The 2020 Audi Q7 is the Red-Sole Shoe Delight of Luxury Cars
Natalie Merola
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Subtle changes to this 7-seater luxury SUV make it all the more that.
You know who you are. You have the world at your fingertips. You’re always in the know and connected to the world around you. When you’re traveling around town you know the best places to park, how to look great no matter the weather and no matter how many kids are in tow (and no matter how sweaty or grungy they look).
Audi gets you. And the company has worked to make sure you have every possible upgrade and convenience in the car to keep you in top form and on time. From the Virtual Cockpit high resolution display, which looks more like a camera image than a graphic display, to the MMI (multi media interface) touch response system, the result is easy connectivity to your phone, to a Wi-Fi hotspot and to Audi’s natural voice control. These systems are ahead of the curve and they let get where you’re going fast and without sacrificing style or convenience.
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This steering wheel has a great grip, sense of control with hands-free calling, and music volume and tracking. You can also zoom into your drive path while navigating. ? Natalie Merola
This View. This View!
The MMI might be my favorite feature. First rolled out in the uber luxe A8, imagine what it would be like on the way to shopping, dropping off the in-laws at the airport or picking up the kids at school. You’re able to follow along the route with a clear view and relax knowing the Q7 has you covered with advanced driver assistance systems and 360 degree surround views.
Whether you’re driving on the city streets in warm weather or adventuring through winding hairpin turns through a chilly, mountainous route, the 2020 Audi Q7 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI are just as decadent and savvy at all high and low elevations. (Audi’s term for turbo injection; this optimizes power from your engine for fuel efficiency and fewer emissions.)
Side views to show off the new Audi Q7 updates like that gorgeous side blade. ?Natalie Merola
All About The Upgrade: Welcome the New 3.0-liter TFSI V6 Engine for More Horsepower
One of the big differences between the Q7 45 and 55 is the engine size. On my test drive I drove the new 2020 Q7 55 TFSI with the 3.0-liter V6 engine, and it made me feel like I was on top of the world.
Our drive took us from Palm Springs through the mountains to Idyllwild and back. The quick engine made easing through the unfamiliar twists and turns with elevation and weather changes a cinch. The brakes were quick to respond safely and helped to travel down the mountain with ease. I’m originally from Miami, so driving on elevation higher than below sea level is a thrill for me.
The MMI was handy on unfamiliar roads, too. When the elevation or curve was a bit tight, I could follow the line ahead of time with the driver’s digital display. It allowed me to prepare for how fast or slow I’d like to take the road. With the handling alone, I was able to relax a bit and enjoy the new interior. I’m still shocked by how much you get for the price of this car:
- The Q7 45 2.0-liter TFSI, four cylinder with 248 horsepower and 4,400-lb towing capacity starts at $54,800
- The Q7 55 3.0-liter TFSI V6 with 335 horsepower and 7,700-lb towing capacity starts at $60,800
Both can reach a top speed of 130 mph, but the 55 TFSI has some extra features available including Audi’s adaptive air suspension with comfort leveling and five driver ride height levels.
Related: 2019 Audi A7: Why We ❤️ This Fast, Fun Luxury Sedan
Sometimes you need a little extra help to get up close and personal with the sights along the journey. The off road capability in the 2020 Audi Q7 obliged. ? Natalie Merola
Go Ahead. Go Off Road. If you Must.
The adaptive air suspension with different ride heights came in handy in the desert landscape of Borrego Springs. I was able to use the system to safely go off-road. I did this when exploring the sculptures around the rocky dirt roads. After testing out driving around the horse sculptures and when heading back towards the highway, it was easy to set the air suspension back down to a lower setting.
If you’re debating on which trim level is right for you, pick the engine and features that best match your lifestyle. What type of quattro culture is best for you? Here’s what to consider. Are you towing jet skis or a boat? Or will you be driving around for work, the kids, leisurely activities, or all of the above?
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The 2020 Audi Q7 greets you with modern, gleaming touches and a new grille design with pin stripes. ? Natalie Merola
Everyone Looks Better in Vertical Stripes
And that is just one of the changes to the 2020 Audi Q7: the vertical grille slats that give the front end a distinct, modern look. Other design updates bring a sophisticated edge to this SUV. Upfront, you’ll notice the edgier lines and a more sculpted, pronounced body design. The LED headlights are improved for more visibility (and there’s an upgrade available for HD Matrix-design LED headlights with the Prestige trim).
