No rear entertainment center, no front parking sensors, no free maintenance, No Sports package, No S line, No sunroof, No mention of the active cruise control.
Sun roof is the panoramic sunroof option ($1850) Sports package and S Line are one in the same I doubt it would come out when the Q7 is initially released Never heard of a front parking sensor I guess why not.; it does have the side assist and rear camera with acoustic.
Active cruise control never tried not sure if I would want it.
Rear entertainment and free maintenance are the only ones I see as missing.
Be patient.....the S Line should be available this summer. Audi just wants to get this car off the ground in May, and no doubt some extra options be added down the road.
The active cruise is an expensive $2100 option on the A6 and A8's. I think it's a waste of money, IMO. It may eventually be a sold order option. The technology package has the rear view camera and side assist. The only vehicle with the front parking sensor right now is the A8. And Audi is still paying for the first 5000 mile check-up w/ synethic oil on all 2007 models.
Audi looks to be doing quite well with the advanced orders it has for the Q7.
There are two rear entertainment systems optional, front and rear parking systems are available, there is a sports package on the 4.2, S-Line is availalable on all models, there is both the panorama roof and the regular sunroof, and the Q7 is actually available with the most advanced version of Adaptive Cruise Control yet- it actually stops the car in traffic.
Although I am shopping for my wife, the process is starting to confuse me, something it has never done before.
We're not shopping specifically- my wife gets what she would really appreciate if it's not over $62,000 or so. We've looked at the Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible and E Sedan, the Lexus RX400h (we're RX330 owners currently), the Porsche Cayenne S, the Audi Q7 Premium, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
We already own two Audis alongside the Lexus, but the Q7 is ever so tempting with its features, style, luxury and value. I'm not sure if it being our third Audi would be enough to eliminate it.
My son recommends the Range Rover Sport. Any suggestions? I'm not a Range Rover fan, in fact I just don't care for Land Rovers in general. But, I've observed that they're selling like madness in my area. Is the car good enough for me to change my LR-shunning ways?
The Mercedes duo are a good pair of cars, but my wife would like something more "sophisticated" than her Lexus, so the E is pretty much out. The E is a nice car, but quite common and slightly bland- and I also cannot see her in a sedan. The CLK350 Convertible would be a nice car for her, because, well, it's gorgeous, and she's always wanted a convertible. But, one of our Audis is an S4 Cabriolet. Is it impractical to have two convertibles if I also own an A3 2.0T on the side?
The Porsche and Lexus are pretty much gone from the list. She doesn't want another RX (she had an RX300 before), and the Cayenne is just not cushy enough.
Slight reliability problems that are worse than our Lexus are acceptable, but I'm not in the mood for a total dealer experience.
My son recommends the Range Rover Sport. Any suggestions? I'm not a Range Rover fan, in fact I just don't care for Land Rovers in general. But, I've observed that they're selling like madness in my area. Is the car good enough for me to change my LR-shunning ways?
I say take a chance. It would be a nice contract to the S4 Cabriolet since you obviously like different, rare, highly desirable cars. Either the RR Sport or the CLK350 Cabrio, but of course I understand not wanting 2 convertibles. Though you have to really look at your needs and see if having 2 convertibles would be impracticle. You have an Audi so that would rule out the Q7 if it were me, as gorgeous as it is though. The Range Rover Sport is just so sheek and stylish.
It doesn't have any entertainment systems at all: neither base nor premium.
The car itself is really tempting: although I saw it before at the LA Auto Show, i wasn't impressed at all. Two days ago we had the chance for more detailed inspection, and to tell you the truth, it's a really nicely built and equipped car. But I would get the Range Rover Sport, if I was going to choose between both of them.
My son recommends the Range Rover Sport. Any suggestions? I'm not a Range Rover fan, in fact I just don't care for Land Rovers in general. But, I've observed that they're selling like madness in my area. Is the car good enough for me to change my LR-shunning ways?
