If you're in the market for a luxury SUV there are plenty of choicesavailable, and Audi just gave you one more to consider with its new Q7full-size SUV. We just posted a full reviewon it if you're interested in getting the full rundown, but we'veincluded here some things to consider if you decide to take the Q7 on atest drive.
- Suspension and wheels: Q7s are available with 18-, 19-, 20- or21-inch wheels, and can have a conventional steel suspension or anadaptive air suspension with adjustable damping. I tested a Q7 with theadaptive suspension and 20-inch wheels and thought the ride quality —in any of the suspension's modes — was very firm. If you drive onpotholed roads regularly, you might want to check out a Q7 with smallerwheels and the steel suspension; it might offer some relief.
Multi Media Interface: All Q7s feature some version of Audi'sMulti Media Interface, which controls vehicle settings and systems viaa knob and buttons on the center console and a display screen on thedash. Get familiar with the system and try to decide if you would becomfortable with something like adjusting the radio this way day in andday out.
- Passing response: Take the Q7 on the highway and floor it afew times to see how quickly it responds. When testing a Q7 with the4.2-liter V-8, the delay between flooring the pedal and acceleratingforward was more significant than I had expected.
Rearview camera: Test a Q7 with the optional rearview camerasystem if you can. Shifting into reverse projects an image from thecamera on the dashboard display screen, and the image includes overlaysto help you size up a parking space and gauge where the rear of thevehicle is headed. These systems can be especially handy when parallelparking.
Third-row seat: An optional split-folding third-row seatexpands seating capacity to a maximum of seven, but Audi says it's onlydesigned for passengers up to 5-feet-4-inches tall. (At 6-foot-1, I canattest it wasn't meant for me.) If you feel able, climb on back thereand see if it's worth $690.
- Cargo area load height: You don't have to bring your set ofSamsonite luggage to the dealership, but open the liftgate, stand nextto the rear bumper and envision loading and unloading bags into theQ7's cargo area. Is the height comfortable for you? If you're testing aQ7 with the air suspension, you can lower the rear of the vehicle tomake this job easier.
- Second-row seats' weight: Besides sitting in them, spendsome time folding and raising the second-row seatbacks. Are they lightenough for you to easily operate?
- Panorama Sunroof: The Panorama Sunroof is a stunning optionthat provides front and rear occupants with expansive overhead views.Even if you don't feel it's worth the $1,850 price, it's definitelyworth seeing one when you're at the dealership.
Related:
Cars.com's 2007 Audi Q7 Expert Review
2007 Audi Q7 Review Preview
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