Review: Audi 4L Q7 (2006-15)

Review: Audi 4L.I Q7 (2006-09)

Overview

Released in September 2006, the Audi 4L Series I (4L.I) Q7 was a large SUV. Manufactured in Bratislava, Slovakia, the Q7 range initially consisted of the 3.0 TDI and 4.2 FSI variants, with the 3.6 FSI following in November 2006 and the 4.2 TDI in October 2007. Despite its name, the Q7 initially had five seats as standard, with six or seven seat packages optional. From October 2008, however, seven seats were fitted as standard though buyers could opt for five seats (at no additional cost).

Dimensions and suspension

The Audi Q7 was based on Volkswagen’s PL71 platform which also underpinned the Volkswagen 7L Touareg and Porsche Mk.1 Cayenne . The Audi Q7 was 5086 mm long, 2000 mm wide, 1772 mm tall and had a 3002 mm long wheelbase.

The Audi Q7 had independent, double wishbone front and rear suspension, with steel-spring suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers. Furthermore, the Q7 4.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI were equipped with adaptive air suspension and an electronically-controlled damping system, with ‘Dynamic’, ‘Automatic’ and ‘Comfort’ modes. With adaptive air suspension, ground clearance could be varied from 180 mm to 205 mm in ‘off-road’ mode and to 240 mm in ‘lift mode’. The boot lip could also be lowered by 71 mm to load cargo.

quattro

The Audi Q7’s quattro four-wheel drive system utilised a Torsen Type 3 centre differential and provided a default front:rear torque split of 40:60. In the event that traction was lost, however, up to 65 per cent of torque could be directed to the front axle, and up to 85 per cent to the rear. The system also included front and rear differential locks which could brake spinning wheels to effectively transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi Q7 included dual front airbags, front and second row side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for all rows of seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, rollover stability control, traction control, hill descent assist, front seatbelt pretensioners and seatbelt load limiters for the front and outer second row seats.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2006 Audi Q7 received a four star safety rating with a score of 29.92 out of 37. During the offset crash test, there was separation of the seam connecting the firewall to the footwell and failure of spot-welds in the footwell and its connection to the A-pillar. Audi subsequently improved quality control over this part of production, though structures in the dashboard also presented a potential risk to the knees and femurs of the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: Audi Q7 3.6 FSI and 3.0 TDI

Standard features for the Audi Q7 3.6 FSI and 3.0 TDI included 18-inch alloy wheels, Multi Media Interface (Audi’s ‘MMI’ ) with a seven-inch colour monitor, eleven speaker stereo, six-stack CD player and reversing camera with parking guidance, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, front and rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, 60/40 split and folding second row seats, flat folding third row seats (where fitted), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, full-size spare wheel, luggage cover and net, four 12 volt outlets, aluminium roof rails, a cargo cover, tinted windows, a trip computer and an immobiliser. For six and seven seat models, the second row of seats had fore and aft slide adjustment.

Features: Audi Q7 4.2 FSI

The Audi Q7 4.2 FSI was further equipped with satellite navigation, power adjustable front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel gearshift paddles, a power adjustable steering column, power folding mirrors and powered tailgate. Beyond this, the 4.2 TDI was fitted with 20-inch alloy wheels, four zone climate control air conditioning and driver memory settings (seat and steering wheel).

Q7 3.6 FSI SE

From 2007, the Audi Q7 3.6 FSI was offered in an ‘SE’ edition. Compared to the standard 3.6 FSI, the SE omitted leather seats, power adjustable front seats, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers.

Review: Audi 4L.II Q7 (2009-15)

Overview

Released in November 2009, the Audi 4L Series II (4L.II) Q7 introduced an expanded range with the 6.0 TDI, powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo diesel V12 engine. Visually, the Audi 4L.II Q7 could be identified by its revised single-frame grille (high-gloss black finish with chromed vertical bars), new front bumpers with contrasting lower sections and two-tone rear bumpers new front. Models with xenon headlights were also fitted with daytime LED running lights. Inside, Audi’s third-generation MMI was introduced, while there was also a new instrument cluster, ambient door lighting and revised seats and trim.

In September 2010, the Audi Q7 range was updated: the 3.6 FSI and 4.2 FSI were discontinued, effectively replaced by the 3.0 TFSI. Furthermore, the 3.0 TDI engine had an ‘idle stop’ (engine shut-down when stationary), the 4.2 TDI engine was upgraded and an eight-speed automatic transmission was introduced for all variants other than the 6.0 TDI.

Features

Compared to their 4L.I predecessors, the Audi 4L.II Q7 3.6 FSI and 3.0 TDI variants were fitted with a single-disc CD player (previously a six-disc changer), while he 4.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI received four-zone climate control air conditioning and a TV tuner.

Compared to the 4.2 FSI and 4.2 TDI, the 6.0 TDI was further equipped with 21-inch wheels, a fourteen speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, adaptive cruise control and a power sunroof.

Related links

• Specifications: Audi 4L.II Q7 (September 2011)
• Specifications: Audi 4L.II Q7 (December 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi Q7