I looked at this as well and I discovered that although they really have an attractive style to them, their interior components are rather cheap. Also, this really is not a Range Rover but it is a shortened version of the LR3 (which I used to own). Also a major gas guzzler. You should read the consumer reports on these as well as the Rover's get horrible ratings for reliability.
I wouldn't do anything until you have driven all the vehicles you mentioned thoroughly. I am an Audi person myself so I have my bias. While I haven't driven the Range Rover just sitting in it has a certain cracker box feeling to it. I'm 5"10 and they all feel really cramped. The fit and finish is excellent but they do have a terrible reputation for reliability.{Audi isn't stellar in that regard either} I feel like you sit on top of the RR. I think that the Audi will drive even better than the Touareg and that the experience will be quite engaging. As far as styling it's a personal preference. Styling is generally last on my list of must haves. If cushy and comfort are first on the list I would go Lexus, and Mercedes, But They can't touch the driving dynamic of the Audi IMO.
Not to get too off topic about the RR Sport, but it's quite a heavy vehicle. Even the $70,000 supercharged version in not that quick 0-60 from what I've seen in car magazines. I wouldn't pay 60-70k for s smallish SUV like the RR Sport. If you're looking for sporty, I'd take an upcoming S-line Q7 over the RR Sport any day.
I am definitely considering the Q7 as a replacement for my current GX but I am worried about the size of the Q7. Is the Q7 really almost a foot wider then my GX? According to Audi's Specs it's even 6 inches wider then the Escalade. I'm hoping that Lexus isn't including the mirrors while Audi is when calculating the width. I'm not sure I can get 2 cars in my garage and open the doors with something that wide. I hope im wrong cause everything else I see about the Q7 seems great.
The Q7 isn't as wide as an Escalade. You are looking at the width including mirrors for the Q7. The Escalade's published width doesn't include the mirrors.
We don't want another Lexus, if you read the post I put about buying a car.
Also, I don't want to offend, but the GX, especially style-wise, is not my cup of tea. Our friends had one for eight months and hated it so much that the got a Lincoln Navigator Platinum Edition, which they love...
... and their more mentionable car is a Maserati Quattroporte! Pure beauty, if unreliable.
RE: Range Rover Sport or really LR3I actually knew that it was based on the LR3, which is rather odd. Why not call it the Land Rover LRS?
Exactly! A marketing plow to sound more appealing for the lower price. Too bad many of the componets are so cheap, but then again....It's really not a Range Rover.
The Q7 is bigger than the X5 by a lot, but it's not bigger than the GX470 from what I know.
Actually the specs for the GX are: 188"L x 74"W x 74.6"H. The specs for the Q7 are: 200"L x 66"W (mid tire to tire)(85.7"W including mirrors) x 68.4"H.
I don't really comprehend that the Q7 is a larger car.
I saw it at the auto show, and it was not tall at all for the class... maybe three inches taller than the Lexus (RX). Also, it just did not look that long to me either.
My friend's outgoing GX470, which I mentioned before, seemed taller and wider.... and so did the one at the auto show.
? :confuse: ?
[The "Lava Grey" Q7 on the swivel looked fabulous... most glamorous Audi SUV ever! (ha ha ha)]
I don't really comprehend that the Q7 is a larger car. I saw it at the auto show, and it was not tall at all for the class... maybe three inches taller than the Lexus (RX). Also, it just did not look that long to me either. My friend's outgoing GX470, which I mentioned before, seemed taller and wider.... and so did the one at the auto show.
Esf, Per the measurements I wrote for you on #130, YOU WILL find that the GX is wider and taller and the Q7 is 1 ft. longer. I could surely feel the length when I spent time w/ it at auto show.
I'd say that's true, because on Edmunds' Insideline for the last week, they've said that "Audi Boasts It Has 15,000 Advance Orders for New Q7 SUV".
