After driving this Audi Q7 Premium Plus, I can say, it’s a very nice, solid vehicle. But……to equip it with a 2.0T is almost criminal. You’re not getting any benefit from the small 4 cylinder in the fuel economy department either. With a MPG rating of 19/23 city/highway, it’s very thirsty while being underpowered. As much as I like it, I’m gonna pass. If it were the 55 model with the turbo V6, I’d be more inclined to take it with me but as it sits, I’m good. It may have enough power for most, but not me! I’ll wait for the next nice trade in and see what’s up then!
For comparison sake let’s use the regular MDX. The Type-S blows this out of the water so that wouldn’t be fair. Compared to a regular MDX, this vehicle is about as quiet. I did notice that it doesn’t have dual laminated (acoustic) glass up front like the MDX does so I think the MDX is a smidge quieter on the highway. The V6 definitely feels better to drive than this turbo 4 and sounds much better. I also think I prefer the behavior of the 10 Speed over this 8 speed. The MDX does ride better as well and transmits less bumps and road noise. The SH-AWD is also better from a dynamics standpoint and helps to pivot the MDX around corners. The Quattro system is good but I think SH-AWD is superior. The only thing I think I like better is the solid thunk the doors make when you close them on the Audi. The MDX’s doors are solid, but the Audi feels heavier and just a little more solid when closing. For what it’s worth, I also prefer the looks of the MDX and the simplicity of the interiors operation. For example, changing the drive modes is a lot easier and responsive on an MDX than this. I had to hit the drive mode button several times before it actually came up on the screen or changed anything. I also hate how Audi hides their exhaust. The MDX also gets better gas mileage and can be ran on Regular gas while this gets worse fuel mileage on Premium. Even though the MDX has 2 extra cylinders and more power, it doesn’t have to be flogged nearly as hard to get and stay moving. One last thing to the MDX’s advantage…the climate controls, heated wheel, heated and cooled seats, are all physical buttons. The Audi has all the same features built into a screen that you have to take your eyes off the road for longer to make sure you’re touching the right area. Also if that screen breaks it will be a lot more costly than the MDX’s more simple layout. To sum it all up, I’d much rather drive an MDX Advance than this particular Q7 Premium Plus.
After driving this Audi Q7 Premium Plus, I can say, it’s a very nice, solid vehicle. But……to equip it with a 2.0T is almost criminal. You’re not getting any benefit from the small 4 cylinder in the fuel economy department either. With a MPG rating of 19/23 city/highway, it’s very thirsty while being underpowered. As much as I like it, I’m gonna pass. If it were the 55 model with the turbo V6, I’d be more inclined to take it with me but as it sits, I’m good. It may have enough power for most, but not me! I’ll wait for the next nice trade in and see what’s up then!
How would you say this compares to a MDX or MDX type s in terms of ride comfort, isolation, and overall solidity when driving?
For comparison sake let’s use the regular MDX. The Type-S blows this out of the water so that wouldn’t be fair. Compared to a regular MDX, this vehicle is about as quiet. I did notice that it doesn’t have dual laminated (acoustic) glass up front like the MDX does so I think the MDX is a smidge quieter on the highway. The V6 definitely feels better to drive than this turbo 4 and sounds much better. I also think I prefer the behavior of the 10 Speed over this 8 speed. The MDX does ride better as well and transmits less bumps and road noise. The SH-AWD is also better from a dynamics standpoint and helps to pivot the MDX around corners. The Quattro system is good but I think SH-AWD is superior. The only thing I think I like better is the solid thunk the doors make when you close them on the Audi. The MDX’s doors are solid, but the Audi feels heavier and just a little more solid when closing. For what it’s worth, I also prefer the looks of the MDX and the simplicity of the interiors operation. For example, changing the drive modes is a lot easier and responsive on an MDX than this. I had to hit the drive mode button several times before it actually came up on the screen or changed anything. I also hate how Audi hides their exhaust. The MDX also gets better gas mileage and can be ran on Regular gas while this gets worse fuel mileage on Premium. Even though the MDX has 2 extra cylinders and more power, it doesn’t have to be flogged nearly as hard to get and stay moving. One last thing to the MDX’s advantage…the climate controls, heated wheel, heated and cooled seats, are all physical buttons. The Audi has all the same features built into a screen that you have to take your eyes off the road for longer to make sure you’re touching the right area. Also if that screen breaks it will be a lot more costly than the MDX’s more simple layout. To sum it all up, I’d much rather drive an MDX Advance than this particular Q7 Premium Plus.