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Overview

Among Audi's athletic lineup of tech-laden luxury cars and SUVs, the 2021 Q7 is the one best suited for family duty.

Despite its three rows of seats and slightly stodgy styling, the Q7 maintains the fun-to-drive nature that makes an Audi an Audi.

Buyers can choose from two turbocharged engines—a 248-hp four-cylinder or a 335-hp V-6—both of which offer satisfactory pep for everything from in-town errands to highway cruises.

Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is standard, but the sportier models in the lineup make good use of an optional four-wheel steering system and an adaptive air suspension to deliver even more agile handling.

The Q7's chief rivals are some of the best luxury three-row SUVs on sale today, including the BMW X7, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90. The Audi's all-around skill set makes it a strong competitor to all of them—though it's not as outright sporty as a Porsche Cayenne.

What's New for 2021?

After a thorough freshening for the 2020 model year, the 2021 Q7 sails through with few changes.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now a standard feature and the Premium model's Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree exterior camera system.

The mid-range Premium Plus gains an optional Executive package which bundles the contents of the 2020 model's Cold Weather, Warm Weather, and Driver Assistance packages into one.

Prestige models now come with leather-wrapped armrests and center consoles and get heated rear seats as standard.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45: $55,945
Premium Plus 45: $58,195
Premium 55: $61,795
Premium Plus 55: $64,795
Prestige 55: $72,995
2021 Audi Q7

The decision between the turbo-four "45" power-train and the turbocharged V-6 "55" option is a tough call—and something we're happy to leave up to the individual buyer—but the choice of the Premium Plus trim level is a no-brainer.

Moving up from the base Premium to the Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround sound stereo system, a wireless smartphone charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated door sill inlays.

We'd also spring for the new Executive package, which adds, among other things, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.

Audi Q7 2021: First Look, Photos & Price | Car Reviews

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

For 2020, Audi kept the old 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder but added a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower, and these power-trains carry over unchanged into 2021.

The 2020 Q7 with the new turbo V-6 does 5.0-second zero-to-60-mph time, which is slightly quicker than the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV.

Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon.

The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Not surprisingly, the V-6 power-train comes with worse fuel economy. The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined, which accounts for drops of 2 mpg across the board when compared to the turbo four-cylinder model.

When we are able to test drive a 2021 Q7, we'll put its efficiency to the test on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy test route.

We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return similar results to the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway loop.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the Q7's cabin is a special place.

Beautiful materials and design highlight the Q7's interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability.

Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the amount of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels.

As with most three-row SUVs, there isn't a ton of cargo space in the Audi's cargo area when all of its seats are in use.

But it has available space comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the somewhat clumsy operation of the middle row.

With all seats stowed, the 2019 Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases, a result we expect the 2021 model to match.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-incher located below that to adjust the climate control and vehicle settings.

Depending on whether or not you enjoy using touchscreens while driving, you may find the new system delightful or devilish. Our staff is split, but Audi's been busy adding this new infotainment system to its lineup;

it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans, as well as the Q8 SUV.

All 2021 Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration.

Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the 2021 model has not been tested by either agency, the 2019 Q7 earned five stars for its crash-worthiness from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) crash tests.

Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
2021 Audi Q7

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Q7 carries solid warranty coverage comparable with its peers, although the Acura MDX and the Lexus GX both offer slightly better power-train coverage. Its complimentary scheduled maintenance plan—one year or 10,000 miles—is the lone area where it falls behind the coverage of its key competitor, the XC90.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
2021 Audi Q7
2021 Audi Q7

Thursday, July 30, 2020

2021 Audi Q5 Review

Overview

For luxury SUV buyers who prioritize style and technology over driving verve, the 2021 Audi Q5 is a handsome choice with plenty to like. It looks good, treats its occupants right, and won't seem out of place at the valet stand next to its rivals.

Buyers can choose from regular and plug-in hybrid power-trains and the Q5's chassis delivers a quiet interior and a refined ride—but rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, the

The Q5 offers enough tech to rival your local Apple store, with a large infotainment display, optional digital gauge display, and a suite of available driver-assistance features.

For 2021, the Q5 gains a little extra power and updated styling, but Audi's not addressed its uninspired handling, so it remains a second-tier choice for driving enthusiasts.

What's New for 2021?

Audi has given the Q5 a light makeover for 2021 to bring its styling up to date with the rest of the lineup. An updated grille, front and rear bumpers, new 18- and 20-inch wheel designs, and updated headlamps and taillights freshen its exterior appearance.

