Audi Q7 Premium Plus vs Prestige: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Luxury SUV

When it comes to picking a luxury SUV the Audi Q7 stands tall as a top contender. But within this premium vehicle there are multiple trims to choose from namely the Premium Plus and the Prestige. This comprehensive guide aims to help you navigate the differences between the Audi Q7 Premium Plus and Audi Q7 Prestige.

You’ll learn about the pricing performance tech features luxury amenities and drawbacks so you can make the right choice for your lifestyle and budget. Alex Collantes an Audi enthusiast shares his personal insights on these two models providing firsthand feedback from a luxury SUV lover.

The Audi Q7 Lineup: Overview

Audi’s Q7 has become synonymous with a mix of luxury sportiness and practical utility. Both the Premium Plus and Prestige trims offer a premium driving experience with a blend of technology comfort and power.

Premium Plus vs Prestige: Quick Comparison

If you're short on time here's a brief rundown on the main differences:

• Price: Prestige comes at a higher price point
• Technology: More advanced tech features in Prestige
• Performance & Handling: Prestige offers better driving dynamics
• Comfort & Convenience: Extra luxury touches in the Prestige

Understanding the Audi Q7 Premium Plus

The Premium Plus trim is a step up from the base Premium trim and is essentially the “sweet spot” in the Q7 lineup offering a blend of performance and value without reaching the upper echelons of luxury and price.

What You Get in the Premium Plus

1. Standard Engine Options

   • 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 261 hp
   • Optional 3.0L Turbocharged V6 with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivering 335 hp

2. Technology & Infotainment

   • Audi MMI Touch Response System: Dual screens with haptic feedback
   • Virtual Cockpit Plus: 12.3-inch digital driver display
   • Bang & Olufsen Sound System: Premium audio experience

3. Safety & Driver Assistance

   • Audi Pre Sense Front & Rear: Emergency braking and collision detection
   • Adaptive Cruise Control
   • Lane Keeping Assist

4. Exterior Features

   • LED Headlights & Taillights
   • Panoramic Sunroof

5. Interior Amenities

   • Leather Upholstery
   • 4-Zone Automatic Climate Control
   • Heated Front Seats

Pros & Cons of the Premium Plus

Pros

• Great Value for the features you get
• Wide Range of Tech & Safety Features
• Smooth & Comfortable Ride

Cons

• Not as Sporty as some rivals in its class
• Limited Customization: Lack of options compared to the Prestige trim
• Less Advanced Sound System than Prestige (optional upgrade only)

Exploring the Audi Q7 Prestige

The Prestige trim represents the pinnacle of what the Q7 has to offer. It's a fully-loaded option focusing on luxury tech and performance. It's for those who want the best of everything Audi can offer in an SUV package.

What You Get in the Prestige

1. Advanced Engine & Performance Upgrades

   • Standard 3.0L Turbocharged V6 Engine: Mild-hybrid with 335 hp (no 4-cylinder option like the Premium Plus)
   • Adaptive Air Suspension: Allows for different ride heights for comfort or sportiness

2. Enhanced Technology & Safety

   • Head-Up Display: Projecting key information onto the windshield
   • Audi Active Lane Assist: More advanced lane-keeping with steering input
   • Traffic Sign Recognition: Real-time display of road signs in the cockpit

3. Luxury Comfort & Convenience

   • Heated & Ventilated Front Seats
   • Extended Leather Package: More leather in the cabin for a plush feel
   • Multi-Color Ambient Lighting: Personalize your interior lighting mood

4. Exterior Enhancements

   • Matrix-Design LED Headlights: High-tech lights that adapt to oncoming traffic
   • Power Soft-Closing Doors
   • Larger Alloy Wheels: 20-21 inch rims for a sportier stance

Pros & Cons of the Prestige

Pros

• Maximum Luxury: All the bells and whistles for tech comfort and design
• Better Performance: Air suspension and V6 engine offer a sportier drive
• Customizable Options: More add-ons for an individualized experience

Cons

• High Price Point: Considerably more expensive than the Premium Plus
• Overwhelming Features: Some drivers may not need all the luxury upgrades
• Fuel Economy: Bigger engine and added weight can lead to lower efficiency

Pricing Breakdown: Which Offers Better Value?

The Audi Q7 Premium Plus is priced more competitively starting around $58,000 (with the 4-cylinder engine) and around $62,000 for the V6 model. Meanwhile the Prestige trim commands a price tag starting at around $72,000 for the V6.

