Audi Q7

chaddy75

Wow you're good! Thanks for the milk...M E O W . You an Audi dealer by chance.. Appreciate this a lot. Seems to be pretty similar to the A6 pricing for 4.2 except looks like the tech. pkg on A6 includes navagation. The price difference from the 19" to 20" wheels is premo. Hope this is a great driving car.

chaddy75

Oh I noticed on price list.. premium leather which I hope means they will have that sleek amaretto interior as on the Audi site it doesn't include it as a choice.

rjlaero

The premium leather is described as "cricket" like the old allroad, but I'll have to wait and see what they actually look like in person. And yes, Amaretto should be avalaible on the Q7.

I'll try to get the full interior/exterior color guides up soon.

chaddy75

Hoefully they will have that color interior. You a dealer in CA??

rjlaero

More milk for the cats:

Standard Order Colors:

Calla White
Light Silver Metallic
Lava Gray Pearl Effect
Condor Gray Metallic
Phantom Black Pearl Effect
Cobalt Blue Metallic

Sold Orders Only:

Garnet Red Pearl Effect
Quartz Gray Metallic
Sycamore Green Metalic

Interior Colors:

Black
Limestone Gray
Cardamom Beige
Espresso Brown

The only disappointment for me is that Quartz Gray is a sold order color. Also, I wish you could order White with the Espresso interior, but you can't get that combination. I'm assuming Espresso will be similar to Amaretto. White/Amaretto would be a killer combination in the A6/A8, but you can't get it.

chaddy75

Nice. On their website the brown does not look at all like the Amaretto. I was hoping they would introduce it but sounds like it's a no.

dhamilton

The web pictures are awesome. I really think this vehicle will be a Lexus killer if enough people know about it.

merc1

Pictures don't do this vehicle justice. After having seen it at the Detroit show last weekend I can honestly say it is a looker. Typical high-quality Audi interior. They're saying the V6 model (276hp) will be out in August or so.

Correct, the thing is for Audi to properly promote this thing.

M

dhamilton

I wonder if it will be at the Houston show?

rjlaero

I can't wait to see the Q7 in person. I think Audi is trying to make sure this vehicle is a smash success with the current aggressive pricing.

The V6 model will be an incredible value as well. With the new 280hp 3.6, it should be quite adequate in the power department. If the base price stays in the low 40's, you should be able to get a high-end V6 car loaded up for 50-52 grand.

Audi will no doubt raise the price on the Q7 just like they did with the A6 after it's initial release. The A6 started @ 40,950 when it came out, and now it's now at a 43,950 base price.

chaddy75

Has anyone seen the Q7 in person with interior leather other than cream or grey?? The L.A. show had the grey color interior available to sit in. And yes it probably will be marked up like A6 depending on sales.

carnaught

...road today with German license plates. It seemed wide compared to the Toureg in front of it. Although I love the look of Audis, in contrast to Merc, I wasn't impressed. Maybe it was the color, kind of a gray with touch of a greenish hue.

jchan2

I saw it in Detroit too.

The Q7 is one beautiful machine.

I wonder how pricing on the V6 model will work out. The V8 is a steal compared to the ML500.

merc1

Yeah it is a looker. I think, as others have suggested Audi knows they're late to the fading SUV party so they'll price it to sell without much thought for value shoppers.

M

jchan2

Any chance the V6 model will hit the clearance racks right when it comes out? If they do, it might be worth the jump from a high end Sienna or Odyssey.

As everybody knows, SUVs are starting to be yesterday's headlines...

lexus460l

Does anybody know if the Audi will have the rear entertainment system?

ivan_99

Probably not…a 280hp V6 is not really a bargain bin item. Plus, I’m not sure if the V6’s (or any of them for that matter) come standard as a 7 passenger so that’ll raise the entry price…which I assume you’re doing if you’re trying to migrate from a mini-van to the Q7 (would be a dream for me).

I see it more as a cross-over than an SUV, even though they call it an SUV…styling, unibody, adjustable high suspension so it could look lower like the allroad.

chaddy75

I was told by the sales associate at the L.A. Auto Show that there will not be a rear ent. system. Also, the sunroof encompasses most of the roof.

jchan2

I'm looking for a 7 seater.

