Q7 crossover as different as they come
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Do you like to be first with the finest? Want to be the trend setter on the block?
There's an Audi for you.
Audi, the fabled luxury car maker, always has liked doing things differently, with designs that look as though they belong in a contemporary art museum instead of on the road.
You'll find that this year's model portfolio is a continuation of that trend.
Check out the imposing Q7 luxury crossover. It comes in five-, six- and seven-passenger versions, with standard and premium trim options. You can buy one for about $49,900, and it's powered by a 350 horsepower, 4.2 liter V-8 rated at 14 mpg city and 19 highway.
The 2007 Audi Q7.Click photo for larger image.
Standard equipment is generous, including full power equipment from windows and locks to steering, leather seats, cruise control, air conditioning and just about every kind of air bag you can think of.
Driving this car off road couldn't be simpler -- or more fun. You set a button on the console, dial in the right road height and you're off. The Q7 sticks like tar paper to whatever course you're on. It includes quattro all-wheel-drive, too.
The interior is absolutely beautiful, but then again, that's what we've come to expect from Audi, one of the world's foremost interior design teams. Colors are soothing earth tones, with beautiful stitching and chrome and wood accents. It also has the best quality construction to boot.
My only concern is that the Q7 is a bit heavy, which impacts upon both fuel mileage and road performance. It also doesn't feel fast, but I suspect those people who buy it won't mind.
Audi also has the magnificent A8 coming out in a few days, and it looks to be a real winner. The A8 always has been one of my favorite luxury models because of its sumptuous interior, powerful engine and strong handling.
That doesn't change. But there is a new S8 model with a 450 horsepower V-10 engine, backed by all-wheel-drive. There's also a W12 model that has a 450 horsepower, 12 cylinder engine
Price ranges on the Audi A8/S8 line range from about $67,000 to about $90,000.
First Published February 13, 2007 12:00 am
