Sleek, Suave, Sophisticated. These are just a few words to describe the all new 2017 Audi Q7. Nearly ten years in the making, this new super-SUV is one for the books. Let me give you a little introduction on how I was introduced to this aerodynamic wonder.
‘Twas May 2016, and I was ready to acquire Consumer Reports’s, “...top-rated SUV.” After sitting down with a sales rep and working out the specifics, I was given an ultimatum: “Sorry, it looks like there is a six month waiting list for that specific car.” *Record scratch, freeze frame*. Six months! I couldn’t believe it. I kept saying to myself, “ How could a car, which is technically a 2017 model, have a six month waiting period in May of 2016?” Something had to be done.
For the next two weeks my eyes were glued to the Audi USA map, checking every, single dealer on the East Coast, waiting for that car to magically show up. It did...in Connecticut. An Audi Q7 with Graphite Gray Metallic exterior, Black leather interior, 20” 10 spoke wheels, Driver Assistance Package, Adaptive Chassis Package, Cold Weather Package. It was all there. Finally, I would be able to drive the greatest automotive engineering marvel of the past decade.
Welcomed with a new car smell, I stepped in to the plush leather seating and turned on the push-to-start engine. In an instant, an innocent purr of the engine indicated that the car has come to life. I immediately connected my phone to the Audi MMI Wi-Fi and listened to Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” gently emanate from the 19 Bose speakers which surrounded the vehicle. With that, I was off.
The first thing that I realized on my inaugural drive was the effortless acceleration afforded by the 330 bhp. Next, the adaptive chassis allowed for a near-seamless ride, except when driving through the crater-like potholes of the Tri-State. With this ride, hitting 55 m.p.h. is no big deal. I have to warn you, however, the near-perfect ride does not make you realize how quickly the speed increases. (You will not realize you are going 85 m.p.h. on I-80 until you see red and blue flashing lights in your rearview mirror.)
The most fascinating aspect of the Audi Q7 is the Heads Up Display. Only visually seen by the driver, this holographic, yet non-distracting, display is seen on the windshield of the car. The Display portrays the posted speed limit, the driver’s speed limit, and any GPS navigations. The exclusiveness of Display to driver creates a bond between person and car guaranteed to last a lifetime.
The only cons of this car are the media system and, of course, the price. The media system has a steep learning curve which will take time to master. However, if you are like me and are eager to drive your car to its fullest potential, it should not take you more than a few tries to get everything right. Now, the price. With the base model starting at $54,800 and the Prestige package starting at $64,300, the car is worth a pretty penny. However, stepping into one of these fine works of German engineering will make you realize that the price on paper is much less than the memories you could make for a lifetime.
