Test drive Audi Q7 2006 - 2009 SUV

Strong trio

BMW X5. Price: 51 900 euros
Mercedes-Benz ml. Price: 51 408 euros
Audi Q7 Price: 50 800 euros
 

For several years, the BMW X5 gathered a club of faithful fans around him, however, since the new Mercedes ML appeared and the Audi Q7 came to the stage, Bavarz has become more difficult. It's time for fresh X5. Will he be able to re -emphasize in his class?
 

BMW X5
 

The heir to a glorious ancestor who has gained popularity due to the incredible dynamics and handling for his time and his class. SUV for good asphalt driving. The new car is significantly larger, and is again full of high ambitions, offering decent spaciousness combined with excellent running qualities on asphalt.
  
  
                                   
 

Audi Q7
 

The first large crossover from Audi appeared later than the offspring of other companies. It is natural that he was initially progressive than all who were present in the market. Behind these machines, lines were instantly lined up. Among the good arguments for Q7, unsurpassed interior decoration and a huge trunk. Plus good handling.
  
  
                                 
 

Mercedes-Benz ml
 

The closest to SUVs from the participants in our test. Relatively soft and patch. Seven -speed automatic checkpoint. The impressive capabilities of the transmission on off -road are also supported by long -flowing pendants. The new model was very far from the first ML, which was among the discoverers of the new class.
  
  
                                    
 
In appearance, the new X5 is similar to the predecessor. As in the case of BMW sedans, no revolutions in the field of design. Rather, the evolution of the concept itself. Even the dimensions of the new X5 indicate that they worked on the shortcomings of the predecessor: the car came out spacious. It became 19 cm longer and 6 cm wider. The base is increased by 11 cm. First of all, the driver and the front passenger enjoy spatial comfort.
 

Audi subjectively seems wider and lower due to the design of the front headlights. Mercedes is also designed spacious, but it is still easier to rest on the door in it than in two other Germans.

 
Audi loses to competitors because of the absent or supplied only for an additional fee, such as a spare wheel or a tire damage indicator (515 euros). From the point of view of cost costs, Mercedes ML is preferable: only it offers an almost complete set of security systems. For all three cars, the requirements for the quality of the finish are significant. BMW and Audi unconditionally lead in this. Mercedes ML should get the best finish to keep up with competitors.
 

Q7 overcomes irregularities in sporting elastic, but softly. However, Mercedes has large reserves for driving on broken roads. ML in the configuration of comfort (as in our test) is prone to lateral and vertical pitching.

 
Manageability is the strongest side of BMW. Compared to Audi and Mercedes, he does not have such an impressive stability on the straight and large angle of turn, but otherwise the X5 dominates. Already his predecessor had a phenomenally accurate and informative steering wheel. The mentioned new pendant and wider track (in front plus 68 mm, behind plus 74 mm) allow the new X5 to be even more accurate to pass turns. In the limit, X5 dumps excess energy, using the support of the DSC system. This behavior is the exact opposite of ML: Mercedes earlier and more strongly, while his body talks, and he receives impressive rolls. ESP acts tough and decisively. Audi takes an intermediate position between X5 and ML, sympathizing with BMW. Despite 20 inches tires, Q7 controllability still lags behind the leading BMW. In Slalom, X5 wins due to both its balance and steering amplifier (1300 euros), which facilitates maneuvering at low speeds. The pride of the new X5 is the brakes. When braking in a cold BMW stops at a speed of 100 km/h at less than 36 meter track. In hot test, he showed 36.2 m. At the same time, the brake pedal always retains information content. Audi and especially Mercedes require more distance to braking.
 

An important role in creating impressive dynamics of X5 is played by a transmission. The new in -line 6 cylinder aluminum engine reacts without delay and easily spins up to 4,500 revolutions. The 6 -step automatic transmission with soft switching and the exact operation of the transformer is perfect for the character of the X5 engine. Its presence in the Q7 machine is more noticeable. The V6 turbodiesel on Audi sprinkles somewhat spreading to gas. Mercedes lags behind both in responsiveness and in power, despite the 7 -step machine. MB turned out to be the most voracious.
 

BMW X5
 

Driving
An unconditional victory in this nomination. The best steering, the best brakes, the best engine.
 

Salon
Both materials and design and ergonomics are on top. Convenient trunk.

 
Comfort
The most comfortable car in the test, but the smoothness of the move is low: reckoning for handling.

 
Security
At the level of their competitors. Not the richest equipment systems are compensated by brakes.

 
Price
Roads, but allows you to save on fuel.

 
MB ml

 
Driving
The weakest place of the brake. MB is a rolling and slow on the asphalt, he would have recouped off -road, but today in the wrong company.

 
Salon
The quality of the finish leaves much to be desired for a car of this class. There is not enough spaciousness and transformability.

 
Comfort
The highest smoothness. Good indicators in everything.

 
Security
The basic configuration with security systems is the best. Worse with active security.

 
Price
A reasonable acquisition, but does not set MB records either.

 
Audi Q7

 
Driving
Only BMW lost a little in handling, but very good. Audi easily performs maneuvers at any speed and stable at a straight line.

 
Salon
The most spacious and chic finished salon. Excellent ergonomics and impressive transformation possibilities.

 
Comfort
Decent smoothness and decent indicators in most nominations.
 
Security
It is equipped with security systems a little weaker than the rest. Goes with handling points.

 
Price
A little more profitable than others.

 
Our opinion
 
In this competition, BMW went around Audi, but Q7 breathes the winner in the back of the head. The victory of the new X5 was provided by excellent handling and a powerful 6-cylinder pipe-diesel. With the exception of the rigid tuning of the rear suspension, BMW showed excellent results in terms of riding comfort. Audi stands out with a huge trunk and possibilities of transformation of the salon. Decisive glasses he lost to BMW due to the brakes. The third place goes to Mercedes ML: goodness, comfort and a complete set of security systems today is not enough to put decent resistance.
 
Text: Michael Godda
Photo: Frank Ratering
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2007]