2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line has shifted things around under the hood of its Q7 SUV. Gone are the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 gasoline engines and in their place is a new 3.0-liter V6, which comes in two different states of tune. The base engine delivers 272 hp and 295 ft-lb of torque, while the high-output variant produces 333 hp and 325 lb-feet. The third powerplant in the Q7 lineup carries over from last year: a 225-hp, 3.0-liter clean diesel TDI V6 with AdBlue to scrub the exhaust of even more particulates before it disperses into the air. All Q7 models benefit from Audi's new 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.
The high-performance gas V6 model comes equipped with adaptive air suspension. The Q7 is loaded with safety features such as airbags, TPMS and a crash sensor. There are available tech systems to help reduce the likelihood of a crash too.
The Q7 comes in several trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus and S Line Prestige in the gas models, and Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige in the diesel. The base level Premium includes LED turn signals in the exterior mirrors, 18-inch tires, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, power tailgate, sound system with iPod integration, Bluetooth connectivity and rain and light sensors. The Premium Plus and S Line Prestige get upgrades such as Bose surround sound, driver's seat memory, a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights and xenon headlights and parking assist with rearview camera. These trims have a couple of extra options, too such as running boards and headlight washers. The S Line also features ventilated front seats, 4-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/telescopic steering column, 20-inch wheels, heated headlight washers, adaptive headlights, special S Line exterior trim and Audi advanced key.
All Q7s have both a cold-weather and warm-weather package available. For colder climes, a heated multi-function steering wheel is added, while those in warmer areas will appreciate the 4-zone climate control and window shades for the side and rear windows. A TDI S Line Package adds appearance both inside and out. Popular standalone options include a towing package for all trims, a panorama sunroof on Premium models, a Bang & Olufsen sound system for Prestige models, and Adaptive Air Suspension for a more responsive ride over variable terrain, also available on Prestige models.
Still, the drive character is a bit middling for my taste, though it's tough to live up to the LeMans-bred standards of the rest of the Audi portfolio. This Q7 is above average for the segment, but boring for the brand.
2011 Audi Q7 3.0T S line
Base Price: $59,775
As-Tested Price: $60,275
Drivetrain: 3.0-liter supercharged V6; AWD, eight-speed automatic
Output: 333 hp @ 5,500 rpm, 325 lb-ft @ 2,900 rpm
Curb Weight: 5,412 lb
Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 18/16.7 mpg
