First Drive: 2011 Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI/Sport

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New sixes for Audi's Q7

German automaker downsizes its large crossover's gas engines for 2011

By John LeBlanc INGOLSTADT, GERMANY–Right up front in the automaker’s press materials, Audi says its Q7 is “the large Audi for the sporty individualist — the high-performance SUV for sport, leisure, family and business.” While most of the Canadian “sporty individualists” who are buying Q7s are opting for the torque-rich and fuel-efficient 3.0 L TDI diesel V6 version, Audi needs to deal with the more stringent tailpipe emissions (Europe) and fuel economy (North America) regulations coming down the pipe, plus customers who don’t want to get their fuel from a diesel pump. For 2011, then, the German automaker has decided to thoroughly upgrade the gas side of its largest vehicle’s engine offerings with two versions of the gasoline V6 that’s popping up in other Audis like the S4 and A6. First up, Audi has declared gas V8s verboten in the five- to seven-passenger Q7’s engine bay. While Europeans are treated to the Q7 V12 TDI Quattro — the most powerful diesel SUV in the world sporting 500 hp and an earth-rotating 738 lb.-ft., yet only consumes 11.3 L/100 km (25 mpg) — the 2011 top-line motor for the Canadian-market Q7 will be a 3.0 L gas six-cylinder badged Q7 Sport. To make up for the loss of displacement and cylinders compared to the current 4.2 L V8, the new Q7 Sport’s mill gets direct-injection and a supercharger. At 325 lb.-ft. its torque rating matches the old V8. But at only 333, horsepower is down by 17. Hence, the run from naught to 100 km/h now takes about a one second longer than the V8’s 5.8-second time. At the other end of the Q7 lineup, the new base engine for 2011 — badged 3.0 TFSI — sports similar forced-induction hardware as the Sport. At 272 hp and 295 lb-ft, horsepower is down by 8 compared to last year’s naturally-aspirated 3.6 gas V6, while torque is up by 19 lb-ft. However, with the help of a new eight-speed automatic (two more gears than last year’s autobox) all Q7s will be equipped with for 2011 (along with standard all-wheel-drive), by taking 7.9 seconds to get from rest to 100 km/h, Audi says the base Q7 is now 0.3 of a second quicker than last year’s base model. With the new eight-speed Tiptronic (that, Audi says, lowers fuel consumption by about 5 per cent), the new base Q7 3.0 TFSI is 12 per cent more efficient than the old 3.6’s 14.8 L/100 km city (19 mpg) and 10.4 L hwy. (27 mpg) ratings. While the top end 3.0 Sport is 16 per cent more efficient than the V8’s 16.1 L/100 km city and 11.2 hwy. (18 /25 mpg) numbers. Of course the current Q7 3.0 TDI diesel — rated at 225 hp and a generous 406 lb.-ft. — scores even better than either of the new gas V6s at the pumps: 13.2 L/100 km city and 8.3 L hwy. (21/34 mpg). Pricing for the new 2011 Q7 gas models will be confirmed closer to their on-sale date later this fall. Currently, the base V6 starts at $54,200, the diesel at $57,700 and the V8 at $75,200. Compared to three-row, large crossover competition like the $51,990 (all base prices) Acura MDX, $60,900 BMW X5, $59,990 Land Rover LR4, $53,350 Lincoln MKT, $69,000 Mercedes-Benz GL and $51,990 Volvo XC90, the Audi’s price is competitive. Number crunching aside, during a day’s drive centred around Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany, the difference between Q7’s pair of new V6s’ driveability was more than I expected. Starting in the more powerful Sport version — although technically slower off the line — it lacks none of the aural excitement of the soon-to-be-departed V8. There’s a definite basso profondo to its exhaust note, and when the new eight-speed autobox is slotted down into the “S” position, the engine’s supercharger delivers an immediate, meaty response. With less pronounced oomph, the base 3.0 TFSI is as smooth and refined as the higher rated Sport. But it sounds tinnier, and has less urge at higher rpm. My default choice in the Q7 is still the TDI diesel. But if you prefer to use a gas model (and depending on where Audi Canada prices the Sport), I’d pop for the top-line Sport. After a minor styling refresh for 2010, the rest of the Q7’s qualities remain relatively unchanged heading into the 2011 model year. Although it’s based on the Volkswagen Touareg/Porsche Cayenne platform, the Q7 possesses a 150 mm longer wheelbase to make room for a third row. Despite its extra length and room, as a utility vehicle the Q7 is a bit of a slave to its swishy styling. Yes, its seats fold down into a cavernous, flat area. But at only 308 litres with the third row in use, the Q7 has only about one-quarter the space of the boxier LR4. And for adults, the third row seating is cramped and best suited for occasional use. Like many of it rivals, the Audi crossover strives to offer a luxury sedan interior. With excellent ergonomics, tight shut lines and expensive-feeling materials, the Q7 comes across as a taller Audi A8 wagon, albeit one that can handle some light off-roading at a flick of the optional air suspension and its 100 mm range in height. On the road, through, the Audi crossover’s height and weight mean it’s still no sport wagon. It’s not up to X5 standards, yet the Q7 is one of the better-driving large crossovers available. It tends not to roll as much in tight corners than the likes of an XC90, LR4 or GL, its steering has a modicum of feel, and the largest Audi is quite composed and hushed at high speeds. Compared to most of its rivals, though, the Q7 makes for a wonderful transportation conveyance for those “sporty individualists” and their offspring or friends who can afford a luxury crossover. Plus its new gas engines coming later this year are a measurable improvement for those who can’t get their heads around driving a diesel. 2011 Audi Q7 3.6 TFSI/Sport PRICES: est. $54,200/$59,700 ENGINES: 3.0 L supercharged V6, direct injection POWER/TORQUE: 272 hp and 295 lb.-ft./333 hp and 325 lb.-ft. FUEL CONSUMPTION: est. 13.0 city, 9.2 hwy/14.2 city, 9.0 hwy. COMPETITION: Acura MDX, BMW X5, Land Rover LR4, Lincoln MKT, Mercedes-Benz GL, Volvo XC90 WHAT’S GOOD: New improved gas engines; stylish Audi looks inside and out; excellent build quality; smooth and quiet driving experience WHAT NEEDS WORK: Less than generous third-row seating and cargo space WHAT’S INTERESTING: Q7’s preceding concept car, 2003’s Pikes Peak, was first of trio of concept cars that set tone for its current design language.

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