2009 Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a large crossover sport utility vehicle, produced by the Audi wing of Volkswagen with a starting price of $43,500. The Q7 has enjoyed several years in the US auto market, however, 2009 will be the first year that the Q7 will be available as a TDI (diesel) model, with the standard gasoline engines offered alongside the diesel version. The 3.6 liter V6 gasoline engine will be offered in all three trim levels -- Premium, Premium-Plus and Prestige -- with the TDI being offered at the Premium level and the 4.2 liter V8 being offered at the Prestige level. However, the base model only seats five, while the higher trim levels offer a third row seat to increase the seating capacity to seven.
2009 Audi Q7 Available Trim Levels
The 3.6 liter V6 gasoline engine is available on all three trim levels and is the introductory engine for the Q7. As mentioned, the base model seats only five, while the upgraded versions seat seven. The base model also comes with power front seats, a six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control and 18-inch alloy wheels. Additional equipment is allotted as follows:
Premium-Plus - The Premium-Plus version offers parking sensors in the front of the Q7, as well as a Bose sound system, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth capabilities, heated front seats and more.
Prestige - The Prestige option offers a blind-spot warning system, voice recognition for several systems and xenon headlights, as well as all the amenities of the other trim levels. A 4.2liter V8 is available on the Prestige trim.
2009 Audi Q7 Additional Options
Standalone options that can be chosen with any trim level are an upgraded Bang & Olufsen audio system, adaptive cruise control, adaptive air-ride suspension, four-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, second row captain's chairs (in place of the bench seat), a cold weather package (heated steering wheel and heated rear seating), as well as your choice of 20- or 21-inch allow wheels. A towing package is also available with all trim levels, though towing anything with the smaller engines will significantly reduce acceleration.
2009 Audi Q7 Performance
The Q7 is available with three different engine choices. Each is equipped with the Quattro all-wheel drive package, as well as the same six-speed transmission. The 3.6-liter V6 produces 280 hp, while the 4.2-liter V8 provides 350 hp. The new TDI engine is a 3.0-liter V6, which produces 225 hp. Regardless of the engine size chosen, the hefty weight of the Q7 has a detrimental effect on their performance. Slow starting times are the hallmark of this heavy vehicle.
Fuel economy for the Q7 suffers much the same as it has in previous models. The TDI engine provides some fuel savings, though the gasoline engines still have consistently low fuel economy. The V6 is rated for 14 mpg in-city, with 20 mpg on the highway. The V8 provides 13 mpg in-city and 18 mpg on the highway. Audi has yet to release the fuel ratings for the TDI engine.
The Q7 is one of those SUVs more at home in the urban jungle than in off-road situations. The size and weight may make it feel a bit ungainly in city settings, but those same factors make it virtually impossible for the vehicle to perform well off road. Handling is an enjoyable thing in the Q7, with responsive action thanks to the adjustable suspension engineered by Audi. However, do not expect much "get up and go"; even the V8 struggles to move the Q7's bulk with alacrity.
2009 Audi Q7 Interior
Audi enjoys some of the best interior design in the automotive world. The Q7 is no exception. All gauges are oriented toward the driver, allowing you to see anything you need with a quick glance. In addition, the multiple trim levels allow you to choose how austere or opulent the vehicle is, though all trim levels offer leather and quality design. For trim levels with the optional third row seat, leg and headroom are somewhat scarce, though the base model enjoys considerably more room due to the absence of the third row seat.
Additionally, the second and third row seats fold flat, enabling you to maximize the amount of usable cargo space within the Q7, though even here it is still only comparable with other models in its class, rather than exceeding those limits.
2009 Audi Q7 Safety Features
The 2009 Q7 features numerous safety features, though none are new to this year's model. Traction control, active front headrests (similar to those implemented by Honda), front seat airbags and side curtain airbags are all available. You will also find that there are optional seat-mounted side airbags for the second row seat, as well as lane assist alerts, hill-descent control, stability control, four-wheel antilock brakes and rollover detection can be found in the Q7.
Perhaps the largest testament to the safety of the Q7 is the NHTSA testing, which awarded the Q7 five out of five stars for front and side impact tests. Few crossovers are able to attain this rating, especially those with unibody construction, rather than full SUV-style body-on-frame construction (such as the Cadillac Escalade).
2009 Audi Q7 Summary
The 2009 Audi Q7 is the perfect vehicle for those who need to move people around town, making it an excellent choice for families who would like a diesel-powered option. While the price tag is somewhat more than what is usually considered an entry-level luxury SUV, this makes an admirable first choice. While the lack of acceleration is certainly a drawback, the Q7 more than makes up for that lack with handling and in sheer style. You'll find larger, more powerful crossovers and SUVs on the market, but few can match the style of the Q7 and none of the others come with the TDI engine, either. The 2009 Audi Q7 provides drivers with an enjoyable driving experience, sufficient power for use around town and handling that evokes images of twisting German roads.