• Premium Plus offers better value for budget-conscious buyers
• Prestige is for those seeking full luxury and top-of-the-line features

Cost Considerations: What Alex Collantes Thinks

“While the Prestige is packed with everything you could ever need in a luxury SUV I honestly feel the Premium Plus hits the mark for most buyers. You get so much value for the price especially with the tech and safety features Audi offers standard.” – Alex Collantes Audi Enthusiast

Performance & Driving Experience: Premium Plus vs Prestige

For many drivers the performance and handling of an SUV are key factors in making a purchase. Both the Premium Plus and Prestige trims offer great driving dynamics but with notable differences.

Engine & Performance Options

Premium Plus

• 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: 261 hp 273 lb-ft torque (0-60 mph in about 6.7 seconds)
• Optional 3.0L V6 Engine: 335 hp 369 lb-ft torque (0-60 mph in around 5.7 seconds)

Prestige

• Standard 3.0L Turbocharged V6 Engine: No 4-cylinder option available
• Adaptive Air Suspension for a smoother ride and more dynamic cornering

Handling & Driving Dynamics

• Premium Plus: Offers a comfortable ride with sufficient power for city and highway driving. However it lacks some of the sportiness found in the Prestige.

• Prestige: Thanks to the Adaptive Air Suspension the Prestige offers a more engaging and responsive drive. It’s a better choice for those who want both luxury and a sporty feel behind the wheel.

Technology & Infotainment: Which Trim Stands Out?

Technology is a key area where the differences between Premium Plus and Prestige come to light.

Audi MMI Touch Response System

• Both Trims feature Audi’s dual-screen infotainment system which is intuitive responsive and visually stunning.

• Prestige: Has an additional Head-Up Display projecting vital info like speed and navigation on the windshield—keeping your eyes on the road.

Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus

Standard on both models the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus is a high-resolution digital driver display that is customizable with different views such as navigation or media information.

Advanced Safety Features

Premium Plus

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane Keeping Assist

Prestige

• Audi Active Lane Assist: Provides more steering support than the standard lane assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Allows the car to display speed limits and other traffic signs directly in the driver’s view

Interior Comfort & Space: Premium Plus vs Prestige

One of the Audi Q7’s strengths is its spacious and luxurious interior. Both trims offer three rows of seating but the Prestige comes with some added luxuries.

Seating & Space

• Premium Plus: Offers standard leather upholstery heated front seats and a 4-zone climate control. It’s spacious enough to seat seven comfortably.

• Prestige: Upgrades the experience with ventilated front seats extended leather interior surfaces and more customizable ambient lighting.

Cargo Space

Both the Premium Plus and Prestige offer the same cargo space with 14.2 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 69.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Exterior Styling: Differences That Matter

The Audi Q7 has a sleek and modern look regardless of trim. But the Prestige has some styling upgrades that add to its luxurious presence on the road.

Premium Plus

• Standard LED Headlights & Taillights
• Panoramic Sunroof
• Standard Alloy Wheels: 19-inch design

Prestige

• Matrix-Design LED Headlights: More advanced and adaptive
• Power Soft-Closing Doors: Quiet and refined
• Larger Wheels: Optional 20-21 inch alloy wheels for a bolder stance

Conclusion: Which Audi Q7 is Right for You?

The Audi Q7 Premium Plus vs Prestige debate really comes down to what you're looking for in a luxury SUV.

• If you’re after a great value luxury SUV with solid features and performance the Premium Plus is an excellent choice.
• However if you desire top-of-the-line luxury and advanced technology and don’t mind paying a premium the Prestige is the way to go.

“Both models offer something different and honestly you can't go wrong with either choice. The Q7 is just such a well-rounded SUV” says Alex Collantes.

Key Takeaways

• Premium Plus: Better for those who want value and comfort without overpaying.
• Prestige: Perfect for luxury seekers who want it all.
• Performance: Both trims offer great engines but the Prestige stands out with adaptive suspension.
• Technology & Safety: The Prestige trim provides additional advanced tech features.

Final Thoughts

In summary choosing between the Audi Q7 Premium Plus vs Prestige is about finding the balance between what you need and what you want. The Premium Plus offers a well-rounded experience at a competitive price while the Prestige delivers maximum luxury and top-tier features for those willing to invest more in their SUV.

Whether you're leaning towards the Premium Plus or ready to go all out with the Prestige both trims provide an exceptional Audi experience.