The 2012 Q7 matches Audi’s panache for interior quality and style while sacrificing a bit of space to make everything sleek, but chances are you won’t miss what you don’t need. Let’s take a look at the full size SUV. If you’re already ready to buy an Audi, configure it on CarWoo!

Audi Q7 Trims and Features

Audi offers the 2012 Q7 in Premium (from $46,250), Premium Plus ($52,550), and Prestige trims ($59,950), with 3.0T and TDI engine options. All models feature typical upscale niceties like leather interiors with heated front seats, dual or four-zone climate control, and a power tailgate. Trim upgrades include bigger wheels and engine (for 3.0T trims), a panorama sunroof, and various options including a cold weather package that heats the steering wheel and rear seats.

Audi Q7 Performance

Q7 offers two versions of the all-aluminum supercharged 3.0L gasoline engine, the 3.0T. Premium and Premium Plus trims generate 280 HP and 295 pound feet of torque, while the S Line gets upgraded to 333 HP and 325 pound feet of torque.

The latter engine is good enough for 6.9 seconds 0-60 acceleration, which feels impressive due to Q7’s girth.

Don’t Sweat TDI

The available Q7 TDI features a 3.0L turbodiesel capable of 225 HP and a healthy 406 lb.-ft. of torque; it’s available for all 3 trims levels.

When equipped with the Tow Package, Q7 can tow up to 6,600 lbs.

Audi Q7 Fuel Economy

Expect 16/22/18 (city/highway/combined) MPG for both versions of the 3.0T Q7; the TDI Q7 achieves 17/25/20.

Audi Q7 Interior Aspects

It’s not quite churchlike, but Q7’s interior features do their best to make front passengers feel divine. Q7’s overall layout is very driver friendly; controls are within arm’s length which makes captaining the cabin look easy. And the MMI navigation system with voice control won’t get you lost. Add Audi’s panorama sunroof and shed light from front to back.

Sadly, there is no rear seat entertainment option, so kids will have to strain for the rearview camera screen with parking sensors.

Audi Q7 Dimensions

Front seating is very cushy, and with 41.3 inches of leg room (matching Tahoe and Escalade) entices multiple leg stretches. Add 40 in. for head room with sunroof with 58.7 in. of shoulder space and rid yourself of claustrophobia.

Second seat riders also do well with 48.6 cubic feet to play with (55.3 cubic feet up front) on 40/20/40 split bench seats – it’s the back rowers that get the short end. With just 29.2 cubic feet and 29.2 inches for legroom, the 50/50 split-folding 3rd row is better left to the young’uns.

Heavyweight Division

More than a luxury minivan, Q7 does manage to feel a bit more premium driven than space conscious. Speaking strictly space, both Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Tahoe offer 108.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the option of an 8th passenger. Meanwhile, Q7 crams in 7 people max and has just 72.5 cubic feet maximum for extras, rivaling much more compact crossovers.

Keep in mind also that with a full 7 seat load, cargo space drops to 10.9 cubic feet behind the 3rd row.

Add Q7’s prodigious curb weight- at 5,200 plus pounds- and you’ll realize that Audi’s first priority was probably not economic.

Audi Q7 Safety

Anti-lock brakes, traction/stability control, front seat side airbags (2^nd row side bags are optional), and full length side curtain bags are Q7 standards. As mentioned, a rearview camera and parking system come standard on all but 3.0T Premium and TDI Premium trims. Governmental crash tests give the 2012 Q7 4/5 stars for rollovers; it has yet to be tested in other areas, however IIHS ratings give Q7 a top score of ‘good’ for both frontal and side impact collisions.

Bottom Line

Long as you don’t mind the oblong exterior, the 2012 Q7 can win buyers with superior interior elegance. Starting at $46,250, price rises quickly with trim and options, but you get what you pay for. Buy a new Q7 on CarWoo! today.