What else makes this exterior design pop? The “alu-optic” or gleaming aluminum, front spoiler design, continues to bring a chic touch to the new, wider-looking exterior. Along the sides, you’ll see more chrome and on the roof, there are roof rails sparkling in alu-optic glory.
The taillights complement the headlight design and settle into a chrome bar the spans the width of the tailgate, emphasizing the visual width of the rear, too. The wheels come standard at 19”, but upgrades to 20” and 21” wheels are available at the Premium Plus trim level.
My Audi First Drive impressed me with this seamless infotainment system, climate controls, and dashboard. ?Natalie Merola
Interior Updates to Match the Exterior: Clean Lines and No-Compromise Glamor
There aren’t too many drastic changes inside compared to the exterior, but the fine-tuned upgrades are crisp, luxurious, and clean, all to bring the outside, edgy revamp inward. Upgrades in the Q7 follows the Q8 design with uninterrupted inlays that give the interior a seamless look. The driver-centric cockpit also gives the driver the feeing of comfort and control. With the large sunroof above, it’s easy to embrace those summer vibes in your designer shades.
The Q7 also has an upgraded digital driver display that allows you to customize your drive experience. Not sure what the speed limit is currently or where to turn on the way to your friend’s party? A head-up display shows you how fast you’re going, the speed limit, and if you’re using navigation, you’ll get turn-by-turn graphics so you can make every turn right on cue (available in the Premium trim only). These features are also available on the MMI infotainment screen.
With Audi’s smartphone integration you can use a cable or wirelessly connect to your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to the Audi MMI touch response infotainment system. I loved that you could rearrange the apps to your liking on the display like you would on your smartphone. Want to listen to your favorite album like you’re at a live concert in the front row? Pick the system that meets your music-listening needs. The Premium trim gets you the Audi sound system with 10 speakers, and you can upgrade to Premium Plus for the Bose 3D Surround sound system with 19 speakers, or go all out with the Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System with 23 speakers. Of course, once you you’re jamming out with Bang & Olufsen, how can you imagine your ride otherwise?
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There’s enough space to hang out and enjoy the outdoors. ? Natalie Merola
You can Flex between Versatile Seating and Necessary Cargo Space.
Comfortable seating is the essence of luxury. Typically I am not a fan of third rows because so many compromise leg room. However, here there is a decent amount of third row legroom. If you opt for using the third row more on a regular basis, definitely opt for second row captain’s chairs. For me, I’d probably use the two rows and keep the third row down for more cargo space. It’s always better to have it readily available than not at all. For that, I am a third row fan.
There are also different split-folding options for the seating and cargo, too. You can fold the center row 35/30/35 and the split 50/50 in the third row. This will give you plenty of room, 70+ cubic feet behind the second row, for all of those shopping bags from the outlets, groceries, and the kids’ gear without running out of space.
Seats in the second row have a split fold– so they all fold if you need them– and they adjust forward or back to give third row passengers more legroom. ? Natalie Merola
Seating Matters: If you have a large family, all 5 seats in the second and third row have carseat latch points.
Five latches? Wow! I couldn’t believe it until I took a look on the seats for myself. This is incredible news for growing families traveling between home, school, work, and activities. If you don’t have a need for latching, it’s still spacious enough for a trip across the three rows. There are two seats available in the third row, but I wouldn’t recommend directing my girlfriend back there; it’s best suited for kids. And, climbing in with heels can be a challenge.
The chrome, aluminum and ail lights are a little visual eye candy on the new Audi Q7. ? Natalie Merola
The 2020 Q7 is A Luxury-Wrapped Family C SUV in A Chrome and Alu-Optic Bow.
You know the look: stepping out in your favorite designer shoes requires the right setting. You’ll feel right at home in your Louboutins in the 2020 Audi Q7 –whether you chose the 45 TFSI or the 55 TFSI. Both deliver on a promise of luxury, ambience, and functionality with longevity.
And, the edgy exterior upgrades, technology must-haves, lavishly comfy seating options, cargo space, and power under the hood are the perfect match for your red-sole life.
Disclosure: I was a guest of Audi for this test drive; travel and accommodations were provided. All opinions are true and honest.
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