It's definitely not my cup of tea, but I could get used to this: I've been driving a borrowed Audi Q7 with the V8 engine, six-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive and a bucket full of electronic chassis controls. I prefer cars with relatively basic features and manual controls, but it seems like each new model has more automatic features that make their own decisions. I don't know whether it's the chore of having to outsmart a computer to make the car do what I want it to do, or the insulting feeling that some faraway engineer thinks he knows what I want the car to do, but these days I find myself thinking nostalgically about throttle cables. However, there are some features on this Q7 that point to an automated automotive future that I will welcome.
Technically, the Q7 is a crossover because it doesn't have a full-frame chassis, but it weighs 5,500 lbs. Still, it's easy to hustle on back roads at imprudent speeds, and though the engine always seems to be working hard no matter how it's driven, there's quite enough power. If I needed a car this big, I doubt the Q7 would be my first choice — but not because it isn't fun to drive.
For me, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) is a big problem. It uses a console-mounted rotary dial and several buttons for manipulating dozens of menu items that appear on the navigation system screen. In addition to the navigation system, the menu includes suspension settings, door lock programming, lighting options and at least two dozen other functions.
The ability to program these settings is an outstanding idea. Unfortunately, MMI is also the main user interface with the sound system, and although there are separate HVAC controls, those functions are menu-driven, too.
This is not my first experience with MMI, but when operating basic functions like the windshield defogger, or when selecting radio stations, I still found it dangerously distracting. Sadly, menu-driven controls will probably be used on many cars in the near future as the number of driver programming options grows. As long as I have a choice, there will be no menu screen in my car.
That said, there are two features on the Q7 that I do want. The first is a smart key (Audi calls it Advanced Key). With the key fob in my pocket, I can lock the doors and stop and start the engine with buttons, and it unlocks automatically as I approach the driver's door. It sounded frivolous at first, but it only took one armful of groceries on a rainy day to make me a believer.
The other feature is the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). When engaged, the car will automatically maintain a speed and/or a specified following distance behind the car ahead.
I programmed a 3-second following distance, and when another car moved into that gap, the ACC gently applied the brakes until the gap was correct, then gradually accelerated up to speed again. At the minimum distance setting, the ACC was able to brake and accelerate sharply enough to handle heavy urban highway traffic.
I found ACC remarkably capable, and rather than lulling the driver into inattention, the automatic braking actually alerts the driver to pay attention at just the right moment. On this car, ACC is a $2,100 option. When the price becomes reasonable, this is one bit of new technology that I will gladly embrace.
