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By Autotropolis Editors
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Strengths: |
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Superb handling; stylish interior; versatile seating and cargo space. |
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Changes: |
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Audi's Q7 SUV celebrates its second birthday in 2008 with minimal changes. The optional 4.2L V8 is now only available in Premium trim. Leather seat upholstery and privacy glass are now standard on all styles, and the stereo has been upgraded to a 270-watt Bose sound system with a six-disc CD changer in all cases.
The Premium trim now has a power tailgate and can seat seven standard. It also has a new driver information display, a rearview camera, and a universal garage door opener. The 4.2L Premium rides on 20-inch wheels instead of 19s, and the panorama sunroof is optional instead of being standard on this model.
Package contents and availability has been slightly reworked. Optional running boards can be ordered for $1,150. |
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Value: |
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The 2008 Audi Q7 is primarily designed for road use, with Audi's respected quattro all-wheel-drive system, but it also has a sturdy suspension and short overhangs for a surprisingly high level of off-road prowess and truck-like ability. When properly equipped, the Q7 can tow up to 6,600 pounds. The interior is a standout among its peers in design alone, and the SUV can be ordered with either two or three rows of seating. |
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Overview: |
Two different engines are offered on the 2008 Audi Q7: a 350-horsepower 4.2L V8 or a 280-horsepower 3.6L V6. Both engines use direct-injection technology, which delivers more power without decreasing fuel economy, and are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Q7 uses a new generation of Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, which employs a Torsen differential to help maintain the right balance of power between all four wheels to optimize traction. During most driving, the system sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels for the best handling and stability.
The Q7 comes in base trim for the V6, and Premium trim for both the V6 and V8. The base V6 comes loaded with conventional luxury features including dual-zone climate control, leather seat trim, a Bose 14-speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash changer, and Bluetooth hands-free capability, while the Premium V8 comes with heated front and rear seats, four-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a DVD navigation system, a rearview camera, and xenon headlights.
Inside the comfortable, well-appointed cabin, there's seating for up to seven in three rows of seating.
A five-passenger, two-row arrangement is standard with the V6 styles, while a seven-passenger arrangement is standard on the Premium trims. Both the second- and third-row seats can fold flat for large cargo. The second-row seat is also adjustable for backrest angle and has a pass-through segment with ski bag. With Premium trims, second row captain's chairs can be substituted for the three-person bench.
The centerpiece of the Q7's instrument panel is the MMI (multi-media interface) system.
MMI incorporates the controls for information and entertainment functions together in one menu-driven system, though many frequently used functions still have dedicated buttons.
Adaptive air suspension is optional on the 4.2L Premium model, and it allows the choice of a comfortable ride or sportier handling, and can vary ground clearance for driving conditions from 6.5 to 9.4 inches. The air suspension also has a dynamic roll stabilization function, in which the suspension actually counteracts body lean in corners.
Radar adaptive cruise control, which can maintain a set following distance at 25 to 90 mph and can brake the vehicle to a standstill behind the vehicle ahead, is available. Front-seat side air bags and a Sideguard head-protection air bag system that covers outboard occupants are standard, while rear-seat side air bags are optional on all models.
The 3.6L models ride on 18-inch wheels, while the 4.2L sports 20-inch alloys. The Premium models can choose from no fewer than five other wheels of various sizes and designs.
All Q7s come ready with a tow hitch and a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, but an optional towing package raises capacity to 6,600 pounds.
Many other packages are available as well. On the Premium trims, an S-Line Package adds steering-wheel mounted shift paddles and a host of exterior visual enhancements. The Convenience Package on the base trim now includes third row seating and Sirius satellite radio, in addition to heated front seats and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the Premium trim the Comfort Package includes auto-dimming exterior mirrors, xenon adaptive headlights, driver seat memory, and a surround sound system for 2008.
A Technology Package is new for this model year and, among other items, it brings Audi's side assist system, which uses flashing lights on the side mirrors can help alert the driver to the presence of another vehicle in the blind spot just beside and behind the vehicle. |
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