2010 Audi Q7

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Interior - What the Auto Press Says

Reviewers praise the 2010 Q7's high level of luxury and versatile cargo space, but have mixed opinions on its seating space and interior controls.

• "Most of the cabin is virtually identical to the previous model, but a few small touches (i.e. more chrome switchgear, ambient lighting in the doors, wood inlay on the passenger-side dashboard) adds an upscale aura." -- Automobile Magazine
• "First-rate finish, with good-quality materials. The overall atmosphere is a bit dull, however. S line models in particular lack warmth or sportiness, as there's very little aluminum trim, and most other materials are funeral black." -- Consumer Guide
• "Like all Audis, the Q7 ranks high in interior materials and build quality. The dash layout is driver-oriented, and Audi's MMI (on trims so equipped) is relatively easy to use once you've had some practice." -- Edmunds

Seating

The seven-seat Audi Q7 has a large exterior, which means it's spacious inside. As is typical for the class, however, while the first and second rows comfortably fit most adults, reviewers say the third row is barely even livable for small children. Few of the Q7's competitors offer third rows, and those that do (such as the Lexus GX) receive similarly poor reviews for comfort.

A plus for families who anticipate spills or stains is that leather upholstery is standard. An optional six-passenger configuration for Prestige models replaces the second row middle bench with a fixed center console.

• "The Q7 has three rows of seats; any two can be occupied comfortably at once. The second-row seats are adjustable, but sliding them back far enough for decent footroom squashes the toes of the people in the 3rd row. Want room in both the 2nd and 3rd rows? Fine, provided the front driver and passenger don't mind kissing the dashboard." -- About.com
• "There's generous foot and legroom in the second row, and these seats recline and slide fore and aft. The seats closest to the windows are firmly cushioned but comfortable, while the center spot feels like sitting on a leather-covered park bench -- it's that hard."-- Cars.com
• "Athletic moves are needed to reach the third-row-seat area, which is best left to children or to adults no more than 5 feet 3 inches tall." -- MSN
• "In the third row, no adult would be comfortable, and few children over five feet would want to ride here for more than 20 minutes... people who will use the third row more frequently will want something bigger than the Q7." -- Forbes
• "Q7 offers fine [front] legroom, and affords generous headroom due to a wide ranging seat-height adjuster. The firm seats are long-haul comfortable and have a multitude of adjustments." -- Consumer Guide
• "In second class and the steerage third row, things are less plush. The second row bench is too low, and the six foot club should expect knees to end up around ear level." -- The Truth About Cars

Interior Features

The Audi Q7 is luxurious and well-equipped. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a power tailgate, Bluetooth capability and a six-disc CD changer. An optional Cold Weather Package ($500) adds heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel.

The Multi Media Interface (MMI), standard on Premium Plus and Prestige models, operates the information, navigation and entertainment systems -- but many have found it difficult to learn and use in the past. An update for 2010 may help matters, but most reviewers have yet to test the new system. The system now works with voice commands, and the navigation portion gets a 3D interface and joystick control.

• "We've put thousands of miles on our long-term Q7 test vehicle and remain impressed by its collection of luxury features, versatile and beautifully crafted interior." -- Edmunds
• "The infotainment system uses Audi's latest form of 3D navigation, and a new joystick control for navigating through menus, maps, and the like. Users can also control the MMI through a revised vocal command system, which responds to personal statements like ‘I'm hungry' or ‘I need gas' by searching for restaurants or gas stations nearby." -- Automobile Magazine
• "The dashboard and center console are populated with numerous buttons and switches, despite the aim of the MMI system to reduce such clutter. The MMI system thoughtfully leaves routine climate adjustments to separate controls, but it absorbs most audio functions, rendering many distracting and time consuming. Interacting with MMI for navigation and vehicle-system settings also takes time." -- Consumer Guide

Cargo

Most reviewers feel the rear of the Q7 is better utilized for hauling cargo than people. With all three rows in use, it provides 10.9 cubic feet of space -- which is quite large for a three-row vehicle. Behind its third row, the Volvo XC90 provides only 8.8 cubic feet of space. The Q7's capacity expands to 42 cubic feet with the third row folded and a maximum 72.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Another three-row competitor, the Lexus GX, bests the maximum capacity by offering 77.5 cubic feet.

A downside is that the Q7 offers very few storage areas for small items unless you opt for the pricey Prestige trim. It comes standard with a Storage Package that adds an air-conditioned glove box, door storage, map pockets on front seat backs and coin storage next to the shifter.

• "Erecting folded 3rd-row seats demands a long stretch from the tail or rear side doors. Handy open storage spaces are lacking. The front console has two cupholders and covered storage for a cell phone, but not much more." -- Consumer Guide
• "If you regularly carry more than four adults, you still need an R-Class, but if you're more likely to spend weekends poking around antique shops, your Q-ship has come in. The rear seats all fold flat, but even with all three rows up, there's an impressive 10.9 cubic feet of space in the cargo bay." -- Motor Trend