The 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T S Line is a big meaty SUV that offers a little bit of almost everything to the customers. The car comes with the three essential qualities that SUV customers look for in their cars – luxury, on-road and off-road capability. But don’t get fooled into believing that the 2012 Q7 excels in all these areas. The fact is that although it offers everything that a good SUV should offer, its performance in all these areas is rather mediocre. The 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T S Line can be perfectly described as “jack of all trades, but master of none”.
Although somewhat similar to the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, the 2012 Q7 is a little longer than these two vehicles with a seven seat three row configuration that makes it a slightly better family vehicle than these two models. Overall look of the Q7 is not disastrous at all, but it is no head-turner either. As far as look is concerned, the 2012 Q7 takes the middle ground perfectly where it appears muscular yet sophisticated according to some parameters.
On the inside, the 2012 Q7 has a luxurious feel about it and that feel is primarily given by the rich leather suede as well as features like panoramic sunroof, extended leg rooms etc. The second row of seats has been perfectly designed for adult passengers, while the third row has been kept for kids. One can get a cargo bay of 88 cubic feet if the second and the third row of seats are folded. The only problem is the rather high floor of the cargo area compared to other vehicles in this class.
As far as engine is concerned, the Audi Q7 is powered by 3.0 liter V6 supercharged engine in the base version. This engine is capable of giving out a max output of 280 HP. In fact, this particular engine is offered in two different power levels, where this same engine produces 333 HP in the higher trim. The diesel version of the Q7 is powered by a V6 TDi engine, which produces 225 HP and a torque of 406 lb-ft. The plus point of this diesel engine is its fuel economy which clocks at 17 mpg within city limits and 25 mpg in the highways. All-wheel drive is a standard feature in all the variants.
What is most impressive about the 2012 Q7 is its handling quality. Both the handling and the riding quality of this particular Audi creation is simply superb thanks to the all-independent suspension. The car handles perfectly in all the driving modes – sport, automatic and comfort. Limited off-road capability of the 2012 Q7 3.0T S Line gives a rather rounded feel to this car’s performance.
HERNDON, Va., September 1, 2011 — The seven-passenger 2012 Audi Q7 highlights
the brand attention to details through a host of features that exceed driver and
passenger expectations for functionality and comfort.
The premier luxury SUV in the Audi lineup provides impressive carlike handling and
functional utility for every day driving. New for the Audi Q7 line for 2012 are S line®
versions of the 3.0 TFSI® and TDI® models. The new S line package includes enhanced
design elements, such as lower bumper and door trim in contrast paints, exposed dual
exhaust tailpipes with polished tips, and matte Black trim on roof rails and around side
windows.
A primary highlight for 2012 is the addition of Audi connect™ to the Q7 Audi MMI®
Navigation plus system enabling Google Earth™ and Google™ Local Search as well as
a rolling Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to eight passenger devices.
Q7 customers have the option of a gasoline turbocharged, fuel-injected 3.0 liter TFSI
engine, or a powerful yet fuel efficient V6 turbocharged direct injection TDI clean diesel
engine. Both variants provide more than enough power for city or highway driving and
have the ability to tow up to 5,500 lb (6,600 with the available tow hitch package). With
280 hp at 4,920 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm for the 3.0 TFSI, and 225 hp at
3,750 rpm and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm for the TDI model, the Audi
Q7 truly combines power with refined driving dynamics. The higher output 3.0T S line
increases horsepower to 333.
The driver and passengers will appreciate the sense that the Q7 is sure-footed as well,
thanks to the latest-generation quattro® permanent all-wheel drive system with
asymetric/dynamic torque distribution in a 40/60 split. The eight-speed automatic
transmission with Tiptronic® and dynamic shift program adapting to more than 200 shift
programs delivers smooth shifts and fuel efficient operation.
The exterior of the Q7 is athletic and muscular, from the Singleframe® grille and
unmistakable LED headlamps to the mirror-mounted blinkers. The design, while visually
appealing, is practical as well, with a coefficient drag of between 0.35 and 0.37,
depending on the suspension choice, to aid fuel efficiency.
For all of its power and utility, the Audi Q7 features a luxurious interior designed for a
premium driving experience, as well as passenger functionality and comfort. From
heated and available cooled, twelve-way power front seats, to the fore and aft adjustable
rear middle seats for increased legroom as well as the foldable seats in the third row
with individual cup holders and storage compartments, the Q7 boasts variability and a
pleasant cabin from all seating positions. This is even more pronounced with the
available panoramic roof that gives the cabin a lighter, open feeling. Should the heat of
the sun be too much to bear, pressing a button rolls the electric sunshade across the
panoramic glass to provide shade and minimizing heat entry into the cabin.
The 2012 Audi Q7 offers the most advanced Audi technologies to make the motoring
experience intuitive and connected. With Audi connect, the 2012 Audi Q7 models bring
the world of mobile broadband to the car for the first time.
Audi connect enables first-to-market Google Earth™ integration, which redefines the
navigation experience. The realistic panoramic views and high-resolution 3D satellite
and aerial imagery provides drivers with a better navigation experience. Audi connect
with Google Earth also improves visual orientation with a “camera zoom” feature that
allows closer views or surroundings or destinations. Added to the high-resolution of
Google Earth imagery is an overlay of street mapping data provided through Audi MMI®
Navigation plus and real-time traffic information available through a SiriusXM™ Traffic
subscription.
