Thanks again guys for so many good wishes !!
I do only occasional driving (most of the time it is upto my drivers as the traffic-sense scene is too scary for me to handle) but essentially it is almost same as smaller engined sibling as regards steering feedback, ride and handling quality, brake feel and body roll.
Steering is quite light at city speeds but weighs up as you move into triple digit speeds. In fact you do require quite an effort once you are cruising at high speeds. I wouldn't say it is sharp (still feels disconnected as ever) but at least it is direct and accurate with very little play.
I didn't really felt any major difference in the ride quality be it comfort or dynamic mode. Haven't really tried the difference at high speeds though. However at low speeds the ride is quite plush - there are no thuds or any sound whatsoever moving over potholes. As I had mentioned elsewhere the low speed ride quality is near similar to GL (may be a notch below). However as the speed increases the rear passengers can feel the firmness even in comfort mode - though it is never uncomfortable. I would suggest anyone considering Q7 to seriously stick with the default 18 inch alloys. Anything bigger and you may not like the ride at high speeds.
The quattro gives you immense confidence in carrying large speeds over corners. Initially it does not feels right - but as you understand the car better it can really make you smile. Just trust the car !!
Though the car looks big from outside and you feel nervous for the first time driving it - I'd say spend two minutes driving the car and it starts shrinking around you. More so when you are at higher speeds. Very confidence inspiring. There is some roll but nothing that'd cause you to back down. When I compare this to say my Superb - any journey above 300 kms starts make you feel that you are in a journey. While I never got that feeling in Q7. Very poised and hushed.
Among all the cars that I have had - I have found Q7 easiest to park. The rear view guidance is amazing and very accurate. Allows you to make precise maneuvers even though rear view is pathetic if you plan to use just the mirror. Audi advance parking with rear camera is a MUST option.
Be prepared for some amount of wind noise (esp from those ORVM's) once you exceed 160 kmph. At 200+ speeds it is only the wind noise that you can hear. However in-cabin conversation is very much audible and possible without shouting at those speeds. For normal cruising speeds this is a fine cabin to be in - quite calm and serene.
As I had mentioned earlier the main difference between this and 3.0 TDI seems to some magic that Audi has done with throttle response. In V8 guise it is quite eager and immediate compared to the lag one experience with smaller engine.
Now for individual responses
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Originally Posted by jkdas Congrats; hope you get to buy the almighty V12 one day.
The middle row looks uncomfortable for 3, is it so? |
I don't think V12 is going to be offered in India anytime soon or ever. Even if offered it would be double the price of V6 which doesn't makes it much VFM as say compared to "limited edition" price of V8.
For middle bench two is preferred and optimum but can seat 3 if the third person is not very tall. The backrest may feel a bit hard for the middle passenger.
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Originally Posted by DicKy But why the hell you gonna chip it.It's gonna be a MONSTERRR.. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheStig Congrats on the mighty V8 Q7!! Great car I have to say! Do post some exterior pictures (and this time with a proper camera  )
And 900 Nm?? Do you really need that kind of a torque figure on our 'roads'? |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vik0728 Man, those Torque Numbers are insane bro. 900-940NM of torque after it is Chipped ?
Many Indian cars don't have that kind of numbers under the hood, let alone powertrain!  |
Blame @akshay1234 for that !! After I read his Peted Innova thread I tried the same on my Innova. Since then I have become a convert - rather a torque junkie. You wouldn't imagine how much this torque helps when you are in a long queue of trucks and you want to be immediately transported from behind one truck to another one in no-time before the guy in front can even react. It is hilarious to experience those brief spurts of g's .
Ample torque and immediate delivery is a must to survive in Indian traffic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by swiftnfurious Congrats on the buy! looks like you were too obsessed with the interiors that you forgot to take the exterior Pics.
Wish you miles and miles of happy & safe motoring with the new beast.
And yes, now you are into that "celebrity club" of all stars who own this beauty !  |
Sorry for the poor pics. I'll post better quality pics soon (including exterior). Promise !!