| For 2011, Audi has shifted things around under the hood of its Q7 SUV. Gone are the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engines and in their place is a new 3.0-liter V6, which comes in two different states of tune. The base engine delivers 272 hp and 295 ft-lb of torque, while the high-output variant produces 333 hp and 325 lb-feet. The third powerplant in the Q7 lineup carries over from last year: a 225-hp, 3.0-liter clean diesel TDI V6 with AdBlue to scrub the exhaust of even more particulates before it disperses into the air. All Q7 models benefit from Audi's new 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The high-performance gas V6 model comes equipped with adaptive air suspension.
The Q7 is loaded with safety features such as airbags, TPMS and a crash sensor. There are available tech systems to help reduce the likelihood of a crash too. Adaptive cruise control monitors the vehicle in front of the Q7 and maintains a safe distance. If the car detects that a possible crash could happen, it warns the driver and prepares the braking system. At 20 mph and up, the side assist system checks the Q7's blind spots and watches the rear of the car for fast-approaching vehicles.
The Q7 comes in several trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus and S Line Prestige in the gas models, and Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige in the diesel. The base level Premium includes LED turn signals in the exterior mirrors, 18-inch tires, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, power tailgate, sound system with iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and rain and light sensors. The Premium Plus and S Line Prestige get upgrades such as Bose surround sound, driver's seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights and xenon headlights and parking assist with rearview camera. These trims have a couple of extra options, too such as running boards and headlight washers. The S Line also features ventilated front seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/telescopic steering column, 20-inch wheels, heated headlight washers, adaptive headlights, special S Line exterior trim and Audi advanced key.
All Q7s have both a cold-weather and warm-weather package available. For colder climes, a heated multi-function steering wheel is added, while those in warmer areas will appreciate the 4-zone climate control and window shades for the side and rear windows. A TDI S Line Package adds appearance both inside and out. Popular standalone options include a towing package for all trims, a panorama sunroof on Premium models, a Bang & Olufsen sound system for Prestige models, and Adaptive Air Suspension for a more responsive ride over variable terrain, also available on Prestige models. |