2011 Audi Q7 Review

Audi Q7

The base Audi Q7 engine features a 272 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque supercharged 3.0-liter V6, coupled with a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The final engine option is a 3.0-liter, 225 horsepower, 406 pound-feet of torque V6 turbo-diesel, or TDI as Audi calls it. Audi has also decided to change its naming scheme around for its trim levels, with Premium now representing the base model, Premium Plus as mid-grade and Prestige as the top offering. Regardless of engine choice, the behemoths are limited to 130 mph top speeds. The Prestige trim comes standard with upgraded brakes for maximum stopping power.

The 2011 Audi Q7 gets extensive changes. The 3.0T Premium and Premium Plus make 272 horsepower, while the 3.0T S line Prestige offers 333 hp.
The 2011 Audi Q7 is a full-size seven-passenger SUV. It is available in Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige trims, with slight differences based on whether you opt for the TDI or 3.0T engines.
The Premium comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, roof rails, a power liftgate (includes programmable opening angle), automatic wipers, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated eight-way power front seats (includes adjustable lumbar) and leather upholstery. The TDI Premium gets 19-inch wheels and additional exterior chrome trim.

The TDI Prestige adds 20-inch wheels (optional on Premium Plus), adaptive headlights, keyless ignition/entry, a blind-spot warning system, power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats and the Warm Weather package. The S line items are available on the TDI Prestige in an option package. Other options for both Prestige trims include an adaptive air suspension, 21-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system and an S line package that adds special interior trim.

Optional on all trims are rear side airbags, a Towing package and a Cold Weather package, which adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
The Audi Q7 3.0T Premium and Premium Plus are powered by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 272 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 2011 Audi Q7 TDI is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel that produces 225 hp and a robust 405 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is estimated to be 17/25/20.

The Audi Q7 comes standard with antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and rear parking sensors. A rearview camera is standard on Premium Plus and Prestige trims, while a blind-spot warning system is standard on the Prestige. Second-row side airbags are optional on all trims.

Gone are the sluggish 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 engines. Audi also continues to offer the diesel-powered TDI model – and since the 2011 Q7’s prices are expected to be just as high as the 2010 model’s, it continues to be the best value. The Lexus RX 350 starts at about $9,000 less and offers one of the highest fuel economy ratings in the class. Its 18/25 city/highway rating is even better than the Audi Q7 turbodiesel’s rating. However, the RX 350 doesn’t offer a third-row seat.

Note that Audi expects a fuel economy increase for 2011, but neither Audi nor the EPA has released figures.
Audi has not yet announced trims for 2011. All models come standard with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system.