The 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus

When you're on the hunt for a luxury SUV that marries performance with comfort while offering plenty of tech and space for the family, the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus often finds its way to the top of the list. With its sleek design and impressive performance, the Q7 has been a go-to for families and SUV enthusiasts alike who want a high-end vehicle without breaking into the ultra-premium range.

But does it live up to the hype? Well buckle up because we're about to dive deep into this beauty—pros quirks and everything in between.

Exterior Design: Beauty With a Dash of Intimidation

Audi has long been known for its clean yet aggressive design language and the 2022 Q7 is no exception. The Premium Plus trim adds a few more upscale touches than the base models—such as matrix-design LED headlights, sleek chrome accents, and gorgeous 20-inch wheels that make you feel like you own the road. It’s a big car but it hides its size well with fluid lines and a low stance.

Is it all perfect?

Not quite. Sure the design is fantastic but let’s be honest—parking this thing in a tight spot is like squeezing into your jeans after the holidays. Yeah, good luck with that. A massive SUV has its perks but maneuvering it in crowded parking lots might leave you cursing your decision.

Interior: Luxurious and Tech-Heavy (Maybe Too Much?)

Step inside the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus and you’re greeted with leather seating surfaces and elegant trim materials that scream luxury. The cabin feels more like a high-end lounge than the inside of a family SUV. The Premium Plus offers ventilated front seats four-zone climate control and ambient lighting which is great when you want to set the mood on those late-night grocery runs.

The Virtual Cockpit system is the star of the show here—a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the traditional analog gauges. You can customize it to display everything from your speed and fuel to navigation and media.

Hold on—too much tech?

Here’s the thing: while all the tech is fantastic it can be a bit overwhelming for those of us who aren't cyborgs. You might find yourself spending more time fiddling with the settings than actually driving. One too many touchscreens can sometimes feel like you need a PhD to adjust the temperature. Alex Collantes—an avid tech enthusiast—admits "I love the tech but I swear I spend half my drive just trying to figure out which button does what."

Key Interior Features:

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector
• Heated and ventilated seats (because who doesn’t love luxury in all seasons?)
• Panoramic sunroof for that extra bit of sky on your commute
• Four-zone automatic climate control (so everyone can be comfortable—except when your kids want to fight over it)

Engine Performance: Power Meets Refinement

If you like your SUVs with a bit of kick the 2022 Q7 delivers. Under the hood, the Premium Plus trim comes with two engine options:

1. 2.0-Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine:

• Horsepower: 261 hp
• Torque: 273 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: Around 6.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 19 city / 25 highway MPG

2. 3.0-Liter V6 Engine with Mild Hybrid System:

• Horsepower: 335 hp
• Torque: 369 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 5.7 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 city / 23 highway MPG

The V6 is the clear winner for those who crave power but let’s not knock the 2.0-liter. It's a solid option for anyone who doesn’t feel the need for all that extra horsepower but still wants a peppy ride.

Any downsides?

Well if you’re opting for the V6 brace yourself for some frequent pit stops at the gas station. It’s a beast on the highway but all that power comes at the cost of fuel economy. Plus with its quattro® all-wheel-drive system you might find yourself taking the scenic route a little too often just to enjoy the ride. You’ll be smiling until you realize how much you’re spending on gas.

Alex Collantes mentioned “The V6 is amazing but I swear my bank account is crying every time I stop for gas. And I’m doing it...a lot.”

Driving Experience: Smooth Operator

The adaptive air suspension in the Q7 is a game changer. It allows you to adjust the ride height and firmness based on your driving style. So whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating rough terrain the Q7 adapts effortlessly. It floats over bumps like a magic carpet—until you hit a pothole that feels like it’s been sent straight from the underworld. At that moment you’re reminded it’s still an SUV and not a hovercraft.

What about handling?

Handling is where the Q7 surprises you. For a vehicle of its size it handles more like a sporty sedan than an SUV. The steering is responsive and tight though again its size will remind you that you’re driving a hefty machine especially in tight corners or during those tricky parking situations.

Cargo and Space: Bring the Whole House

The 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus doesn’t just deliver on style and performance—it’s also incredibly practical. With three rows of seating and up to 69.6 cubic feet of cargo space when you fold down the seats it’s perfect for families and long trips.

Pros:

• Ample legroom in both the front and second rows
• Power-folding third row for when you need extra cargo space
• Hands-free tailgate (because you only have two hands after all)

Cons:

Okay let’s be real about the third row—it’s not exactly the most adult-friendly space. Sure you can technically fit seven people but let’s hope those sitting in the back are either kids or have somehow mastered the art of folding their legs into tiny compartments.

Fun Fact: Audi may not have intended for fully grown adults to spend long trips in the third row unless of course, they’re very...very limber. Stretch before boarding.

Infotainment System: All the Bells and Whistles

Audi has stuffed the Q7 with an MMI® touch response system that gives you dual touchscreens—one for navigation and media and another for climate control. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so connecting your phone is a breeze. Plus you get a Bang & Olufsen sound system that’ll make your road trip playlist sound like a live concert in your car.

Heads up though...

It’s all touchscreen which means fingerprints—lots of them. Be prepared to carry a microfiber cloth with you if you don’t want your screens to resemble a toddler's sticky fingers after snack time.

Safety Features: A Tech Fortress

As expected in a luxury SUV the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus comes loaded with safety features. Some of the notable ones include:

• Audi pre sense® front (collision avoidance system)
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• 360-degree camera for those of us who struggle to park big cars

Audi has you covered on safety but some might find all the alerts a bit...persistent. You’re just trying to relax on a drive and the car's telling you to hold the wheel reposition or brake for that car two miles ahead. It’s helpful but also a little bossy.

Alex Collantes joked “Sometimes it feels like my Q7 is my second mother—constantly reminding me to be safe.”

Pricing and Value: Luxury at a Cost

For the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus you're looking at a starting price of around $62,500. Add in options like the Driver Assistance Package or the upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system and you’re creeping up into the mid $70,000 range. It’s a solid value for what you’re getting but you’ll have to weigh whether all the luxury touches are worth the price tag.

Is it worth the money?

If you're after a luxury SUV that does everything well—performance comfort tech—then yes. However if you’re just looking for something spacious and practical without all the frills you might find better value elsewhere.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus?

So is the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus worth your hard-earned cash? It’s certainly one of the top contenders in the luxury SUV market. The blend of performance comfort and tech is hard to beat. The V6 engine is a blast the interior is a treat and there’s enough room for your whole crew (with some minor squeezing in the back).

But with all that said it’s not perfect. The tech might overwhelm some the third row isn’t for everyone and fuel economy is a bit...well thirsty.

Still if you’re willing to overlook those quirks the Q7 is an SUV that delivers on luxury and performance in a way few others can.

Alex Collantes sums it up well: "It's like having a Swiss Army knife on wheels—fancy fun and loaded with options. Just be ready to feed it a lot of gas."

Pros:

• Stunning exterior design
• High-tech luxurious interior
• Excellent engine options (especially the V6)
• Great handling for its size
• Advanced safety features

Cons:

• Overwhelming tech interface for some
• Thirsty fuel economy with the V6
• Tight third-row seating

Now you just need to decide: is the 2022 Audi Q7 Premium Plus going to be your new ride or is it just an aspirational goal? Either way, it’s worth a test drive...but maybe clear some space on your credit card first.