The second-generation Audi Q7 has been round for a really very long time, and but I am fairly positive I’ve by no means pushed one. Shrug. Generally new automobiles fall by means of the cracks and simply keep there. Fortunately, this SQ7 with crimson leather-based emerged from between the sofa cushions. I am actually a bit shocked by how good the steering is for a giant SUV and the way cool its sport exhaust sounds. No shock that its Bang & Olufsen sound system sounds terrific.
However I am right here to speak about cargo capability, particularly behind its raised third row. This might be the kind of three-row SUV the place the aftmost quarters are actually only for occasional, quasi-emergency use. Headroom is proscribed and an average-size grownup or teenager seemingly will not have sufficient legroom except one or two segments of the 40/20/40 second row are slid nearly all the best way ahead … through which case the second-row occupants will probably be cramped except these up entrance are on the brief aspect. You will discover more room in a Volvo XC90, BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. However there I am going speaking about one thing apart from cargo …
The specs say there’s 14.1 cubic-feet of area behind the raised third row. That too is on the small aspect of a three-row SUV, however typical for a luxurious mannequin. A quantity of 14.1 cubic-feet would fall in between the Cadillac XT6 (12.6) and Volvo XC90 (15.8). The present king of the section, on paper and in observe, is the Lexus TX. Let’s have a look at how a lot you’ll be able to match within the Q7.
There’s really a good quantity of size to the realm, however as you’ll be able to see above proper, the opening rake will seemingly restrict performance.
There’s additionally an underfloor space, but it surely’s, um, occupied within the SQ7. I am informed no Q7 has underfloor storage, but it surely positive makes accessing numerous stereo parts and air compressor straightforward.
Let’s get to the luggage. As with each Baggage Take a look at, I exploit two midsize curler suitcases that may should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller inexperienced roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
Additionally, with each Baggage Take a look at I do with three-row automobiles, I set the third-row recline to a pure, snug angle. No Fats Joe “lean back,” no comfort-be-damned “everything must fit” 90 levels.
Not dangerous, actually. This might be the smallest 4 baggage. I might alternatively match one of many massive ones with the inexperienced one and fancy bag on high. What you see above equals extra baggage capability, although.
That is precisely the identical because the XC90, though it was positively a snugger match right here for the inexperienced bag. Because the numbers steered, it is means higher than the XT6 (two baggage), not fairly nearly as good because the GLS (swap a kind of medium black baggage on the underside for the large blue one), and means lower than good ol’ Lexus Texas (all the luggage).
I used to be curious, although. Given the small third row, I puzzled if all the luggage would really match if I lowered one half of the 50/50-split third row. I really did this with the XT6 and XC90, so it appeared just like the honest factor to do.
Sure, all baggage match, but it surely was VERY shut. Though extra room could be created by standing the large blue bag up, it could simply fall onto the third-row occupant with the primary whiff of a proper flip. It is dangerous sufficient being caught again there.
The XT6 couldn’t match the flowery bag with this association. Once more, the XC90 was equivalent (though to be clear, it has a extra spacious third row).
Truthfully, I used to be anticipating worse. The Q7 and SQ7 nonetheless aren’t suited to highway journeys with all rows full — even in case you pack mild or get a hitch-based cargo resolution (this SQ7 did have a hitch), the possibilities of of us in each rows two and three being sad are excessive. However there I am going once more speaking about one thing apart from cargo capability.