Audi Q7 Review

Car News

2017 Audi Q7 Recalled for Airbag Problem

byAnita Lienert
Latest Update:
9/19/17

WASHINGTON — Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 14,535 2017 Audi Q7 SUVs because the front airbags may deploy with more force than required in certain crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Airbags that deploy with excessive force may increase the risk of injury," the NHTSA said in its recall summary.

There are no incidents or injuries linked to the recall, Volkswagen told federal safety regulators.

Traced to a software issue, the problem affects 2017 Q7 SUVs built from August 30, 2015, to May 8, 2016.

Audi dealers will update the airbag control module software. A date has not been set for the recall. Owners can contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Edmunds says: Owners of these vehicles should stay in close touch with their Audi dealer regarding the availability of the software update.

Audi Q7 Review

The Audi Q7's purposeful acceleration, agile handling abilities and sharp styling make it a standout in the three-row luxury crossover class. You may not expect it from a premium German brand, but the Q7 offers solid value by keeping the price competitive and demonstrating the quality and understated opulence buyers have come to expect from the luxury automaker. Craftsmanship is first-rate throughout the interior and a wide array of sophisticated luxury and safety features are available.

The current Q7 is impressive from the moment you open the door and step into the richly appointed cabin. The horizontal dashboard layout is sleek and modern, and everything you touch feels substantial and expensive. It represents an incredible improvement over the previous, first-generation Q7. That crossover was hugely impressive when it first debuted, but a lack of upgrades over its lengthy lifespan meant it was consistently outclassed by updated rivals. Its hefty weight also didn't do much for handling abilities (current generation Q7s are hundreds of pounds lighter than their previous-gen counterparts).

Current Audi Q7
Redesigned for the 2017 model year, the current-generation Audi Q7's unique exterior design, luxurious cabin appointments and superlative performance will rouse even the most ardent Mercedes-Benz or BMW enthusiast. A new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine is a more cost-effective option than the supercharged V6 carried over from the previous model. Weight is reduced significantly across the board, resulting in a Q7 that not only handles better but also enjoys healthy gains in fuel economy. Improved materials quality and striking new features such as the Virtual Cockpit digital instrument panel and semiautonomous driving technology round out the headlining changes.

The standard engine on Premium and Premium Plus models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Optional for those trims and standard on the Prestige is a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with 333 hp and 325 lb-ft on tap. Fuel economy estimates are virtually a dead heat between the two; on our 115-mile test loop, the V6 was actually a bit more frugal. You'll save quite a bit by selecting the four-cylinder — the V6 is thousands more expensive — but the cost is offset by the V6's increased performance. Even though it bumps the price tag substantially, we think the V6 is the one to get, as the four-cylinder doesn't offer the acceleration expected at this price point.

When we took the Q7 out on the road, we were immediately impressed by its exceptional ride comfort, aided in part by the optional adaptive air suspension. When put into Dynamic mode, the steering and dampers firm up to deliver an engaging driving experience. In the corners, the Q7's fantastic handling makes it feel like a much smaller vehicle. This tight feeling is evident even at lower speeds. Overall, we're pleased with the level of dynamic competence that Audi has achieved with the second-generation Q7.

Used Audi Q7 Models
The first-generation Audi Q7 was produced from 2007 to 2015. There was no 2016 model. Audi's largest SUV bucked trends with a car-based unibody construction at a time when many of its American and Japanese rivals relied on a trucklike body-on-frame architecture. In doing so, towing and off-road abilities were traded for a serene ride and comparatively sprightly corner-carving skills. Its interior was another high point, with appropriately luxurious materials and solid construction. The Mercedes-Benz GL and BMW's second-generation X5 launched the same year; both cabins looked a little behind the times compared to the futuristic Q7.

When it was introduced, the Q7 offered the choice between a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque or a 4.2-liter V8 with 350 hp and 325 lb-ft. Both came with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 diesel debuted with 225 hp and 406 lb-ft (increased to 240 hp in 2013). It offered similar outright performance as the V6 but vastly improved fuel economy. In 2011, the gasoline engines were replaced by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 with two levels of output. The 3.0T produced 272 hp and 295 lb-ft (boosted to 280 hp in 2012), while the more robust 3.0T S line boasted 333 hp and 325 lb-ft. All engines now utilized an eight-speed automatic.