Under the hood, the Q5's standard turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder receives a 13-hp boost to 261 horsepower; a 12-volt hybrid system is now standard, but Audi says this doesn't contribute to the Q5's boost in horsepower.

Speaking of hybrids, the plug-in hybrid model receives similar updates to the exterior styling and sports unique 19- or 20-inch wheels. It too sees a slight horsepower bump this year to 362-hp.

A Sport Plus package is available for the Q5 PHEV which adds adaptive air suspension and summer tires, among other items. The 2021 Q5's leather seats now come punctuated with contrasting stitching.

All models receive a new 10.1-inch infotainment display with an updated version of Audi's infotainment software and a host of driver-assistance features are now standard, including lane-departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring.

All models also receive a wireless smartphone charging pad and an integrated toll-road payment transmitter.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45: $44,295
Premium Plus 55: $49,095
Premium 55: $52,895
Prestige 45: $54,995
Premium Plus 55: $56,795
Prestige 55: $62,695

Audi distinguishes the Q5's power-trains with the numbers 45 and 55, the former meaning the standard turbo four and the latter indicates the optional plug-in hybrid setup.

We aren't sure the PHEV is worth the cost of the upgrade, so we'd stick with the 45 models. Of those, the mid-range Premium Plus trim offers the best balance of features and price, and now comes standard with Audi's Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2021 Q5 features a standard 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a seven-speed automatic transmission, and Quattro all-wheel drive. The turbo four provides plenty of punch to scoot the Q5 around town or blast down a highway on-ramp, and it is smooth, quiet, and mellifluous.

The plug-in-hybrid variant adds an electric motor that increases output to a combined 362 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque, which Audi claims will improve acceleration. The luxury compact crossover's suspension is well damped and imparts a stable feeling no matter the road or driving condition.

The ride is smooth and controlled—with or without the optional adaptive suspension—even over pockmarked asphalt. The steering is accurate and lightly weighted but provides no discernible feedback from the front wheels. In the Dynamic drive mode, the steering feels heftier but still artificial.

Pitch the Q5 down a twisty two-lane and it'll handle it reasonably well, but a Porsche Macan will show you a much better time.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for the 2021 Q5 and Q5 PHEV haven't been released yet, but the 2020 Q5 earned estimates of 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

The plug-in hybrid is rated at 25 mpg city and 29 highway for 2020, with a combined gas-electric rating of 65 MPGe. Its 14.1-kWh battery pack also allows an EPA-rated 20 miles of pure-electric driving range.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2021 Q5 provides enough room for four adults to get comfy and offers plenty of upscale features, even on the base Premium model. The cabin is both quiet at speed and easy to get in and out of.

Moving up through the three trim levels—Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige—nets more luxury features, including Audi's slick Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster. When it came to seeing how many of our carry-on cargo boxes fit, the Q5 didn't impress. It beat the smaller Macan, but only just and held 18 cases with the rear seats folded.

The Q5's rear seatbacks easily fold in a 40/20/40 fashion, however, providing flexibility that the Lexus RX doesn't

have.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Buyers of even the least expensive Q5 will enjoy an intuitive infotainment system displayed in a dashtop 10.1-inch screen. Most of the expected infotainment features are present and accounted for in the base Q5, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.

Things get much more interesting if you jump to the Premium Plus or Prestige trims, as they come with a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit. It provides a wide, 12.3-inch view of the nav map plus selected media, phone controls, trip computer, speed, and tachometer, or a combination of these.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2021 model hasn't yet been tested, the 2019 Audi Q5 earned a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It missed a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) due to headlamps that failed to meet that agency's guidelines.

The 2021 Q5 offers standard

Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available adaptive cruise control
2021 Audi Q5

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty coverage for the 2021 Q5 is average, and many rivals offer longer coverage periods. Buyers of brand-new Q5 models can take advantage of a free service for their first scheduled maintenance visit at 10,000 miles.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
2021 Audi Q5

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Bvlgari Diva - Luxury Lifestyle Watches

Bulgari Diva is an Italian luxury brand known for its jewellery, watches, fragrances, accessories and leather goods. While the majority of design, production and marketing is overseen and executed by Bulgari, the company does, at times, partner with other entities.

Inspired by the beauty of Rome, Bulgari Divas’ Dream collection reimagines its hometown’s sights as dazzling pieces of jewellery. Every year, new pieces will be added to the iconic collection that honour femininity with a rich new colour palette.

