[Auto] 2023 Audi Q7

[Neo1524]

overview

With three rows of seats and lithe handling, the 2023 Audi Q7 is a family SUV with some sports sedan in its DNA. It will satisfy those with high-end and high-tech tastes, too, as its cabin is lined with premium materials and a host of digital goodies. A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A more powerful 335-hp turbocharged V-6 is optional and unlocks the Q7's maximum 7000-pound towing capacity. Even with the optional air suspension and rear-wheel steering system, the Q7 won't quite keep up with the Porsche Cayenne on a twisty road. But it's well matched to take on rivals such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90.

What's New for 2023?

The Q7 inherits the more powerful 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain from the A4 sedan. This setup, used in models designated 45, has a 12-volt hybrid system. The Q7's fancy LED matrix headlamps are now optional on the Premium Plus trim and standard on the Prestige, the latter of which also receives a new remote parking feature. The Convenience package in Premium and Premium Plus models now includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a new faux-leather dashboard cover is now an option too. Waitomo Blue, Tamarind Brown, and Satellite Silver are new color choices this year.We think the 45's turbo-four powertrain is more than sufficient, and we'd pair it with the Premium Plus trim level. Moving from the base Premium up to Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround-sound stereo system, a wireless phone-charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated doorsill inlays. We'd also spring for the new Executive package, which adds, among other things, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system is standard and should satisfy all but the most discerning drivers. Those seeking to maximize power will be more interested in the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower. When we tested a 2020 Q7 with the turbo V-6, we recorded a brisk 5.0-second time to 60 mph, which was slightly quicker than what we saw with the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV. Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon. The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings for the V-6–powered model are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo four-cylinder model is more efficient with ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When we are able to test-drive a 2023 Q7, we'll put its efficiency to the test in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return results similar to those of the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway route. For more information about the Q7's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

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