2024 Audi Q7 55 FSIi Quattro – Review by David Colman +VIDEO

Nimble but complicated

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent to THE AUTO CHANNEL

Audi sells a bafflingly wide range of sports utility vehicles all carrying the same Q7 designation. When you're shopping the lot at your local Audi store, pay careful attention to whether the model description includes the number 45 or 55. Less powerful (and cheaper) Q7s are designated 45, which means they are powered by a 261hp turbocharged 4 cylinder motor. Top line Q7's are designated 55, meaning they are powered by a 335 hp turbocharged V6. Both 45 and 55 Q7s are equipped with the same 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox driving all four wheels (quattro). The Q7 price range for the "Premium 45" starts at $60,695, while the base price for the "Premium 55" costs $66,495. The Q7 we tested started with a base price of $65,300, a figure that ultimately escalated to a whopping $85,290. Accounting for this lofty final reckoning were the following pricey extras: Prestige Package ($9,800), S Line Sport Package ($5,000), Audi Laser Light Package ($1,650), 22-inch Wheel Package ($1,500), Towing Package ($750), and Satellite Silver Metallic paint ($595).

Certainly, you don't need all these options to enjoy a serviceable, well-equipped Q7. At a minimum, however, I would recommend selecting the V-6 powered 55 model over the four-cylinder 45 version because the hefty Q7 weighs 5,080 pounds. So you'll need all the grunt you can afford, even though the cost difference between the two models is nearly $6,000. Also, if you plan on using your Q7 for trailering, the V6 is tow-rated at 7,000 pounds, while the turbo 4 is limited to 5,000 pounds. Dynamite acceleration is an added incentive to opt for the Q7 55. The thrust of the turbo V6 enables the Q7 to scamper from 0-60mph in 5 seconds flat, run the standing start quarter mile in 13.7 seconds at 101mph, and record a top speed of 130mph. Audi provides steering wheel paddles to control the Tiptronic 8-speed's gear selection. Among other niceties, the S Line Sports package furnishes stainless steel pedal caps to improve your foot's grip on both the brake throttle and dead pedal. Gear selection, however, could do with a more clearly delineated layout than the confusing arrangement currently provided. In our week with the Q7, gear choice never once became secondhand easy.

Opting for the S Line Sport Package also pays notable dividends with the handling of the Q7. Your $5,000 buys Sport Adaptive Air Suspension as well as All Wheel Steering. The air ride is magical in its ability to maintain equanimity over severe bumps. One particular section of US 101 which causes every other vehicle to pogo up and down was traversed without so much as a flinch by the Q7. The added precision of rear-wheel steering enabled the Q7 to slither through demanding switchback turns with the equanimity of a sports sedan. The $1,500 bump to 22-inch rims brought the added dividend of a set of ultra-low profile (285/35R22), grippy (TW 320) Bridgestone Turanza T005 radials which honed in on apexes like heat seeking missiles. Select "Dynamic" mode from the available driving preferences in order to convert the Q7 from a beast of burden to a feast of frolic.

According to our Audi's window sticker, the basic Q7 55 TFSI quattro is equipped with "19 inch 5-arm-star design wheels with all season run-flat tires." But opting for the Prestige Package enhances the Q7 with "20 inch 5-spoke turbine design wheels." Should you elect to add the S Line Package, doing so replaces the 19 and 20-inch rims with " 21-inch 5-spoke blade design wheels and, bi-color finish." But of course none of these wheel sets were ever actually fitted to our test car because Audi upgraded it with " 22-inch 5-V-Spoke-star design wheels, bi-color finish, summer tires." So does Audi stuff your trunk with the three superseded sets of wheels and tires you have presumably already paid for? Of course not. However, by bumping up to the 22-inch rims (an extra $1,500), you do get a set of jewel-finish alloys shod with the latest Bridgestone Turanza tires, a combo that generates unexpectedly precise road feel for a two and a half ton, three-row SUV.

Time spent inside the plush confines of the Q7 is time well spent. With a few minor exceptions (like confusing headlight controls), driver commands are met with alacrity by a digital pictorial control screen located low on the center of the dashboard. Audi also provides 6 months of free navigation support, as well as a limited time subscription to Audi Connect CARE which enables remote starting privileges. However, both services need to be renewed at a cost for continued operation. The interior arrangement of the Q7 lends itself well to passenger or cargo hauling, with minimum effort required to convert from one chore to another. The third row bench seats are instantly foldable via switches located inside the hatchback area. The second-row chairs are manually foldable. When you've collapsed all the auxiliary seats in the Q7, you're left with a completely flat storage floor. This made the insertion and removal of my mountain bike absolutely painless. Very few SUVs I have tested offer such stellar ease of use.

2024 AUDI Q7 55 TFSI QUATTRO

• ENGINE: 3.0 liter V6, turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC, 24-valve, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
• HORSEPOWER: 335hp@6400rpm
• TORQUE: 369lb.-ft.@1370rpm
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 19MPG City/24MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $85,290

HYPES: Ballerina handling for a Linebacker

GRIPES: Insistent and Annoying Seat Belt Chime

STAR RATING: 9 Stars out of 10

©2024 David E Colman