When you think of Audi, you can’t help but think of performance, and that’s no different for the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic. This stylish, large and versatile SUV has all the trappings of a homerun for Audi. We spent a week cruising this top of the line luxury SUV, and we really are going to miss the Q7 when the fleet company shows up to take her back.
Exterior
“Totally awesome” might sound redundant, but that’s exactly what comes to mind when you first glance at the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic. The design of the Audi Q7 exudes performance, confidence and presence. The engine hood, the front fenders and the wrap-around rear hatch are aluminum. Add-on parts come standard in a contrasting color, with an option for parts in the body color with chrome trim. Our test model was exquisite in white with pumping 21-inch titanium spoke wheels. We were fortunate enough to test the S Line package and that’s where the 21-inch titanium wheels came into play along with lower bumper and door trim in contrast paints, exposed dual exhaust tailpipes with polished tips, matte black trim on roof rails and around side windows. The single frame grille and head-turning LED headlamps are over the top cool, and that’s before you add in the heated windshield washer nozzles. The rear of the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic is perfectly proportioned and sleek, boasting LED rear lights with LED’s for turn signals, running lamps and brake lamps. Together they make the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic unmistakable even from the rear.
Interior
You know you’ve hit the big time when you enter this machine, as Audi has everything working in sequence from the seats to the headliner. The S Line package was loaded, sporting Audi MMI navigation plus, BOSE surround sound, Audi parking system plus rearview camera, memory function for driver, Audi advanced key, power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, deep tinted and huge panoramic sun roof, ventilated black leather front seats, four zone climate control, manual side window and cargo sunshades. The dashboard is very high end and sophisticated, but also very clean with a smart design. We also found value in the red ambient LED lighting in headliner for front center console, aluminum optic surrounding of air vents, power central locking system with radio operated key fob remote control for doors, tailgate and fuel door with selective unlocking. Technology was plentiful, including Audi Connect that enables Google Earth, Google local search, fuel prices, weather including updated radar, travel information, news and Wi-Fi enabled for up to 8 devices. The comfort level driving the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic is really in a class by itself when you consider the space and quality of the materials in the cabin.
Performance
Audi does not disappoint with the performance of the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic and also delivers top-notch fuel efficiency at the same time. Our test model was of course the clean diesel 3.0 liter turbocharged V6 delivering 225 horsepower, 406 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission with sport and manual shift modes. We found ourselves living in sport mode, but the manual paddle shifter was also a nice change when you wanted to dig deeper into your driving experience. Audi looked out for all of the safety and performance devices possible including quattro permanent all-wheel drive, 6-piston front, 4-piston rear ventilated disc brakes, anti-lock brake system (ABS) with brake assist, electronic stability control (ESC) with rollover mitigation, Servotronic vehicle speed sensitive power steering and unibody construction. There is no doubt that the drive is extremely smooth in this new Q7, and the diesel engine wouldn’t wake a sleeping baby outside of the car, but a bit more power would make this Audi pretty much untouchable! With that being said, this three row sports car boasts 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Overview
For those who want the finer things in life, including the best on four wheels, you need to add the 2012 Audi Q7 TDI Quattro Tiptronic to your list. This luxury SUV is the total package and comes in at a sticker price of $70,625 with an arsenal of high end coolness, top performance and a decked out interior. When you pull up in this quiet clean diesel, get ready to be noticed!
