The Audi Q7 TDI, last reviewed here in 2009, is Ingolstadt’s largest and was eagerly awaited here for its combination of aggressive styling, overall useability, and good handling. Few vehicles provide seven seats, massive torque, and 21.5 mpg (10.94 l/100 km). Its optional towing package can handle up to 6,600 pounds (2,994 kg).

Buyers considering the Q7 diesel frequently also look at the BMW X5 xDrive35d, the Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec, and the Volkswagen Touareg TDI.

INSIDE THE 2011 AUDI Q7 TDI QUATTRO

As we have come to expect of Audi, the interior is elegant and well executed.  Leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control are standard, and high quality materials abound.

Audi upgraded the Q7 TDI’s interior for 2011, adding numerous standard features including hand-picked wood inlays, heated steering wheel power tilt/telescoping steering column, and 12-way power front seats. In addition, the TDI Prestige comes with ventilated seats and a large panoramic sunroof.  Our Q7 had the $6,000 Premium Plus package, which included the aforementioned sunroof, navigation, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and turn signals, and a Bose stereo.  18” wheels and the vaunted Quattro all-wheel drive system are standard as well.

The layout of the dash and driver’s area is clean and everything is easy to find.  Seats are more than comfortable and are very supportive.

It took a while to get used to the quirky location of the glove compartment release button (it’s next to the display in the center stack) but this only baffled passengers who were overly curious and wanted to see what was inside.  Audi’s MMI cockpit controller works well but, like any sophisticated system, takes time to get used to.  The shortcut buttons around the controller help to some extent, but unlike BMW’s, which have different shapes so your fingers can recognize them, you basically have to look down to make sure you press the right one.

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