Audi remained strangely absent from the ever-expanding sport utility market until recently with the ...
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00:00 Audi remains strangely absent from the ever-expanding sport utility market until recently with the
00:10 debut of their sporty Q7.
00:12 In Motortrend's recent Sport Utility of the Year competition, the Q7 did exceptionally
00:16 well, almost stealing the crown from the brilliant Mercedes GL450, this year's winner.
00:22 Our editors gushed over its dominating performance, its top-notch build quality, and wonderful
00:27 luxury appointments.
00:29 A perfect combination of sport and function, dressed in an attractive European suit.
00:34 It impressed us so much that we decided to add one to our long-term fleet, so we could
00:38 continue enjoying it around the streets of Los Angeles.
00:41 The Q7 shares its basic platform architecture with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne,
00:47 but is stretched to allow room for the ever-more important third-row seat.
00:51 Not everyone loves the exterior styling, but the interior is a typical Audi combination
00:56 of high-quality materials, handsome design, a class-competitive safety package, and high
01:01 creature feature content.
01:03 Audi's MMI controller system and screen seem easier to learn and use than others like BMW's.
01:10 The adjustable suspension raises or lowers the ride height depending on the need and
01:14 conditions.
01:15 In terms of acceleration, braking, and handling tests, the Q7 dominates the field.
01:21 Powered by a 4.2-liter V8 tuned specially for use in the Q7, the Audi storms to 60 miles
01:26 per hour in 7.5 seconds, and pumps out a respectable 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque.
01:34 Braking from 60 miles per hour only takes 118 feet, and the Q7 is able to pull 0.84
01:39 Gs in the lateral acceleration test.
01:43 With a base price starting at $40,620, the Q7 isn't cheap.
01:48 Our long-term Q7 had the premium package and started at $59,900.
01:54 We added the S-Line Sport Package for $2,150.
01:58 That included the S-Line three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 20-inch S-Line wheels with
02:05 all-season tires, modified front grille with S-Line bumpers and badges, brushed aluminum