2015 Audi Q7
New for 2015
Changes for the 2015 model year are limited to new Offroad Style Plus and Sport Style Plus appearance packages, and a reshuffling of the options list.
Where Passion and Practicality Meet
Audi is best known for popularizing all-wheel drive in luxury cars, so what better brand could there be than the one with the four-ringed logo to buy an SUV from?
It may not be as agile as the Coupe quattro® rally cars that first proved the mettle of Audi all-wheel drive, but the 2015 Q7 takes the virtues of the brand’s other vehicles and puts them in a very practical package that’s perfect for hauling up to seven people in comfort, whether you’re traversing a snow-covered Finnish backroad or a suburban street.
Powertrains and Performance
You wouldn’t think a pudgy, seven-seat luxury SUV could be sporty or economical, but the 2015 Audi Q7 defies stereotypes with its two available powertrains.
Base 3.0T models come with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 that produces 280 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive are standard on all models.
The base V6 will shunt the Q7 from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 130 mph. It will also return EPA-rated fuel economy of 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).*
For a sportier ride, the S Line model bumps the supercharged V6’s power output to 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough for a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.9 seconds. Top speed and fuel-economy figures are unchanged.
If fuel economy is more important, Audi also offers the Q7 TDI with a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. It produces 240 hp and 406 lb-ft, and achieves fuel economy of 28 mpg combined (19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway).* The diesel engine even matches the base gasoline V6’s 0 to 60 mph time and top speed, too.
Features and Trims
The 2015 Audi Q7 is only available as a five-door, seven passenger SUV. It’s available in three trim levels, with prices starting at $48,300.**
The Q7 is a luxury vehicle, so it’s not surprising that even the “base” Premium model comes with an extensive list of standard equipment. Among the notable features are Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a power tailgate, leather seating (including heated power front seats), dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 11-speaker audio system.
In addition to the applicable standard features from the Premium, upgrading to the Premium Plus model nets a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, a 14-speaker Bose® audio system, and Audi’s MMI infotainment system with navigation.
Finally, there’s the Q7 Prestige. This top model incorporates the standard features from the Premium and Premium Plus, and adds the S-Line exterior appearance package, four-zone automatic climate control, and ventilated front seats, among other features.
The list of optional equipment includes a towing package, sporty 21-inch alloy wheels, air suspension, a ©Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, and different interior trim options such as an Alcantara headliner.
Exterior/Interior
Looking at the 2015 Q7, it’s easy to see why Audi is regarded by many to have some of the best design themes in the business.
The exterior borrows the subtle styling of Audi’s other SUVs and sedans, including the prominent shield-shaped grille and strip of LED daytime running lights—a feature Audi originated that’s now being shamelessly copied by virtually every other carmaker.
On the inside, there’s plenty of everything, including seating for up to seven, six 12-volt outlets for plugging in phones and other devices, and 10 beverage holders (six cup and four bottle) for very intense Starbucks runs.
A sliding 40/20/40 split-folding second-row bench and 50/50 split-folding third-row seat with one-touch lowering make rearranging the interior for either passenger or cargo hauling easy. With both rows folded, there’s 72.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2015 Audi Q7 includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, front, side, and head-curtain airbags, and hill-descent control. Rear-side airbags are optional, as is a park-assist system with front and rear sensors.
Bottom Line
The 2015 Audi Q7 is a capable and luxurious SUV that offers everything you’d expect from the Audi brand. It’s clean, good looks are complimented by superb handling – courtesy of quattro® all-wheel drive – and a number of powerful yet efficient engine options.
Factor in the Q7’s aesthetically sharp and luxurious interior, and what we have here is one of the most complete premium SUVS around.
For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at Audi Silver Spring.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
Image: Audi