Audi Q7 Audi has a very special place in the luxury car/SUV market. Because of this, the German automaker does not intend to target its mainstream Mercedes or BMW customers. Rather, Audi has always tried to claim a large segment of the market that entices “alternative” luxury customers; these patrons may see the likes of BMW and Lexus as passé or too status quo. Owned wholly by the German manufacturer Volkswagen Group since 1960, the Audi Q7 is Audi’s attempt to engineer and market a proper full-size crossover. The 7 is now in its fourth year of production, which typically signifies that most of the kinks and bugs have been rooted out and what you get is a near perfect automobile (generally speaking). It’s pitted against rivals Lexus LX 570, Infiniti QX56, Acura MDX, BMW X5 and the Range Rover Sport. All-in-all, it succeeds-especially when it comes to price. The Audi is, well-quite substantially the least expensive of most of the SUV’s it competes with. Engines and Drive-trains For 2011, the Q7 is available in two trims and one diesel: the 3.6 FSI, 4.2 FSI, and the Q7 3.0L TDI. The base model boasts a V6 that’s good for 280 horsepower and 265 foot-pounds of torque-and is mated to a six speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox; move up to the 4.2 and you get a DOHC V8 worthy of 350 horses and 325 foot-pounds and the same Tiptronic system. Additionally, both come with Audi’s much celebrated Quattro all-wheel drive that provides unparalleled driving dynamics and off-road handling. The Q7—while good on power and great on handling-won’t be winning any accolades on fuel conservation (@ 14/19 for the 3.6, 13/18 for the 4.2). However, take this side note into account: Audi also offers a diesel engine—the Q7 3.0 TDI—which lends 225 horsepower, with a beefy 406 foot-pounds of torque. It offers slightly better fuel economy, but only to the tune of about 20 mpg (combined averages). Interior One of the most pleasing aspects of the Q7 is, undeniably, its cabin. It’s immediately identifiable as an Audi interior which, needless to say, is great. Swathed in acres of soft leather, trimmed in discretely placed chrome and aluminum, and bathed in rich, luxurious-feeling burl-the Q7’s interior could easily be mistaken as a Cayenne’s (an SUV that costs nearly DOUBLE) by any novice. The MMI (Audi’s navigation system and console mounted rotary knob) is every bit as well laid-out and easy-to-use as, say, the Lexus’s or Acura’s. The Q7 is indeed a solid contender against rivals like the Acura MDX and Infiniti’s QX56-as far as features, amenities, and performance are concerned. It will not out-do the BMW X5 around the slalom, nor will it take the corners like the Porsche Cayenne; it does, however, make for an overall great choice for any consumer who wants unbridled luxury accompanied with moderate sporting aspects. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11