Weeklong Road Test: The 2011 Audi Q7 TDI

There is something decidedly at cross purposes with the notion of buying a large, heavy 7-passenger SUV with an engine designed for optimum fuel efficiency but somehow the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI diesel pulls it off. But what was most surprising about driving the TDI version of the Q7 was how much the engine actually improved the appeal of the overall driving experience.

Although you could hear a faint diesel rattle from the engine outside the car, from the inside this engine was silent and always felt extremely powerful. Surfing the monster surge of torque during passing maneuvers never stopped offering up anything less than hooligan-style levels of true driving fun. It may still handle like an SUV (you can’t fight physics) but the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI proved to be a semi-green way to enjoy the luxury family SUV concept. Imagine that.

Exterior and Interior

Stylistically, the exterior of the TDI version of the Q7 is much the same as with other versions of this very popular SUV barring, of course, the oddly large TDI logo on the two front doors of this test unit. The Q7 is a rather tall SUV even for its class so it might feel high off the ground for someone more used to, say, an Acura MDX.

The interior of the 2011 Audi Q7 is yet another masterwork from this Ingolstadt, Germany based automaker with the sumptuous brown leather of this particular vehicle proving to be tremendously stylish and of the highest quality. Some controls were oddly placed like the button to open the glovebox which sat right beside the navigation screen nowhere near the glove compartment. Alas, it did the job.

The interior also felt very light and airy inside thanks to the optional panoramic sunroof which essentially spans the entire length of the SUV. The Q7 is a touch narrower than some of the competition so hip room can be at a premium in the second row with three adults back there. The third row, however, competes nicely on space with the 2011 Acura MDX and absolutely outclasses the X5’s third row torture chamber.

Unlike some 7-passenger SUVs, rear seat airflow is kept moving with a number of rear seat air vents and the temperature is adjustable from the front. Top of the line Q7 models even offer 4-zone climate control which seems a tad excessive. Are there really going to be 4 people riding in your Q7 whose personal body temperature is that different?

Audi’s in-dash 3-D navigation system proved to be very intuitive and easy to use during a drive up the red carpet at the 2011 Humane Society Genesis Awards in Hollywood. The Q7 and its easy to use MMI system allowed for easy adjustment by my passenger of navigation, audio and telephone controls as we battled the traffic and the paparazzi on our way to the event. We also felt pretty special pulling up in the most nature friendly Q7, so that was definitely a plus.

Other Available Q7 Models

The 2011 Audi Q7 is also available with two other gasoline powered V6 engines with differing power outputs and pricing. First off is a 3.0 liter 272 horsepower/295 lb. feet of torque turbocharged V6 which returns EPA fuel economy estimates of 16 city/22 highway and an impressive 7.2 second 0-60 time. S-line Prestige Q7 models get an upgraded version of the 3.0 liter engine with 333 horsepower/325 lb. feet of torque.

2011 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium starts at $46,250 and comes standard with features like leather seating, power/heated front seats, Bluetooth, USB iPod integration, premium Audi Concert audio, 18-inch alloys, a parking assistance system and a power tailgate. Premium Plus models ($52,250) add Audi’s excellent MMI in-dash navigation system, Bose audio, a back-up camera, full-length panoramic sunroof and Xenon headlamps.

The Q7 S-line Prestige trim ($59,450) adds the more powerful engine, exterior appearance upgrades, 4-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a keyless-go system, a power adjustable steering column, a blind spot warning assistance system and adaptive headlamps that swivel when you turn the steering wheel to improve visibility on dark roads at night.

Driving Experience

The 2011 Audi Q7 TDI exceeded all expectations in regards to fuel economy with over 21 miles per gallon during a week of mixed driving conditions. Given the power on hand from the gruntingly forceful 3.0 liter V6 TDI engine and a decent 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds, those aren’t bad numbers at all. Do keep in mind, however, that you will have to add in the cost of replacing the urea tank (which helps the Q7 pass strict California emissions regulations) to your overall cost of ownership during the time you own the vehicle.

There is also the small notion of diesel being a touch more expensive than gasoline in some parts of the country so if you are buying the 2011 Audi Q7 looking to save a ton of money, you must remember this is still a very large, very heavy vehicle with full time all-wheel drive. If you want real diesel efficiency and savings check out the Audi A3 TDI.

But once you get used to driving a diesel you will become addicted to how they thrive going up steep inclines and never break a sweat when towing heavy loads. The tow rating listed by Audi is an impressive 6,600 pounds and the standard 8-speed automatic is excellent at always keeping the TDI diesel engine right in the sweet spot so you always have spare power.

Power delivery from the diesel engine is quick and steady all the way to the admittedly rather low redline. There is no abrupt kick in the pants sensation you get when driving the BMW X5 diesel but the power delivery in the Audi is also much more dependable than that of the X5. In previous experiences I found that the X5 diesel would occasionally bog down in situations where you would attempt to accelerate quickly from low speeds. That never happened to me in the Q7 TDI.

As for ride, handling and steering there is no getting around the fact that this is a very large SUV. There is some body roll in corners but the ride absorbs bumps nicely and the steering is not overly artificial in feel. In all, Audi did a nice job of calibrating everything so that the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI feels every inch the luxury SUV. Just don’t try to drive it like a sports car.

Conclusion

While there are plenty of excellent 7-passenger SUVs out there, namely the 2011 Acura MDX and 2011 BMW X5, the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI does a terrific job of carving out its very own niche thanks to its fuel efficiency, very stylish interior and the proven all-weather capability of Quattro all-wheel drive. Honestly, when you want an Audi nothing less will really do. And the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI does enough things well that it is very easy to recommend.

Vehicle Tested: 2011 Audi Q7 TDI

Base Price: $50,900

Price as Tested: $58,275 (including destination)

Options on Tester: Premium Plus Package—$6,000: (panoramic sunroof, Audi MMI-in dash navigation, Bose Premium Audio System, Xenon headlamps, auto dimming side mirrors, a back-up camera with parking sensors, Audi Driver Memory System), Cold Weather Package—(Heated rear seats, heated steering wheel)

Engine: 3.0 liter turbodiesel V6

Power: 225 horsepower/406 lb. feet of torque

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

0-60: 8.5 seconds

Tow Capacity: 6,600 pounds

EPA Fuel Economy: 17 city/25 highway

Fuel Economy as Tested: 21 miles per gallon

Cargo Volume (Behind 3rdRow): 10.9 cubic feet

(Behind 2ndRow): 42 cubic feet

(Behind Front Seats): 72.5 cubic feet

Crash Test Rating: IIHS “Top Safety Pick”

Warranty: 4 years/50,000 mile bumper to bumper