If they want to promote even more early sales, (and have a large rise in Audi of America sales) they must let people test-drive it. I know I will be soon enough.
What happened to the adaptive cruise control. It is clearly available in Europe, and even Audi showed it on their US web site, but it has now disappeared from the options list. This was certainly one of the most progressive features. Without it the car seems very ordinary. And when will Audi get around the voice input on the nav. as with Infiniti and Acura?
I was wondering about that, too. Since all of Audi's Q7 press releases have mentioned Adaptive Cruise Control, I have to assume that it will be available and priced at some point. Maybe it's delayed, or maybe they haven't figured out what price they want to put on it. The German manufacturers sure want a lot for it, compared to the Japanese. (Consider that it's $2100 on an A8 and $600 on an RX350, for example.)
Your argument was very passionate, but completely devoid of proof or even logic. Audi is not in the same class as BMW and MB, just admit it. If they are producing cars to appeal to the person who cannot afford to buy the fuel for a BMW or MB, then they are not in the same class of cars. Do you see, they are selling to a different demographic for different reasons and producing their cars for different reasons. All of this would suggest they are not playing the same league. They are obviously producing a car that is an alternative to a BMW or MB for those who want to pretend they are wealthy but really are not.
I go to this certain blog website frequently, and for some reason it rejects my password, so I'll express my opinion here.
This statement is so... I can't even put the words together. I believe that Audi is above BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of their outlook. A BMW official stated that he didn't "think of Audi as a true competitor."
Audi does not even have to reveal how most of their cars are of better quality than BMW; they just release their cars and watch what happens.
Just checking out this thread because I'm considering a Q7 in the future. With regards to this post, firstly I'd confirm that a BMW "official" did actually say this, and find out who it was (a guy in the mailroom or a BMW executive). Also, I don't know what you're basing the opinion that Audi's are "of better quality" than BMW's. I don't see much objective proof of that anywhere. Audi has had its share of quality problems in the past, and its sister company, VW, is a nightmare quality-wise. No question that Audi is making a run right now, and particularly MB is having quality issues, but why would you say their outlook is better? Both BMW and MB outsell them by a huge margin in the US (yes, I realize that it's much closer in Germany and Europe in general). Don't get me wrong, I love Audi's and my wife just bought the new A6 Avant (beautiful car BTW), but BMW and MB in the US are certaintly not shaking in their boots yet. It will be interesting to see how the Q7 does in terms of sales once the new X5 comes out in early '07. The current X5 is starting to lag sales-wise because of the redesign, but if the 5-Series is any indication (outsells the A6 by about 4 times in the US) the new X5 should sell very well here. That said, since I really do like the new A6, I'll drive both the Q7 and X5 against each other next spring to see which I like better. I'm guessing that they'll be pretty close to each other in just about every category.
I said that Audi had a better "outlook" than BMW and Mercedes because they do not have a need to say that they are "better" than either of them. I just think it shows how someone at BMW is scared for the company (not that Audi will take over America, just that they'll steal the market share) and he recognizes that Audis are better-appointed cars than BMWs, he just does not want to admit it.
I looked all over the website with the story about the BMW "official", but never found him. I know it was a high official, because I don't think it would've been put on numerous websites if it was a mail clerk. It could've very possibly been Helmut Panke himself, but it was probably one of his right-hand men.
I have found the article, and it is from the U.K.:
"BMW UK seems very sure of themselves. Marketing director of BMW UK Uwe Ellinghaus noted that Audi customers are of a similiar age to BMW owners. But he said that if the original is available, why should anyone buy a good copy? It looks like BMW isn’t taking Audi seriously at all."
