The automotive world is constantly evolving, with technology playing an increasingly pivotal role in vehicle design and functionality. For those who appreciate cutting-edge innovation and refined driving experiences, the 2017 Audi Q7 stands out as a prime example. As someone deeply fascinated by automotive technology, I was eager to explore the advanced features of this SUV, particularly its autonomous driving capabilities. My experience behind the wheel of the 2017 Audi Q7, equipped with adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist, was truly impressive, showcasing a blend of smart technology, powerful performance, and luxurious comfort.
Exquisite Design and Interior Sophistication
Audi has masterfully redesigned the Q7 for the 2017 model year, with the most striking transformation evident in its grille. The previous iteration’s somewhat basic horizontal bar has been replaced with intricately sculpted silver accents and a more defined trapezoidal surround. This new front fascia elevates the Q7’s aesthetic, projecting a more sophisticated and premium image. While the shape remains familiar, the execution is undeniably more refined and elegant.
Alt Text: Front view of the 2017 Audi Q7 showcasing its redesigned trapezoidal grille with silver accents, emphasizing the luxury SUV’s sophisticated front fascia.
The exterior profile of the 2017 Q7 has also undergone a significant evolution. Moving away from the curvier lines of its predecessor, the new model embraces a more austere and handsome design language. Characterized by distinct horizontal lines, the 2017 Q7 exudes an aura of understated elegance and modern sophistication.
Stepping inside the 2017 Audi Q7, you’re immediately enveloped in a familiar Audi ambiance, albeit with a groundbreaking addition: the optional virtual cockpit. This stunning 12.3-inch digital display replaces traditional gauges behind the steering wheel, offering a customizable interface that can project maps, vehicle information, and entertainment details in vibrant color. While initially visually overwhelming, the virtual cockpit quickly becomes an indispensable feature, especially the expansive and detailed navigation map directly in the driver’s line of sight. For those who prefer a more conventional display, the system is easily customizable, allowing drivers to minimize or change the displayed information.
Alt Text: Audi Virtual Cockpit in the 2017 Q7 displaying a detailed navigation map behind the steering wheel, highlighting the advanced digital instrument cluster and driver-centric technology.
The interior prioritizes comfort and adjustability. The driver’s seat offers a wide range of adjustments, ensuring excellent visibility from all angles. While my time in the rear seats was limited, the individually sliding middle row seats are a thoughtful touch, enhancing both child seat access and passenger comfort, particularly for those utilizing the standard third-row seating.
Access to the third row is admittedly somewhat constrained, and legroom is contingent on adjusting the middle row seats forward. While best suited for children or shorter adults for longer journeys, anecdotal feedback from taller individuals suggests the third row is manageable for shorter trips.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2017 Audi Q7 offers a potent 3.0-liter V-6 engine, delivering 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine mirrors the power output of the previous generation’s top-tier S-Line, providing ample performance for this luxury SUV. Despite its nearly 5,000-pound weight, the 2017 Q7 exhibits impressive acceleration, making highway merges and passing maneuvers feel effortless and smooth.
The Q7 features Audi’s drive-select system, offering seven distinct driving modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, Offroad, and Individual. While subtle differences were observed across these modes during testing, the Comfort setting proved to be a well-rounded default, effectively absorbing road imperfections, especially during pothole season.
Despite its size, the 2017 Q7 demonstrates surprising agility. Its excellent turning radius is particularly appreciated in urban environments, allowing for tight maneuvers in narrow spaces, often negating the need for multi-point turns. The available top-view camera system, part of the Vision Package, further enhances maneuverability, proving invaluable for parking in tight spots.
Fuel Efficiency
While the absence of the TDI diesel variant, renowned for its fuel economy, is notable, the gasoline-powered 2017 Audi Q7 still delivers respectable fuel consumption figures. EPA estimates suggest 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. During a week of mixed driving conditions, my observed average of 21.3 mpg slightly exceeded the EPA’s combined estimate, a commendable result for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Technological Innovations and Gadgetry
The standout technological feature of the 2017 Audi Q7 is undoubtedly its adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. This semi-autonomous system significantly enhances the driving experience, particularly in congested traffic. The system utilizes radar and cameras to maintain a safe distance from leading vehicles and, crucially, to keep the Q7 centered within its lane.
During testing, the traffic jam assist performed exceptionally well. Initially, I maintained a light touch on the steering wheel, gradually progressing to hands-free hovering as confidence grew. The system adeptly managed both speed and lane positioning with subtle steering adjustments. It’s programmed to prompt the driver to regain steering control after approximately 15 seconds of hands-free operation, promoting safe usage.
