2017 Audi Q7 Review

For 2017, the Audi Q7 receives its first major redesign since it debuted all the way back for the 2007 model year. That's a long time to wait, but the changes are worth it. From the outside, the new Q7 features a more wagonlike profile highlighted by sharper-looking styling and an imposing angular grille. The interior is also very different, picking up cues and technology from the luxurious yet still understated A8 sedan.

Even though this is Audi's biggest crossover SUV, the Q7 is surprisingly easy to drive. It's pretty easy to see out of and is relatively nimble around turns (especially when it's fitted with the optional adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering). But the new Q7 is even more impressive when you consider that it can almost drive itself. Using vast amounts of data from sensors and cameras on the vehicle, the Q7 can relieve the driver from long-distance tedium by maintaining speed and distance to cars in front, staying within its lane, automatically slowing before entering a turn and even reading speed limit signs and adjusting accordingly.

Besides the approach toward full autonomy, the 2017 Q7 also improves upon its luxury status with high-quality materials inside and exceptional comfort. With all of the latest infotainment technology available, even hard-core early adopters should be impressed with the Q7's features and how easy it is to use them. Under the hood, the Q7's new turbocharged four-cylinder brings with it some improved fuel economy numbers. The supercharged V6 powertrain is pretty much unchanged, but a reduced curb weight of a few hundred pounds has helped boost fuel economy with the V6 as well.

As it stands, the 2017 Audi Q7's only major drawback is cargo capacity. Rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class and Volvo XC90 boast more space. You'll also want to check out the sporty and well-rounded Acura MDX and BMW X5. Overall, though, the Q7 is one of the best three-row luxury crossovers SUVs available today. Whether you opt for a base model or a fully loaded Q7, we're confident you'll be satisfied with its admirable blend of luxury, performance and technology.

We Recommend:

We like the Premium Plus trim for the 2017 Audi Q7. It has some features you'll want for sure (such as keyless entry and push-button ignition) plus some extra tech and safety features. You can also pick and choose from the Q7's best options. If you spend much time in traffic, we'd recommend the Driver Assistance package that equips the Q7 with adaptive cruise control and enhanced safety features. Either Q7 engine is fine, but note that the four-cylinder's advantage is its lower price tag rather than better fuel economy.

Standard safety features for the 2017 Q7 include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera and forward collision warning with automatic (low-speed) braking. Also included is Audi's Pre-Sense basic system that senses if the driver is attempting to avoid a collision and automatically tensions the seat belts, primes the braking system, and closes windows and the sunroof. Available Audi Connect services also include emergency assistance, automatic crash notification, remote door locking and curfew, speed and valet alerts.

The Premium Plus and Prestige trims get blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and side exit alerts (notifies exiting occupants if a car or bicyclist is approaching from behind). Lane departure warning and intervention and an improved forward collision mitigation system are optional for these trims. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on all Q7 trims.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Q7 Prestige with the Adaptive Chassis package came to a stop from 60 mph in 112 feet, which is a very good result for an SUV in this class.