Q7 Hits On and Off Road

The term “German SUV” had nothing to attach itself to until recently. Now, Audi is joining Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in this new category with the 2007 Q7, an uncompromising blend of performance, safety, style, and versatility. The reason? “SUVs make up 60 percent of the market in the U.S., and we didn’t have one,” said Audi executive Wolfgang Hoffmann at the media unveiling.

In designing the Q7, Audi adapted its adjustable air suspension, hill-descent control, and a stiff platform for off-roading. Inside, you’ll find a standard six airbags, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lighting, and rear-view cameras. Seating for seven includes fold-down backrests that can expand interior cargo room from a minimum of 10.87 to a maximum of 72.5 cubic feet. A power tailgate is standard, too; a panoramic three-panel sunroof is optional. “We also put in 10 cupholders,” Hoffmann said, “and that’s always a battle. Our engineers ask, ‘What are these Americans doing in their cars?’”

Smoothly flowing exterior lines are coupe-like, with Audi’s trademark long-nosed grille. On-road potency is assured with the direct-injection, 350-horsepower V8’s acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in seven seconds, top speed of 130, a sports-sedan feel in the quick-response steering, plus a new “quattro” setting that flexes from the standard 40-percent-front-/60-percent-rear-wheel power ratio. Oh, and the brakes? They’re great, too.