Alt Text: Demonstration of Audi’s Traffic Jam Assist in the 2017 Q7, showing the semi-autonomous feature maintaining lane position and distance in highway traffic.
Even when actively steering, the traffic jam assist remains engaged, and its subtle steering corrections can be felt if the system disagrees with the driver’s intended path. While this feature has immense potential for enhancing safety by reacting faster than a human driver and mitigating distractions, it also raises considerations about potential over-reliance and misuse. It’s crucial to remember that traffic jam assist is an aid, not a replacement for attentive driving. The system’s effectiveness is also dependent on road conditions, particularly clear lane markings, and may be less reliable in construction zones or areas with obscured lane lines.
Beyond traffic jam assist, the virtual cockpit is another highlight. The vibrant Google Earth map display is captivating and highly functional. The system’s versatility extends to displaying vehicle information, phone functions, and audio settings, all customizable to driver preference.
The 2017 Q7 Premium Plus trim includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. While functional, the system is controlled via Audi’s MMI scroll wheel rather than a touchscreen, which can feel less intuitive than touchscreen-based systems. CarPlay integration, while generally well-executed, still exhibits some of the inherent clunkiness found in other vehicles with this feature, particularly in transitioning between CarPlay and native vehicle functions. However, Audi’s implementation is smoother than many, with quick access to vehicle voice commands via a short press of the voice button, and Siri activation via a press-and-hold.
Trim Levels and Options
The 2017 Audi Q7 is available in three trim levels, each offering increasing levels of standard features and luxury:
- Premium: Starting at $55,750, this trim includes tri-zone climate control, leather seats, power-adjustable and heated front seats, Bluetooth, Audi pre-sense basic safety system, push-button start, and a rearview camera.
- Premium Plus: Priced from $59,750, the Premium Plus adds navigation, Audi MMI all-in-touch with handwriting recognition, SiriusXM, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, hands-free liftgate, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Prestige: The top-tier Prestige trim, starting at $65,250, includes quad-zone climate control, 12-way power front seats with ventilation, Bose 3D sound system, virtual cockpit, top-view camera, and a head-up display.
The test vehicle was a Premium Plus model equipped with a range of optional packages, pushing the as-tested price to $68,925. These options included the Driver Assistance Package, Vision Package, Cold Weather Package, Warm Weather Package, Bose 3D sound system, metallic paint, and upgraded wheels.
Safety and Reliability
The 2017 Audi Q7 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS, stability control, tire pressure monitoring, and a rearview camera. Notably, Audi pre-sense basic and city, which incorporate pedestrian and vehicle collision warnings and automatic emergency braking, are standard across all trims.
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not crash-tested the 2017 Q7 at the time of the original review, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the 2017 Q7 with a Top Safety Pick Plus designation. The IIHS granted “Good” ratings in all crash tests and a “Superior” rating for crash avoidance and mitigation systems, underscoring the vehicle’s robust safety performance.
What’s New for 2017
The 2017 model year marks a complete redesign for the Audi Q7. Key highlights include standard all-wheel drive, a 7,700-pound towing capacity, standard power liftgate, available virtual cockpit, standard panoramic sunroof, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The base price reflects these enhancements, representing approximately a $6,000 increase over the previous generation.
Favorite Features
The virtual cockpit stands out as my favorite feature on the 2017 Q7. Its visual appeal and functional benefits, particularly the large, clear map display, are significant. The adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist is a close second, offering genuine safety and convenience benefits, especially in daily commuting. The power-operated third-row seats also earn appreciation for their ease of use and added convenience.
Areas for Improvement
The rear cross-traffic alert system, while a valuable safety feature, exhibited overly sensitive braking in tight parking situations, triggering unnecessarily in one instance. The manual operation of the middle row seats, particularly tilting them for third-row access, requires excessive force and could be challenging for children.
The Verdict
The 2017 Audi Q7 excels in its technological offerings. Features like the virtual cockpit and traffic jam assist elevate the driving experience and set a high benchmark for luxury SUVs. While the driving dynamics and overall refinement are commendable, it’s the advanced technology that truly defines the 2017 Q7 and makes it a standout in its class. Compared to competitors like the BMW X5, the Q7 offers comparable features at a competitive price point, particularly when considering the unique virtual cockpit. The 2017 Audi Q7 successfully blends luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology into a compelling and highly desirable SUV package.
