The sticker price was certainly eye-catching. A brand new Audi Q7, a luxury SUV known for its three-row spaciousness and premium features, was slated to arrive at my doorstep. The figure quoted was undeniably attractive for a vehicle in this class. However, a detail at the top of the spec sheet caused a moment of disbelief: “2.0T”. A four-cylinder engine in a vehicle of this stature? It seemed almost paradoxical. Could Audi truly deliver a luxury SUV experience with a modest two-liter turbocharged engine under the hood of the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T?
The 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T, on paper, is a substantial vehicle, tipping the scales at a curb weight of around 4,700 pounds. Add in passengers and cargo, and you’re easily pushing well over two tons. The question naturally arises: is opting for the four-cylinder in the Audi Q7 2.0T akin to choosing the base engine in a classic muscle car – sacrificing performance and potentially inviting future regret?
From a styling perspective, the Audi Q7 2.0T presents a rather understated, almost anonymous aesthetic. The prominent chrome hexagonal grille, a signature of the Audi brand, stands out as the most defining feature. The rest of the exterior design leans towards the generic, perhaps even reminiscent of stretched station wagon designs, albeit with improved build quality and tighter panel gaps. The relatively low beltline is a welcome feature, contributing to better-than-expected outward visibility. However, overall, the exterior of the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T could be described as bland and lacking distinctive character.
Contributing to this subdued appearance were the 19-inch wheels, which seemed undersized for the large wheel arches of the Q7. The deep blue paint further muted any potential character lines, resulting in a somewhat slab-sided look for this luxury SUV.
However, stepping inside the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T reveals a different story. Audi has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill in crafting interiors, and the Q7 is no exception. The cabin is a testament to design artistry. Material quality is outstanding, with supple leather and plastics that feel both luxurious and durable.
The driver’s seat, upholstered in rich brown leather, was particularly impressive, almost tempting one to repurpose it as an office chair. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, displaying crisp and customizable information, is another highlight. The integration of Google Maps satellite imagery within the navigation system, displayed both centrally and directly in front of the driver, is a notable feature. The option to prioritize navigation directly in the driver’s line of sight proved particularly useful, quieting backseat navigational “suggestions”.
The pop-up infotainment screen, while contributing to a cleaner dashboard design, relies on a console-mounted touchpad for control, rather than a more intuitive touchscreen interface. While this touchpad is among the better implementations available, direct touch input would be preferred by many familiar with touchscreen devices. The design cleverly incorporates faux vents extending across the passenger side of the dashboard, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Minor interior details drew mixed reactions. The polished trim around the rearview mirror occasionally caused glare, a potential distraction for some drivers. Similarly, a thin LED strip across the dashboard, intended as a subtle design element, was perceived as distracting by some passengers, particularly those prone to motion sickness.
The gear selector lever, a squat, non-traditional design, operates similarly to some less-favored shifters found in other vehicles. Selecting “Park” is not immediately intuitive. In situations requiring quicker acceleration, manually shifting gears using the lever felt somewhat awkward. While paddle shifters are available, ingrained driving habits often lead to instinctively reaching for the gear lever for manual gear selection.
Audi claims 252 horsepower and 272 lb-ft of torque for the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.1 seconds. Real-world driving, however, tells a slightly different story. While highway passing power is adequate, initial acceleration from a standstill feels less than impressive. In one instance, a standard compact car managed to outpace the Q7 2.0T from a stop, highlighting the engine’s struggle to move the vehicle’s considerable weight.
Fuel economy, often cited as a potential advantage of smaller engines, is surprisingly similar between the four-cylinder and the V6 versions of the Audi Q7. The EPA estimates for the 2.0T are 20 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. The 3.0-liter V6 achieves 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined. Observed fuel economy in mixed driving conditions for the 2.0T was around 19.8 mpg.
The handling of the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T is commendable. Apart from some minor cowl shake on rough surfaces, the ride is generally quiet and composed. Second-row passenger space is adequate for adults, though the third row is notably cramped, particularly for legroom, making it unsuitable for older children or adults on longer journeys.
The characteristic sound of a direct-injected four-cylinder engine is noticeable, especially outside the cabin. While relatively muted inside with windows closed, a noticeable engine roar becomes apparent at higher RPMs. When idling with a window down or standing outside the vehicle, a diesel-like engine clatter is audible, which detracts from the premium SUV experience.
In conclusion, the 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T is not inherently a bad vehicle. It boasts solid build quality, refined handling, and a comfortable ride. For buyers primarily focused on the prestige of owning a luxury SUV and less concerned with outright performance, the 2.0T offers a more accessible entry point into the Q7 range. The “2.0T” badge on the tailgate is easily removable for those particularly sensitive to engine displacement perception. However, considering its price point within the luxury SUV segment, the four-cylinder engine feels noticeably underpowered for the Q7’s size and weight. Prospective buyers seeking a three-row SUV in this price range might find greater overall value and performance by considering alternatives, such as the Volkswagen Atlas, which offers more interior space, a standard V6 engine, and a lower price tag.
