This week I'm behind the wheel of the 2024 Audi Q7 Prestige - a three-row SUV that seats seven. This one is pretty special, too. Because new for 2024, it offers a special S line Sport package which I have to say is pretty wonderful. It's the first time it's been offered on the Q7 in the U.S.
The Q7 is a larger SUV with a sporty and sophisticated presence on the road. My test model wears a premium Matadar Red Metallic hue. Thanks to the S line Sport Package the exterior features cool black optic package elements (the Audi black rings and badging) along with an exterior kit that includes red brake calipers. Bold, optional 22-inch 5-V Spoke Star design wheels with a bi-color finish look amazing.
Power soft-closing doors are part of a Prestige trim that also includes Audi's laser light package with HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi Laser Light, a headlight washer system and animation for both the headlight and taillights.
Under the hood of the Q7 55 you find a 335-horsepower V6 that delivers 369 pound-feet of torque to amply power this heavy SUV. Acceleration feels terrific. The engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Q7 Prestige is also outfitted with Quattro all-wheel drive. New for 2024, remote start is available through the Audi connect app.
A luxurious cabin that's on the sportier side as opposed to opulent greets you when you open the door. Rotor Gray Valcona quilted leather front sport seats with S embossing look and feel amazing. The leather is super soft. Both seats are heated and ventilated.
The S line Sport package features an amazing extended leather package that includes the dash, armrests and console. Anthracite contrast stitching is impeccable. The special package also features a black headliner, brushed aluminum inlays and stainless steel pedal caps.
I've long been a fan of Audi's 12.3-inch virtual cockpit plus and love the full-screen navigation option. The digital cockpit has terrific graphics.
I also like Audi's haptic feedback dual-display layout in the center console. The top display controls the multimedia system. The lower display is where you find climate functions and Drive Select to choose your drive mode. It also features handwriting recognition.
While Audi doesn't offer my favorite multimedia system in the biz, it does have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Real estate for the backup camera is great but resolution could be crisper.
Audi's navigation system remains one of my favorites, especially when it comes to displaying establishment logos. The available 17-speaker 3D Bang & Olufsen Sound System is also fantastic.
A sleek and modern center console gets my thumbs up. I'm a fan of the quality switchgear as well as the short leather gear shifter knob. The cupholders are rather on the smaller side, though thankfully they fit my tall Starbucks latte, so no problem.
I don't find the available wireless charger's placement in the center console terribly convenient. But I do like how charging is displayed on the multimedia screen. The car also lets you know if you've left your phone on the charger when you're about to leave the vehicle. This comes in handy because you could easily forget your phone in its hidden charging spot. There are also 2 USB-C ports in the console bin.
The luxurious and roomy second row boasts plenty of headroom despite its stadium seating. It's quite comfortable back there. Passengers get their own digital A/C controls, quality manual sunshades and a wonderful drop-down center console. I would also say this may the best 2nd-row middle row seat I've come across. It's super cushiony and there is plenty of room Above, a power sunroof - while not single pane - is amazing.
The third row which features cupholders is probably best suited for kids. The second row is easy to access with a lever on the side of the seats. And oh I how I love to see power third row seats in a three-row SUV.
There's a hands-free liftgate of course and plenty of cargo space.
Ride and Drive
I really enjoyed the ride and drive of the Q7. It's a heavy vehicle that delivers fantastic acceleration as as well as smooth ride. You can feel the adaptive air suspension at work. It's easier than you'd think to handle and maneuvers remarkably well in U- Turns despite its size.
Safety
The Q7 is equipped with the advanced driver assistance systems you'd expect. They include Lane Departure Warning, Audi Side Assist (Blind Spot Monitoring), Rear Cross-Traffic Warning, Audi Pre-sense (basic and front). For 2024, Adaptive Cruise Assist with Lane Guidance is standard on all models and Traffic Sign Recognition comes to the Navigation package. The Q7's head up display is terrific.
As much as I would love to love Remote Park Assist Plus - I still don't find it as intuitive to use as other ones out there, namely Hyundai and Genesis.
Options and What You'll Pay
Options on this vehicle add quite a bit to the bottom line. They include the Matador Red Metallic hue ($595), the Prestige Package ($9,800), the first-ever Q7 S line Sport Package ($5,000), the Audi Laser Light package ($1,650), optional 22-inch wheels ($1,500) and a towing package ($750). My monroney lists a -$500 credit for dual pane acoustic glass. The total MSRP as equipped is just over $85,000.
The 2024 Audi Q7's new S line Sport Package is reason to give this luxurious, roomy and tech-filled SUV with excellent driving dynamics a look if you haven't ever considered it before.