Audi connect also provides an industry-first factory vehicle integration of Wi-Fi service.
This unprecedented mobile hot spot capability for passengers allows connections for up
to eight Wi-Fi capable devices and permits passengers to connect to work or other
networks.
The Google Voice Local Search is also a first in Audi connect and it enables more
intuitive requests for destinations of interest, while also helping drivers to keep their
focus on the road. With the 2012 Audi Q7 models, destination searches can be
accomplished by voice command, using the innovative Audi MMI touch featuring the
innovative touchpad interface, or by using the system dial.
Other features include, real-time information, such as weather, fuel price updates, and
streaming news feeds (available to view when the car is at a stop).
The BOSE® Surround Sound System, or the optional Bang & Olufsen® Advanced Sound
System ensures that all audio is delivered with impeccable sound quality while the Audi
music interface with iPod®/iPhone® connectivity ensures user friendly perusing of play
lists and song titles via the Audi MMI system.
Safety is a priority with Audi, and the Q7 provides a variety of technologies, such as
ESC, which is engaged if a dangerous driving situation occurs. A full complement of
airbags, including Sideguard® head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats.. Vehicle
construction includes reinforced high strength steel / aluminum cross members,
reinforced bumpers and rigid body occupant cell to help protect all passengers in the
event of a collision.
Model year changes
Design:
• New 19-inch 5-arm-structure-design wheel: standard on TDI clean diesel; optional on
3.0T models
• New S line plus package for Prestige models includes 21-inch 5-segment-spoke
wheels in titanium finish, black optics exterior kit including matte black roof rails and
window surrounds
• Two new white paints are expected by late CY2011: a new metallic white paint and a
new non-metallic white paint (to replace non-metallic Ibis White from MY11)
Engine/Drivetrain:
• Q7 3.0T quattro now with 280 hp (+8 hp vs. MY11 Q7 3.0T)
Package options:
• Audi connect functionality included with Audi MMI navigation plus
Premium
Model Premium Plus Prestige
Q7 3.0T quattro $46,250 $52,550 -
Q7 TDI clean diesel quattro $51,450 $57,750 $63,950
Q7 3.0T S line quattro - - $59,950
Destination and delivery charge for all Audi vehicles except R8 models is $875.
Drivetrain
Q7 3.0T liter
o 3.0 liter TFSI direct-injection V6 engine, generating 280 hp with 295 lb-ft of
torque (333 hp and 325 lb-ft for the S line)
o Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and dynamic
shift program with additional sport program
o Latest quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with asymmetric / dynamic
toque distribution
o 0-60 mph = 7.7 seconds (6.9 seconds for the S line)
o EPA fuel economy (estimates expressed in mpg):
• 3.0T: 16 city / 22 hwy / 18 combined
Q7 TDI:
o 3.0 liter common-rail injection V6 engine, generating 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of
torque with six-speed Tiptronic transmission (comes with additional sport
program and manual shift mode)
o Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic and dynamic
shift program with additional sport program
o Latest quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with asymmetric / dynamic
toque distribution
o 0-60 mph = 8.0 seconds
o EPA fuel economy (estimates expressed in mpg):
• 3.0 TDI: 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined
Exterior
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Anodized aluminum trim on roof rails, roof rail cross bars, and around side
windows
Body-color outside mirrors; heated, with LED turn signal repeaters in each mirror
with fiber optic technology
Power opening / closing tailgate with programmable opening angle
LED rear lights with LEDs for turn signals, running lamps and brake lamps
U.S. curb weight:
o 3.0T: 5,291 lb
o 3.0T S Line: 5,412 lb
o 3.0 TDI: 5,567 lb
Interior
Red ambient LED lighting in headliner for front center console illumination
Aluminum optic surrounding of air vents
Power central locking system with radio-operated key fob remote control for
doors, tailgate, and fuel door with selective unlocking
Folding front center armrest with adjustable height, dual cupholders, and storage
Electronic active cruise control with coast, resume and accelerate features. Stalk
on steering column, speed shown in driver information display
Leather seating surfaces
Technology
Available Audi MMI Navigation plus system including Audi connect and real time
traffic information
Audi connect enables Google Earth, Google Local Search, fuel prices, weather
including updated radar, travel information, and news; Wi-Fi enabled for up to
eight devices
Audi music interface: CD player, SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio with complimentary
three-month subscription, dual SD card slots
Driver assistant systems are available; such as Audi pre sense that actively
adapts airbag deployment and seatbelt tension, as well as Audi side assist that
alerts the driver to the presence of a vehicle when changing lanes
Driver information center with five-function trip computer, and displays for outside
temperature, speed of vehicle, radio / telephone, and active auto check system
with speed warning device
Retained accessory power (allows use of various electronic features after key is
removed from ignition and before front door is opened)
Safety
ESC
Pinch-protection for all four windows
Driver and front passenger advanced dual-stage airbag supplemental restraints
Driver and front passenger seat-mounted side thorax airbag supplemental
restraints
Sideguard head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats
Side and rear of vehicle feature similar design characteristics with maximum
safety achieved in all situations