Hmm...that's kind of a different way to say a company has a better outlook than another does. I would think you were saying that Audi's outlook was better because you think they'll sell more cars. Anyway, car companies always trade shots like this one, and frankly they don't mean a whole lot. The comment actually probably has nothing to do with the US anyway given that the guy is the UK Marketing Director (he also didn't appear to say what he was quoted on this forum as saying). I'm sure sales there between the companies are much closer than they are here. If Audi does steal market share they will do so from MB and others as well; not just BMW. As far as "better-appointed cars" goes, that's just an opinion that not everyone shares. But even if it were a universal opinion all BMW would have to say is, "Well, they can have the best looking cars. We'll just have to live with making the best driving cars." After all, cars are meant to be driven, not looked at. Just to compare my 545 to my wife's A6 (not in terms of speed because she has the V6 and I have the V8) as far as driving them goes, at least to me my car feels much tighter and more confident in the curves while her's is softer and more forgiving over bumps. The S Line would probably change that somewhat though. I do know that the X5 is the best handling SUV out there, and I would expect that will still be the case after the redesign.
I would sure hope that the new Q7 handles better than the outgoing X5 seeing as it was designed quite some time ago now. I have no idea what EVO is anyway, and would like to see a larger concensus of mags that shares their opinion. Also note that they said it was a "winter test" which inplies that the Q7 handles better in the snow. Being in Chicago where it actually snows very little it's more important to me how the car handles dry or wet roads. I mean, how many days out of the year are really THAT snowy in the majority of the US? I would bet the average is about 10 out of 365. As I said though, I'm considering both the Q7 and redesigned X5 for my next car so I'll let my own driving impressions be my guide. "Who needs a sports-car SUV anyway"? I do, I do! Or at least as close to one as I can get. I certainly don't want a rolly-poley boat on wheels.
I am trying to find some information on the "Utility" of this "Sport Utility Vehicle". Most or all of the messages on this post seem to be about the fit, finish, styling and/or performance - all of which sound excellent. I found the exterior dimensions, but can't find the interior dimensions or cargo volumes. I would also like to know the load and towing capacities. I am close to a purchase of the LR3 HSE, only because for me it seems to have the right amount of performance combined with actual utility that the BMW, MB, Lexus, etc. don't seem to be concerned with in their efforts to provide ultimate luxury. Like most, however, I am not thrilled with the LR3's interior finish level or the complexities of maneuvering the rear seating arrangements (something the American car cos. seem to have figured out). The Escalades and Navigators seem to combine utility with luxury but are a bit too large for my semi-urban environs. Any thoughts or recommendations?
I'm sorry that I do not have a link, but there is another article on the new Autoweek of the Q7. Although, Autoweek magazine just sent an issue out with the Q7 in it (a first drive), and even if it doesn't directly compare the Q7 to the X5, nothing it says about the car is negative.
"We loved how quickly the Q7 jumped from the line, as well as its eagerness to get around slower traffic on the freeway, its estimated 5300-pound heft all but erased the V8's power"(5).
It is an extraordinary issue- TT spyshots (more of them), Q7, M Roadster, RS4, ES 350. It is not online at the time, so I recommend buying it at the store if you can't wait two weeks.
Given the Q7 is almost the same price as the Porsche Cayenne, I'm curious what sells the Q7 over the Cayenne? Is it primarily the 7 seater configuration?
Dealers should be getting the Q 7's in about 2 weeks for test drives so it may be worth it for you to wait before going forward w/ the Landrover and test drive the Q7.
Comments
I saw a black R class with tinted windows and it looked like a hearse. I can see the logic in paying 60-75 G's for an R class.
I think the Q7 will really do some damage to BMW and Mercedes in the high end SUV market. The Q7 is flat-out the best looking vehicle in this segment.
http://www.audiusa.com/model_home/0,,bodyStyleId-17,00.html?bodystyle=q7
There were only about five accessories that you could get with the Premium package, so I recommend it to anyone shopping for a Q7, including me.
The colors were Lava Grey and that interesting brown leather on the interior. Best interior colors I've ever seen on an SUV.
Sports package and S Line are one in the same I doubt it would come out when the Q7 is initially released
Never heard of a front parking sensor I guess why not.; it does have the side assist and rear camera with acoustic.