Maybe somewhere down the road Audi will start discounting

rjlaero

I doubt Audi dealers will be discounting Q7's much anytime soon. More like 12-18 months when the cars have been in the marketplace longer. It already undercuts cars like MB's R class by at least $5000. The 4.2 Quattro Q7 is somewhat of a bargin IMO at just under 50k base price.

Also be aware that prices will go up just like the new body style A6. The base price of a 2005 A6 3.2 was $40,950 when it came out. Now it's 43,970.

ivan_99

Getting a little off topic...did the increase in price for the A6 carry additional equipment as standard, or was it just an increase in price.

rjlaero

They did re-configure the options for the 2006 model year to make things a little easier in not having to order so many individual options. But most of it was a price increase.

When the new body 2005 A6 3.2 's came out in Oct '04, they were 40,900. Cars built after Jan 1 05 were 41,900. That $1000 was all price increase. Options went up, too. Navigation went from $1500 to $1800. The entire $3000 wasn't all just an increase in price, but I would say that 2200-2500 of it was.

And for 2006, you can't pick individual options like advanced key and rear parktronic anymore. You have to bundle them in a $3800 technology package that has Navigation and Sat radio.

The current 2006 A6 4.2 Quattro is 53,700, and the base is $49,900 for the 4.2 Q7. 7 passenger seating will be standard.

I'm waiting the price lists for the new 3.6 V6 model. I'm thinking it will be spring time before they are out.

brentski1

What?? Do any auto manufacturers have any common sense any more? The put out a 3-row 7 seater and then have NO rear entertainment system? Instead they decide to put in a trendy and gawdy looing moonroof. The should go talk to owners of other cars and these full-length moonroofs. None have solid shades and it gets too hot in many of these cars!!! Come you dips, let's pay attention to what customers want and need. A very cool looking vehicle, but one I may have to take off the list with no DVD entertainment system!!!

rjlaero

The panoramic sunroof is a stand alone option, so you don't have to order it if you don't want to. Not everybody who wants an SUV has 3 kids. You'd be surprised at how many SUV owners are single and don't have big families or care about rear DVD's. The open sky panoramic roof is a cool option for a lot of people, and it'll get used a lot more than a DVD player for some people.

But DVD rear entertainment would be a nice option for the Q7, and hopefully it will be offered in the near future. If you want an early production Q7, there are numerous tech companies that are all over the after-market scene, and I would think they could easily put DVD screens in the rear headrests in your Q7 to keep the family happy.

jchan2

It might be worth the wait.

Perhaps the 2007 Audi year end closeout?

brentski1

Yes, but isn't the only option a panaromic sunroof? In other you either get your whole roof moonroofed or you get nothing? And if a person has no kids and no need for entertainment systems, why do they even need a panaramic moonroof as you wouldn't be able to appreciate it from the front seat? It's just another gawdy trendly thing that in 2 years everybody will wish they did not have!!

chaddy75

"The open sky panoramic roof is a cool option for a lot of people" I agree w/ this statement after seeing it in person. It was very impressive and really opened the car up, especially w/ rear seat passengers. Question: With this option, will it automatically come with a solid slide closer b/c when I saw it in person it looked like a light translucent style screen which I would be concerned with having too much sun if you want it closed.

dhamilton

I saw on the Audi website that the dvd players will be in the headrests. Killer sunroof and entertainment. Have it your way at Audi, and burger king :P

ivan_99

I don’t recall, but what happens to the head rests when the seats are folded down?

If the dvd screens are in the head restraints, I image there would be wires to disconnect if you have to remove them…or the head restraints would stay in place when the seats are folded and possibly be damaged by the large cargo you’re loading; which is why you’re folding the seats down.

