Test: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (200 kW) Quattro
Test Drive

Test: Audi Q7 3.0 TDI (200 kW) Quattro

A constant question from automotive journalists: which car is better? I myself always avoid this question because it is too general. These are the cars that we see on our roads every day, and these are the cars that are driven by the rich (in the full sense of the word, not Slovenian tycoons) or, if you prefer, James Bond. This means that some or most people think of a car because they need it, while others buy it because they can, and Bond certainly needs a fast car. Of course, we do not divide cars only into useful, prestigious and fast ones. This is one of the reasons why car manufacturers have invented classes of cars that are becoming more prevalent every day. We can do some sort of pre-selection with them, but then the answer will be simpler. In most cases or classes, the German trio (or at least the higher one) wants to be at the top, followed by the rest of the automotive industry. It is clear that in the class of prestigious and large crossovers is no different.

The growth of the class certainly began almost 20 years ago (in 1997, to be exact) with the Mercedes-Benz ML. Two years later, the BMW X5 joined him and the duel began. This continued until 2006, when Audi also introduced its version of the prestigious Q7 crossover. Of course, there have been and are other cars, but they are certainly not as successful as the big three - neither in terms of sales, nor in terms of visibility, nor ultimately in terms of the number of loyal customers. And that's where the problems really begin. A longtime Mercedes buyer won't bow to BMW, much less Audi. The same goes for the owners of the other two, although Audi customers seem to be the least irascible and, above all, quite realistic. Let me give you one more word: if the Audi Q7 has so far lagged far behind the BMW X5 and the Mercedes ML or M-Class, it has now overtaken them in terms of sprints. Of course, the owners of the two remaining giants will jump into the air and resist as much as possible.

But the fact is, and neither BMW nor Mercedes are to blame for glorifying the one who was the last to enter the scene. It provides knowledge, technology and, just as important, ideas. The new Audi Q7 is truly impressive. I am sure that after the test drive, many owners of other cars also praise him. Why? Because it's beautiful? Hmm, that's actually the giant Audi's only flaw. But since beauty is relative, it is clear that many will like it. And I'm increasingly looking forward to the words I spoke at this year's Detroit Auto Show when I first saw the new Q7 in early January. And I wasn't the only one to say that the Q7's design is a bit vague, especially the rear end may look more like a family minivan than a macho SUV. But Audi argued the opposite, and now that I look back through the 14-day test, no mostly enthusiastic observer has said a word to me over the form at all times.

So it can't be that bad! But it's a completely different song when you get behind the wheel. I can write with a clear conscience that the interior is one of the most beautiful, maybe even the most beautiful in the class. It is quite prestigious and at the same time functional, because Audi has no problems with ergonomics anyway. They were impressed by the coherence of the lines, the great shifter that provides good right-hand cover, the excellent sound system and Bose gauges, which of course isn't, as the driver only has a giant digital screen instead. ..shows navigation or whatever the driver wants. Not to forget the excellent sports steering wheel, which, like many other interior details, is the result of the S line sports package. The same package adorns the exterior as well, standing out with 21-inch wheels that are really nice, but a little too sensitive due to the low-profile tires. And the fact that you won’t dare with such a big car and in fact you can’t even (without scratching the rim) drive along a low sidewalk, I just consider it a minus. Therefore, on the other hand, the engine is one big plus! The 272 horsepower offered by the tried-and-tested three-liter six-cylinder engine, a car weighing more than two tons, can leave the city at a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in just 6,3 seconds, they are also impressive. with a torque of 600 newton meters.

But that's not all, for the icing on the cake, which is called the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, you can note the operation of the engine or its soundproofing. The engine gives out its origin almost in fact only at start-up, the baby at start-up, and then sinks into incredible silence. On the Slovenian motorway, it is almost inaudible at the maximum permitted speed, but during acceleration, federal and decisive acceleration, car position and four-wheel drive still take over. Excellent air suspension, an eight-speed automatic transmission and, after all, arguably the best matrix LED backlighting yet, which easily turns night into day, also contribute to an above-average final image.

The important thing is that, despite the fact that they automatically adjust the power of the light and turn on the high beam, and in doing so automatically dim the oncoming car (or forward), for all 14 days, none of the oncoming drivers indicated to disturb him, as well ( checked!) do not disturb the driver in the car in front. When I draw a line under the written, of course, it becomes clear that the Audi Q7 is not only that. It is the Audi with the most (possible) driver assistance systems, it is the heaviest in the group and, at 5,052 meters, is only eight centimeters shorter than the longest Audi A8. But more than just numbers, many auxiliary systems, engine and chassis convince of unity. In the Audi Q7, the driver and passengers feel comfortable, almost like in a prestigious sedan. It makes sense to drive. Of all the prestige crossovers, the new Q7 is the closest thing to a prestige sedan. But make no mistake and let's understand each other - he's still a mixture. Probably the best so far!