Active cruise control never tried not sure if I would want it.
Rear entertainment and free maintenance are the only ones I see as missing.
The active cruise is an expensive $2100 option on the A6 and A8's. I think it's a waste of money, IMO. It may eventually be a sold order option. The technology package has the rear view camera and side assist. The only vehicle with the front parking sensor right now is the A8. And Audi is still paying for the first 5000 mile check-up w/ synethic oil on all 2007 models.
Audi looks to be doing quite well with the advanced orders it has for the Q7.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060220/SUB/60217079
1. The Cadillac SRX can tow 4,250 lbs.
2. The Infiniti FX 44 can tow 5,000 lbs. or so
Audi owns Seat and Lamborghini.
Volkswagen owns Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Skoda and the actual Volkswagen Motors.
We're not shopping specifically- my wife gets what she would really appreciate if it's not over $62,000 or so. We've looked at the Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible and E Sedan, the Lexus RX400h (we're RX330 owners currently), the Porsche Cayenne S, the Audi Q7 Premium, and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
We already own two Audis alongside the Lexus, but the Q7 is ever so tempting with its features, style, luxury and value. I'm not sure if it being our third Audi would be enough to eliminate it.
My son recommends the Range Rover Sport. Any suggestions? I'm not a Range Rover fan, in fact I just don't care for Land Rovers in general. But, I've observed that they're selling like madness in my area. Is the car good enough for me to change my LR-shunning ways?
The Mercedes duo are a good pair of cars, but my wife would like something more "sophisticated" than her Lexus, so the E is pretty much out. The E is a nice car, but quite common and slightly bland- and I also cannot see her in a sedan. The CLK350 Convertible would be a nice car for her, because, well, it's gorgeous, and she's always wanted a convertible. But, one of our Audis is an S4 Cabriolet. Is it impractical to have two convertibles if I also own an A3 2.0T on the side?
The Porsche and Lexus are pretty much gone from the list. She doesn't want another RX (she had an RX300 before), and the Cayenne is just not cushy enough.
Slight reliability problems that are worse than our Lexus are acceptable, but I'm not in the mood for a total dealer experience.
Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I say take a chance. It would be a nice contract to the S4 Cabriolet since you obviously like different, rare, highly desirable cars. Either the RR Sport or the CLK350 Cabrio, but of course I understand not wanting 2 convertibles. Though you have to really look at your needs and see if having 2 convertibles would be impracticle. You have an Audi so that would rule out the Q7 if it were me, as gorgeous as it is though. The Range Rover Sport is just so sheek and stylish.
M
You also might want to look at the Lexus GX470. My wife has it and is a great ride.
The car itself is really tempting: although I saw it before at the LA Auto Show, i wasn't impressed at all. Two days ago we had the chance for more detailed inspection, and to tell you the truth, it's a really nicely built and equipped car. But I would get the Range Rover Sport, if I was going to choose between both of them.
I looked at this as well and I discovered that although they really have an attractive style to them, their interior components are rather cheap. Also, this really is not a Range Rover but it is a shortened version of the LR3 (which I used to own). Also a major gas guzzler. You should read the consumer reports on these as well as the Rover's get horrible ratings for reliability.
If cushy and comfort are first on the list I would go Lexus, and Mercedes, But They can't touch the driving dynamic of the Audi IMO.
Michael
Also, I don't want to offend, but the GX, especially style-wise, is not my cup of tea. Our friends had one for eight months and hated it so much that the got a Lincoln Navigator Platinum Edition, which they love...
... and their more mentionable car is a Maserati Quattroporte! Pure beauty, if unreliable.
Why not call it the Land Rover LRS?
I believe they're in the same class, if the Q7 is a bit more dynamic and different.
{They're between midsize and large SUVs}
By the way, if you have a normal two-car garage, it would be easy to fit an SUV like that. My RX330 fits with about a foot to spare.
