Luxury suv at a good price point and solid driving experience

Aug 21, 2008

by macstash

Rating:

After a week of owning the 2008 Audi Q7 3.6 AWD, I am very impressed with the driving abilities of this suv. This is my 4th suv and it is the best driving, most responsive, and luxurious one I have had yet..

Drivability...
Audi is know for their German engineering with tight handling and stiff suspension. To the average luxury car owner the ride may be a little too stiff, but if you are looking for a more sporty driving experience, this suv is meant for you. I choose the 3.6 liter version over the 4.2 because of gas milage and have found that the 3.6 sits squarely in the middle of midsize suvs at 20 MPG. Compared to my former suvs, I am nearly doubling my gas, cha ching. I am also surprised by the peppy and smooth sounding acceleration, plenty of get up for accelerating thru the on-ramp only to sit in LA traffic. Speaking of LA, if you are challenged in the department of parking like my wife then you will love the parking assit system. Every corner, front, rear part of this car is covered by sonic distance alert and in the case of the rear, a camera. Oh and there are even turning guides to help you back into a spot and miss those pesky polls, bumpers, walls, trash cans, and any obstruction that might get in your wife's way.

Comfort...
gadgets - If you like features, emminieties and you own an iphone/ipod (read expensive options) then you are going to love the dashboard of this SUV. The integration via bluetooth and built-in iPod connector/charger is exactly what the state of CA ordered for hands free driving. Not only is the system voice activated, it can scroll through contacts, missed calls, and directories you've set up. if a hand is required in manipulating the radio, satelitte, navigation, phone, or set up of the car then the large circular knob that controls this system is intuitive enough to use without taking your eyes off the road. Oh and another great handsfree feature is the keyless entry and push start system of this audi (read another expensive option).

Seating - This audi came with leather seats and room for seven with a split 3rd row (very important if you have a sixth person and some cargo). This was one of the more important features for me as we are constantly driving family and friends and need the additional space to keep the additional car off the row. While the 3rd row provides the additional space necessary it doesn't completely emlimate the cargo room before the hatch (big enough to hold our twin umbrella stroller) which is difficult to find in most midsize suvs. One of the great features of the 2nd and third rows are the adjustability, both rows split and all seating lays flat, but what is really great is forward and back adjustment you can make on the 2nd row to ensure fit for 3rd row passengers. Oh and if you happen to be sitting in the back you will not be looking at the ceiling if you choose the sunroff option. The glass and retracable shade span all the way back to the end of the second row and the 3rd row has their own tiltng sunroof and shade (another great feature if you have kids).

Conlclusion... If you are looking for a luxury suv that won't break the bank (well priced even with premium package of options) looks sleek and unmini van like and you need a 3rd row that won't require a short bus sized vehicle, then I would definitely recommend the Q7

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