The 2007 Audi Q7 was sold in two trims: base and Premium, although features differed depending on which engine you specified. The V6 base model was equipped with dual-zone automatic climate control, a CD player, the MMI infotainment interface, a power driver seat and a 40/20/40-split second row. The V6 Premium and V8 base offered similar features, including adaptive xenon headlights, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery, an upgraded MMI system and a Bose audio system with a six-disc CD player. Optional on the V6 Premium and standard on the V8 base was a third row with two seats. Upgrading to the V8 Premium added a panoramic sunroof, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a navigation system, four-zone climate control, premium leather, satellite radio and second-row captain's chairs. Available options included an adaptive air suspension, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitor.

In reviews of the time, we noted the Q7's optional adjustable air suspension helped it navigate bumps and ruts with panache, and Audi's all-wheel-drive system kept the wheels firmly glued to the road. The SUV's hefty weight hurt acceleration and fuel efficiency. On the inside, the cabin managed to be both high-tech and warm at the same time. There's lots of burled wood on display, and come nighttime, the gauges lit up with a pleasing red glow. Its luxury status was cemented by class-leading construction and first-rate materials quality. The navigation, climate control and audio systems were all accessed via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). It wasn't the most intuitive interface we'd ever experienced, but once you learned all the ins and outs, it was fairly easy to use. Third-row seating was strictly for the kids, making rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti more family-friendly. Both the second and third rows of the Q7 folded flat to swallow 71.9 cubic feet of cargo, which was below that of most other competing large luxury crossovers.

The first-generation Q7 received several notable updates over its nine-year lifespan. The V8 base trim was dropped in '08, while '09 saw a complete renaming of the trim lineup. It consisted of base (V6), Premium (V6 and diesel), Premium Plus (V6 and diesel) and Prestige (V6, diesel and V8) levels. The V6 base was dropped in '10, coinciding with a refresh that included revised front and rear fascias, new headlights and taillights, and an updated MMI system. There were also minor feature additions to trims throughout the Q7's life cycle.

Audi Q7 Cars for Sale

NEW 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus quattro

MSRP~~$70,360~~

Special Offer See special offer Rockville Audi(19mi)(9)

NEW 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus quattro

MSRP~~$70,360~~

Special Offer See special offer Audi Frederick(26mi)(5)

NEW 2018 Audi Q7 2.0T Premium Plus quattro

MSRP~~$62,945~~

Special Offer See special offer Audi Silver Spring(29mi)(12)

Dealer Notes

10 Speakers, 3.504 Axle Ratio, 3rd row seats: bench, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, ABS brakes, Air Conditioning, AM/FM radio: SiriusXM, Auto-dimming Rear-View mirror, Automatic temperature control, Brake assist, Bumpers: body-color, CD player, Compass, Delay-off headlights, Driver door bin, Driver vanity mirror, Driver's Seat Mounted Armrest, Dual front impact airbags, Dual front side impact airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Exterior Parking Camera Rear, Four wheel independent suspension, Front anti-roll bar, Front Bucket Seats, Front dual zone A/C, Front fog lights, Front reading lights, Fully automatic headlights, Garage door transmitter: HomeLink, Genuine wood dashboard insert, Genuine wood door panel insert, Heated door mirrors, Heated Front Bucket Seats, Heated front seats, High intensity discharge headlights: Xenon plus, Illuminated entry, Leather Seating Surfaces, Leather Shift Knob, Leather steering wheel, Low tire pressure warning, Memory seat, MP3 decoder, Occupant sensing airbag, Outside temperature display, Overhead airbag, Panic alarm, Passenger door bin, Passenger seat mounted armrest, Passenger vanity mirror, Power door mirrors, Power driver seat, Power moonroof, Power passenger seat, Power steering, Power windows, Radio data system, Radio: MMI Radio Plus w/Audi Sound System, Rain sensing wipers, Rear air conditioning, Rear anti-roll bar, Rear fog lights, Rear reading lights, Rear seat center armrest, Rear window defroster, Rear window wiper, Remote keyless entry, Roof rack: rails only, Security system, Speed control, Speed-sensing steering, Split folding rear seat, Spoiler, Steering wheel mounted audio controls, Tachometer, Telescoping steering wheel, Tilt steering wheel, Traction control, Trip computer, Turn signal indicator mirrors, Variably intermittent wipers, and Wheels: 18 5-Arm-Design. 2018 Audi Q7 2.0T Premium quattro 2.0L I4 TFSI DOHC 8-Speed Automatic with Tiptronic Factory MSRP: $62,945 *Your additional costs are sales tax, tag and title fees for the state in which the vehicle will be registered, any dealer-installed options (if applicable) and a $299 dealer processing fee. Pricing and incentives may vary if vehicle is leased. Prices are subject to change, and prior sales are excluded from these offers. While every reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, we are not responsible for any errors or omissions contained on these pages. Please verify any information in question with the dealer.