I’m sure Audi already thought of this and figured something out…I’m just not sure.

brentski1

That's exact;y my point. Go to the Land Rover forum and see how many LR3 owners are complaining about the same type of translucent slide cover that is not a solid screen because of the size of the moonroof. Seems the folks in the back seat get a great panoramic view of the baking sun!!! LOL You would think with AUdi being so late to introduce an SUV they would at least offer a model with a regular sized moonroof and solid screen instead of trying to catch up with trendy features that most will regret this summer.

dhamilton

Well I think the screens in the back of the front head rests wouldn't fold down anyway as they are the front seats. I'm not sure as to the the second row screens for the third seat. A valid question that I can't answer.
I would think as far as the moon roof goes there would be a sliding cover or a dark tint of some kind. I will however ask tommorow when I drive by my local Audi dealership.

bauks

I've been on Audi's Q7 e-mail since last fall and still don't know when its coming. Should I keep waiting ... and waiting? Anybody see the big Merc coming in around June?
I like the idea of the MercR but I can't seem to like the looks. Any other options? Looking for 3 rows - have a 4 year old MDX that has never had a problem (other than I'm bored with it). I will never drive a mini van. Too many early 80's flashbacks.

dhamilton

According to a salesman at Momentum Audi in Houston there will be no DVD player available in the Q7. He showed me a copy of the options available and sure enough, no DVD. I could have sworn I saw them on the Audi website. {must be losing my mind}
The base model with the 4.2 liter 8 should start at like $49k, they will offer one with every option for a hair under 60k. They start arriving in dealerships sometime in June. A 6 cylinder will follow sometime afterwards.
I hope that helps. I sat in this car at the Houston auto show and it is stunning both inside, and out.

nascarqueen24

Good afternoon:

I wanted to post that the Cdn National Post newspaper had an excellent review of this vehicle. They said good value for the price ($55,000 Cdn).

I was poised to purchase a Cadillac SRX (I do prefer the exterior styling) but now need to hold off to consider this Q7.

I have no background in Audi products, but I understand the parts and labour are much more expensive than domestics. This would be a significant part of my decision - ongoing maintenance costs and accessibility to service providers.

Could someone articulate the benefits to the Q7 over a domestic and SRX in particular.

I thank you in advance for your time, consideration and expertise.

NascarQueen24

simagic

Was at the Philly car show today and looked at the Q7. What a great looking well appointed vehicle. It's a shame it's only good if you park it in your own private driveway. The designer must get a commission on every new grille they sell, because if you own that car and park it anywhere in the real world you will be buying new grilles and front end pieces for as long as you own that car. There is "NO" front bumper to speak of. The front grill and corner grilles are the bumpers. But they probably can withstand a 1/4 of a mile an hour impact with out breaking. Anything over that is damage city. When a car, or god forbid a pickup truck is parked in front of you in the street and they back up until touching your car. Well then it's a trip to the Audi dealer for a new grill. Loved the car, but, duhhhh...what a mistake....( also, how about some compartments to put things )....Simagic

jpenni

I have always bought GM vehicles, but I have been looking at a mb ml350 and a lexus gx470. This Q7, based off of photos is hands down a winner. I am going to wait for more information on the Q7. Does anyone have any real world info on how audi's perform in the resale market? Are they good quality? Do Audi's sell at sticker or invoice +? I can tell you the quality is no longer in the GM vehicles and with the $18,000 dollars worth of rebates the resale has tanked.

chaddy75

Well let's hope that they have enough common sense to have a solid sunroof cover as well. I couldn't imagine it not having one.

rjlaero

I'd expect you'll pay full sticker on a Q7 for quite a while. You might get a couple hunderd bucks off sticker. Right now, Audi has -0- rebates & incentives on their entire product line from the A3-A8. They don't even have any owner loyalty programs for returning customers. The last thing I saw was a 4.9% interest rate on the A3 a while back. Edmunds is showing discounts from $300 - $1000 for their product line. Audi is having record sales here in the states and the new body style cars are doing quite well.

jchan2

From what I have heard Audis hold their value really well. Used TTs with almost 100,000 miles can still go for a nice chunk of change.

rjlaero

Resale on A4's are quite good. Old body style A6's (04 & down) are a bit soft and not as good. Allroads are average.

