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 Audi Q7 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Q7 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.


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R.B.N.J