Exactly! A marketing plow to sound more appealing for the lower price. Too bad many of the componets are so cheap, but then again....It's really not a Range Rover.
Actually the specs for the GX are: 188"L x 74"W x 74.6"H.
The specs for the Q7 are: 200"L x 66"W (mid tire to tire)(85.7"W including mirrors) x 68.4"H.
I saw it at the auto show, and it was not tall at all for the class... maybe three inches taller than the Lexus (RX). Also, it just did not look that long to me either.
My friend's outgoing GX470, which I mentioned before, seemed taller and wider.... and so did the one at the auto show.
? :confuse: ?
[The "Lava Grey" Q7 on the swivel looked fabulous... most glamorous Audi SUV ever! (ha ha ha)]
I saw it at the auto show, and it was not tall at all for the class... maybe three inches taller than the Lexus (RX). Also, it just did not look that long to me either.
My friend's outgoing GX470, which I mentioned before, seemed taller and wider.... and so did the one at the auto show.
Esf, Per the measurements I wrote for you on #130, YOU WILL find that the GX is wider and taller and the Q7 is 1 ft. longer. I could surely feel the length when I spent time w/ it at auto show.
I knew the GX was chunkier!
If they want to promote even more early sales, (and have a large rise in Audi of America sales) they must let people test-drive it. I know I will be soon enough.
It is clearly available in Europe, and even Audi showed it on their US web site, but it has now disappeared from the options list.
This was certainly one of the most progressive features.
Without it the car seems very ordinary.
And when will Audi get around the voice input on the nav. as with Infiniti and Acura?
I go to this certain blog website frequently, and for some reason it rejects my password, so I'll express my opinion here.
This statement is so... I can't even put the words together. I believe that Audi is above BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of their outlook. A BMW official stated that he didn't "think of Audi as a true competitor."
Audi does not even have to reveal how most of their cars are of better quality than BMW; they just release their cars and watch what happens.
I still cannot believe the blog post at the top.
:mad:
I looked all over the website with the story about the BMW "official", but never found him. I know it was a high official, because I don't think it would've been put on numerous websites if it was a mail clerk. It could've very possibly been Helmut Panke himself, but it was probably one of his right-hand men.
"BMW UK seems very sure of themselves. Marketing director of BMW UK Uwe Ellinghaus noted that Audi customers are of a similiar age to BMW owners. But he said that if the original is available, why should anyone buy a good copy? It looks like BMW isn’t taking Audi seriously at all."
Here is the site: http://paultan.org/archives/2005/10/22/bmw-cheap-shots-at-audi/
Actually, for some time (and if the X5 isn't significantly improved), it will not be the best-handling SUV.
European "EVO" magazine got a Q7 4.2 for a winter test, and noted that it handles "far better than a Range Rover Sport or X5 4.4i."
Who needs a sports car-SUV anyway?
:P
Do you by chance have a link to that article or edition of it?? Would be interesting to read it.
I found the exterior dimensions, but can't find the interior dimensions or cargo volumes. I would also like to know the load and towing capacities.
I am close to a purchase of the LR3 HSE, only because for me it seems to have the right amount of performance combined with actual utility that the BMW, MB, Lexus, etc. don't seem to be concerned with in their efforts to provide ultimate luxury. Like most, however, I am not thrilled with the LR3's interior finish level or the complexities of maneuvering the rear seating arrangements (something the American car cos. seem to have figured out).
The Escalades and Navigators seem to combine utility with luxury but are a bit too large for my semi-urban environs.
Any thoughts or recommendations?
"We loved how quickly the Q7 jumped from the line, as well as its eagerness to get around slower traffic on the freeway, its estimated 5300-pound heft all but erased the V8's power"(5).
It is an extraordinary issue- TT spyshots (more of them), Q7, M Roadster, RS4, ES 350. It is not online at the time, so I recommend buying it at the store if you can't wait two weeks.