text: Sebastian Plevnyak

Q7 3.0 TDI (200 kW) Quattro (2015)

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Base model price: 69.900 €
Test model cost: 107.708 €
Power:200kW (272


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 7,0 with
Maximum speed: 234 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 6,1l / 100km
Guarantee: 2 year general warranty, 3 and 4 year additional warranty (4Plus warranty), 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust proof warranty, unlimited mobile warranty with regular maintenance by authorized service technicians.
Oil change every 15.000 km or one year km
Systematic review 15.000 km or one year km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 3.434 €
Fuel: 7.834 €
Tires (1) 3.153 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 39.151 €
Compulsory insurance: 5.020 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +18.240


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 76.832 0,77 (km cost: XNUMX)


€)

Technical information

engine: 6-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 83 × 91,4 mm - displacement 2.967 cm3 - compression 16,0: 1 - maximum power 200 kW (272 hp) at 3.250 -4.250 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 12,9 m / s - specific power 67,4 kW / l (91,7 hp / l) - maximum torque 600 Nm at 1.500–3.000 rpm min - 2 camshafts in the head) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: the engine drives all four wheels - 8-speed automatic transmission - gear ratio I. 4,714; II. 3,143 hours; III. 2,106 hours; IV. 1,667 hours; v. 1,285; VI. 1,000; VII. 0,839; VIII. 0,667 - differential 2,848 - rims 9,5 J × 21 - tires 285/40 R 21, rolling circle 2,30 m.
Capacity: 234 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6,3 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 6,5/5,8/6,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 159 g/km.
Transportation and suspension: crossover - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke cross rails, stabilizer, air suspension - rear multi-link axle, stabilizer, air suspension - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking brake on the rear wheels (switching between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,7 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 2.070 kg - permissible total weight 2.765 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 3.500 kg, without brake: 750 kg - permissible roof load: 100 kg.
External dimensions: length 5.052 mm – width 1.968 mm, with mirrors 2.212 1.741 mm – height 2.994 mm – wheelbase 1.679 mm – track front 1.691 mm – rear 12,4 mm – ground clearance XNUMX m.
Inner dimensions: longitudinal front 890-1.120 mm, rear 650-890 mm - front width 1.570 mm, rear 1.590 mm - head height front 920-1.000 mm, rear 940 mm - front seat length 540 mm, rear seat 450 mm - luggage compartment 890 - 2.075 370 l – handlebar diameter 85 mm – fuel tank XNUMX l.
Box: 5 seats: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 1 suitcase (85,5 L), 2 suitcase (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 L).
Standard equipment: driver and front passenger airbags - side airbags - curtain airbags - ISOFIX mountings - ABS - ESP - power steering - automatic air conditioning - power windows front and rear - electrically adjustable and heated rear-view mirrors - radio with CD player and MP3 player - multifunction steering wheel - remote control central locking - steering wheel with height and depth adjustment - rain sensor - height adjustable driver's seat - heated front seats - split rear seat - trip computer - cruise control.

Our measurements

T = 26 ° C / p = 1.032 mbar / rel. vl. = 71% / Tires: Pirelli Scorpion Verde 285/40 / R 21 Y / Odometer status: 2.712 km


Acceleration 0-100km:7,0s
402m from the city: 15,1 years (


150 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: Measurement is not possible with this type of gearbox. S
Maximum speed: 234km / h


(VIII.)
test consumption: 9,1 l / 100km
Fuel consumption according to the standard scheme: 6,8


l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 69,6m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 37,9m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear64dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear60dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear58dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear69dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear65dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear57dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear73dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear68dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear58dB
Idling noise: 39dB

Overall rating (385/420)

  • Assessing the new Audi Q7 is quite simple, one word is enough. Big.

  • Exterior (13/15)

    Appearance may be your weakest link, but the more you look at it, the more you like it.

  • Interior (121/140)

    The best materials, excellent ergonomics and German quality. Without a doubt one of the best in its class.

  • Engine, transmission (61


    / 40)

    The perfect combination of powerful engine, all-wheel drive and automatic transmission.

  • Driving performance (64


    / 95)

    Inside, neither the driver nor the passengers feel at the wheel of such a large crossover.

  • Performance (31/35)

    272 diesel "horsepower" makes the Q7 above average.

  • Security (45/45)

    The Q7 has the largest number of safety assistance systems of any Audi. Anything else to add?

  • Economy (50/50)

    The Audi Q7 isn't the most economical choice, but anyone with the money to deduct it for a new Q7 won't regret it.

We praise and reproach

form

engine and its performance

fuel consumption

feeling inside

workmanship

sensitive 21-inch wheels or low-profile tires

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