2015 Audi Q7

The 2015 Audi Q7 offers just about everything you’d want in a high-end sport-utility. To create a stylish look, the Q7 provides features such as signature daytime running lights and, in the cabin, walnut-wood inlays. Audi then makes sure the Q7 can tackle its share of adventures with all-wheel drive and impressive cargo versatility.

A full-size premium SUV, the 2015 Audi Q7 comes with three rows of seats for seven occupants. This year’s trim levels are the 3.0T Premium, 3.0T Premium Plus, 3.0T S line Prestige, TDI Premium, TDI Premium Plus and TDI Prestige. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard for all models.

Three new design packages debut for 2015: two for the exterior and one for the interior.

Exterior

A complex and aggressive front end is a key highlight of the 2015 Audi Q7. Details include Audi’s “Singleframe” grille, large outboard intake areas and dramatically designed lighting features. On the hood, long creases flow into the Q7’s front roof pillars. The new design packages have off-road and sport themes. Specific content ranges from stainless-steel skid plates to a matte black/gloss black trim upgrade.

The exterior equipment for the Q7 reflects the vehicle’s premium positioning. The standard lighting package bundles xenon headlamps, front and rear fog lights, and LEDs for the daytime running lights, taillights and mirror-mounted turn signals. Other standard content includes heated mirrors, a power tailgate and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. There’s no shortage of luxury options, either. The Q7 offers adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors and 19- through 21-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.

Interior

The 2015 Q7 has a flowing, molded dashboard that’s a nice complement to the vehicle’s sheet metal. The dash also boasts a driver-focused appearance. Check out how the instrument panel and center stack are grouped together in a single, carved-out space. To optimize cargo space, the Q7 is equipped with a standard 40/20/40-split folding second row and 50/50-split folding third row. You get 10.2 cubic feet of storage behind the third row, 42 cubic feet behind the second and 72.5 with all rear seats folded. That’s noticeably less space than in the similarly sized Mercedes-Benz SUV, which also has more third-row legroom than the Q7.

The Q7 provides many upscale features as standard content, including leather seats, heated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a multifunction steering wheel. Heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, four-zone automatic climate control and a heated steering wheel with a power-adjustable column are available.

Performance

The 2015 Audi Q7’s standard supercharged 3.0-liter V6 produces 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. In the 3.0T S line Prestige trim, the same engine is retuned for 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. TDI models rely on a turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine. This V6 makes 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard throughout the lineup. All trim levels can pull up to 6,600 pounds with the optional towing package. Also optional is an adaptive air suspension.

The 2015 Q7 earns EPA ratings of 19/27 mpg city/highway with its turbodiesel engine.

Technology

The 2015 Q7 is missing some technology found in the competition. For example, a rearview camera and Bluetooth for audio streaming are optional with the Q7. The Q7 does include rear parking sensors, a 6.5-inch display, a console-mounted controller, Bluetooth for hands-free calling and an 11-speaker audio system with iPod connectivity, an auxiliary input jack, satellite radio and a CD player.

The Q7 is a bit light on available technology as well. In addition to the rearview camera, Audi provides a blind-spot system, a front corner-view camera and front parking sensors for driver assistance. A navigation system with a 7-inch screen, voice recognition, mobile Wi-Fi, HD Radio, Bluetooth audio streaming and real-time traffic is optional. Higher trims offer Bose and Bang & Olufsen audio systems. The latter setup combines 14 speakers and 1,400 watts of power.