Audi is a luxury brand known for its style and technology, as well as its lavish interiors, performance, and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Consumer Reports says owner satisfaction is high and reliability is better than most of its German competitors.
Audi has one of the most complete lines of luxury SUVs offered by any car maker, ranging from a compact SUV to a full-electrical SUV. Every model gets high-performance marks and comes with a high-grade interior.
The Audi SUV line includes:
Q3: A practical compact luxury SUV with sharp styling and plenty of tech features that offer a pleasurable driving experience.
SQ3: A sporty version of the second-generation Q3 crossover with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
Q5: Audi USA’s best-selling model in 2018, the result of upgrades in power, efficiency, and looks.
SQ5: A sporty version of the Q5 with better performance.
Q7: The stylish, sporty, and elegant Audi Q7 is an excellent family vehicle for well-to-do buyers.
SQ7: The performance variant of the popular Q7 model, offered at a higher price.
Q8: Now, in the second year of its existence, the 2020 Audi Q8 is the second year in production. It shares many features with the Q7, but occupants can stretch out over two rows instead of three.
RS Q8: Audi claims the RS Q8 holds the record for the fastest SUV Nordschleife time and achieves a top speed of 190 mph.
Audi e-tron: Audi’s first full-electrical luxury SUV.
While all the Audi SUVs offer high-performance in a luxury package, the 2021 Audi Q7 is perhaps its best model. According to U.S. News, the 2021 Q7 ranks in the top third of the luxury midsize SUV class. It combines refined cabin materials and abundant tech features with a comfortable ride, surprising handling, and robust engines.
Here are the facts, figures, and costs of the 2021 Audi Q7.
2021 Audi Q7 Performance
For 2021, Audi offers the Q7 with three engine options, a peppy turbo 4-cylinder, a turbo V6, and the blistering V8 in the SQ7.
The turbo-4 producing 248 horsepower is the most fuel-efficient option, and the base turbo-four engine should satisfy most buyers, but it is not available in the top Prestige trim.
In the Premium and Premium Plus trims, an upgrade to a turbocharged V6 producing 335-horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque represents the best balance of value and power. Most Q7 buyers opt for the V6, which is standard on the top-trim Prestige. The 55 TFSI engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, not bad for a family transporter that tops 5,000 pounds.
For buyers looking for more performance, the SQ7, in Premium Plus trim, is equipped with a 500-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that generates 568 lb-ft of torque and reaches 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds.
The acceleration is brisk with all three engine choices, and the four-wheel independent suspension provides an exceptionally composed ride.
The SQ7 comes with the adaptive air suspension that is standard on the Q7 Prestige, as are the larger front and rear disc brakes and all-wheel steering.
An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard with all three engines. While the turbo-4 45 TFSI has a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds, the V6 and V8 models, when properly equipped, can tow 7,700 pounds.
Audi’s 3rd Generation MIB Infotainment System
Audi is well-known for its implementation of cutting-edge technology, and the 2021 models continue the tradition. All 2021 Audi models, including the Q7, are equipped with the 3rd generation MIB, also known as the Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIT) system, which improves the infotainment experience.
The MIB 3 system features a new Linux-based chipset with processing power ten times faster than the previous Audi systems. SiriusXM with 360L is included, adding more than 10,000 hours of on-demand content. The system discovers new content based on listening preferences and places it in the "For You" section. Live programming is also included.
The MIB 3 system boasts a new on-demand element allowing owners to purchase new features, like built-in navigation, even if the vehicle did not include it with the original purchase. The system is like Tesla’s upgrades options available after purchase. Audi promises regular updates, much like a smartphone by Google or Apple.
The MIB 3 includes a more powerful Wi-Fi hotspot than previous versions with hardware that can connect eight devices. Customers can opt for the higher-level Audi Connect Plus package, which offers 5G speeds and access to unlimited Wi-Fi through a 1 Gbps LTE Advanced Pro modem.
2021 Audi Q7 Trims and Features
Audi offers the Q7 in three trims, Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All three trims include an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission and quattro® all-wheel drive. Audi USA lists the Audi Q7 trims and features:
Premium
Two power levels: 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI
- Audi virtual cockpit
- 19-inch wheels with 5-arm-star design and all-season run-flat tires
- High beam assist LED headlights, dynamic rear indicators, LED DRL & taillights
- Audi advanced key: keyless start, stop, and entry with hands-free tailgate release, open and close
- Audi side assist with pre sense® rear
- Audi Pre Sense Basic and Audi Pre Sense Front
- Panoramic Sunroof w/Sunshade, and Power Tilt and Slide
- MMI Navigation Plus w/MMI All-in-Touch
- Audi Advanced Key w/Handsfree Tailgate Open/Close
- Power-folding 3rd Row
Premium Plus
Two power levels: 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI
- Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System
- Top view camera system including Virtual 360 view
- Audi phone box
- Heated 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel and shift paddles,
- Illuminated door sills
- 3D Bose Surround Sound System
- Audi Virtual Cockpit
- Audi Side Assist w/Audi Pre Sense Rear
- Top-view Camera System
Prestige
55 TFSI only
- Audi adaptive air suspension, comfort
- Matrix-design LED headlights
- Power soft-closing doors
- Executive package
- 5-spoke 20-inch Turbine Design Polished Grey Wheels
- LED Interior Lighting Plus Package
- Contour/Ambient LED interior
- Warm Weather Package
- Heads-Up Display
Audi has their own Power Identification system that uses a common language to describe the power output for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric engines: 45 TFSI/TDI designates from 169 kW, and 55 TFSI/TDI means from 245 kW.
2021 Audi Q7 Updates
To maintain its position as a leader in the luxury SUV class, Audi made significant upgrades to the Q7 in 2020.
The midcycle refresh included an update in styling and a redesigned infotainment system with a dual-screen setup. Audi replaced the supercharged V6 with a turbocharged V6 engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The Audi Virtual Cockpit became standard equipment, and the company introduced the all-new SQ7.
For 2021 the improvements were less radical but still significant. Audi upgraded the driver assistance features by making the blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert a standard feature. Leather-wrapped armrests, center consoles, and heated rear seats were made standard on the Prestige trim.
The improvements over the past two years to the Audi Q7 keep the model at the forefront of its class and make it an excellent choice for the buyer looking for luxury in a performance SUV.
Sources: caranddriver.com, thecarconnection.com, audiusa.com, cars.usnews.com, carindigo.com