Right now Audi is no worse than BMW or Mercedes when it comes to resale.

jpenni

do you think the announced layoff at vw headquarters will affect the the quality?

dhamilton

I have driven a fair amount of Audi's but not the Q7. [goes without saying as its not available yet] I have driven the
SRX briefly.
You first have to understand that each manufacturer builds they're products on very different philosophy's Germans build cars to drive on the autobahn. They start from the ground up to involve the driver in the "driving experience". This translates in to better handling, and better steering feel. In a nut shell, you feel more connected to the road in a German a vehicle. They don't have a great reputation for reliability, and yes, parts and labor are expensive. People that drive German brands tend to be driving enthusiasts [or in the case of SOME BMW, and Mercedes owners, posers :P ] They are sometimes willing to give up some amount of reliability for that brass ring of a great driving car. Audi is owned by Volkswagen as you may ,or may not know. Volkswagen is having a little bit of a tough time right now but I haven't seen this affect Audi in a negative manner at this point. Volkswagen owns Bentley automobiles as well. Audi owns Lamborghini in addition to all of that. My point in bringing this up is, these manufacturers are universally praised for they're attention to detail, and quality of interior appointments. Keep in mind that reliability, and quality can be two different things. The Japanese have a hard earned reputation for reliability. The Americans tend to have a reputation for neither. Cadillac is enjoying a bit of a resurgence, mostly for performance. You may find this courious as cadilac has long been known as your grandfathers car company.
I found the cadilac to have a comfy ride and a very good interior. Cadilac is as well going to have cost of parts and repair in keeping with other luxury brands. That is all I can say about the SRX. I would try looking at it's thread here on Edmunds.
I believe Audi to be the synergy between Mercedes, and BMW. They are more sporting than Mercedes, but more comfortable than BMW. I think they really hit the mark in the GT [Grand Touring] segment. Making cars that perform well in a sporting sense, but can be driven comfortably, on a daily basis. There are those that would disagree I'm sure.
Keep in mind that the Audi won't be in dealerships until june. If reliability is first on your list, I would go with Acura, or Lexus. But drive all the suvs in this range to get a feel for all the competition. Don't rule out anything on looks alone.
I hope this helps. Good luck and let us know how you do.

chaddy75

I found your comments to be very interesting. Thx for taking the time to post such information. Btw....I was told by the dealer that the Q7's can now be pre-ordered with no obligation to purchase once test driving them.

rjlaero

Audi is very profitable at the moment. A majority of VW's are made in Mexican production plants, and not in Germany.

VW technically owns Audi, Lamborghini & Bentley. It's kinda weird how all 3 of those high line brands are doing extremely well financially and having record sales, and VW's own products are slipping. Porsche recently purchased 20% of the VW group.

nascarqueen24

Hello dhamilton:

I thank you so very much for your kind assessment of the Audi product vs the Cadillac SRX. You are most gracious in taking the time to analyze the differences.

My friends acquired a used Audi A4 stationwagon (3 years old) and while it drives great it has reliability issues.

I am very big on reliability and avoiding repairs (daughter of a mechanic). So, the driving experience would not offset many expensive repairs.

But, our families stable of GM products are not too great in that regard either (Pontiac Montanna wagon, Rendevous, Century). I have been spoiled by my 1988 Mazda MX6 5 speed, no repairs ever, a simple vehicle that the totally reliable.

I thank you again dhamilton

Kindest Regards
NascarQueen24

dhamilton

suggest the Acura MDX? Outside of a transmission issue 4 or 5 years ago [fixed dutifully by Acura] I'm not aware of any long term issues with this suv. Sister in law has had one for some time and loves it. My wife almost got one but got ruined by the "German driving experience" and cut right down the middle with an Infiniti FX 35.

bimmer4me

the exterior design reminds me of a Chrysler Pacifica

rcf8000

To me, it doesn't look as good as a Pacifica.

ivan_99

I was going to say it was just you…but I guess not.

I think it’s the best looking 7 passenger out there.

dhamilton

my wife said the same thing. I then showed her the R class which is really where the Pacifica now gets it's mail. She didn't see it. Never the less, she started out hating the FX35 but after driving it, loved it. I think Audi makes some of the best driving vehicles available.
If ya don't drive it you'll never know.

drumminham