From shaped gemstones to intense colour additions, Bulgari's latest interpretation of the Divas’ Dream collection represents the Italian jewellery house’s passion for vibrant hues, audacious gemstone cuts and daring design.

The new masterpieces are designed to celebrate the philosophy that every woman is a secret diva who is sensual, elegant and unique; one who shines and exudes charisma.

With the Italian capital at its heart, the collection's signature fan motif mirrors the colourful mosaics at the Baths of Caracalla, as going to the baths was a fashionable high society pastime during the Roman Empire.

Taking inspiration from ancient beauty rituals, the delightful and thrilling collection is fastidiously sculpted from only the most precious metals, sparkling diamonds and colourful gemstones with an acute attention to detail.

2020 Audi A4 Review

2020 Audi A4

Overview

If a nice-driving, well-equipped, and handsomely styled luxury sedan is what you're after, make sure the 2020 Audi A4 is on your shopping list.

This tech-forward ride offers all of the most popular features, including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, driver-assistance features, onboard Wi-Fi, and a digital gauge display, although some are optional extras.

The A4 feels more like a smartphone or tablet than rivals such as the BMW 3-Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but that's not saying this Audi doesn't have the moves of a sports sedan.

Buyers can choose from one of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines and can have either front- or all-wheel drive; both power-trains offer competitive fuel economy and the more powerful of the two engines offers good accelerative punch.

What's New for 2020?

Audi's bread-and-butter sports sedan receives a visual refresh for 2020, with updated exterior styling including new front and rear bumpers, tweaks to the grille and lighting elements, and new wheel designs.

A new, larger 10.1-inch infotainment display is standard across the range and replaces last year's standard 7.0- and optional 8.3-inch units.

In addition to the new looks and better tech, the A4 also receives more standard equipment, such as a power sunroof, a three-spoke steering wheel with shift paddles, heated front seats with power-adjustments for the driver, three-zone automatic climate control, and ambient interior lighting.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium: $38,395
Premium Plus: $41,995
Prestige: $47,945

We'd suggest the mid-range Premium Plus model and we'd opt for all-wheel drive since it unlocks the more powerful 248-hp turbo four-cylinder.

Going with the Premium Plus versus the base Premium model adds parking sensors, rear-seat USB charging ports, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, a memory driver's seat, SiriusXM satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry with push-button start, and the Virtual Cockpit reconfigurable digital gauge display.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

While some competitors offer myriad engine choices, including hybrids and diesels, Audi keeps it simple: a 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a less powerful, more fuel-efficient version of that engine called the Ultra, which makes 188 horsepower.

A seven-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, and Audi's famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system is optional.

In the A4 2.0T Quattro Prestige, the power-train works splendidly, providing class-leading acceleration (5.2 seconds from zero to 60 mph) and smooth power delivery.

Precise steering, well-controlled body motions, and great road-holding ability combine to make the A4 a sharp handler.

Usually, cars with such deft responses require sacrifices in ride quality, but the A4 still manages to soak up bumpy roads with aplomb.

Steering feel, so important in a sedan with sporting overtones, is subdued at lower speeds and on the highway. However, almost as if by magic, the steering becomes pleasantly communicative when you push the car on twisty roads.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the front-wheel-drive 2020 A4 will earn 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The latter number increases by 1 mpg from the previous model year when the Audi was rated at 34 mpg highway.

The 2020 A4 with Quattro all-wheel-drive is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 highway. Again, these figures are different from the previous model year when the Audi was rated at 23 and 34 mpg, respectively.

While we haven't tested a 2020 A4 on our real-world highway fuel-economy route, the last A4 Quattro we evaluated returned 37 mpg during that test.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The A4's modern-looking cabin does a good job of balancing form and function with high-quality materials and easily accessible technology features.

As in most Audis, the dashboard design is clean and simplistic—almost like a piece of modern art. Most of the A4's buttons and switches are right where you want them to be and feel substantial when you use them.

The rear seat is among the most spacious in its class and features nicely shaped cushions. As with many of the sedans in the entry-luxury class, the A4 is accommodating but not capacious; choose the A4 All-road wagon if you need more plentiful cargo space.

The A4's back seat does fold in a useful 40/20/40 split, making it easy to accommodate longer items such as skis. We managed to cram five carry-on suitcases in the trunk but were disappointed by the A4's small storage bins and cubbies.

Download wallpapers Audi A4, 2020, interior, inside view, front ...

Infotainment and Connectivity

The A4's infotainment system consists of a 10.1-inch center screen that's controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. Features are generous and include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and voice command.

Navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, and in-car Wi-Fi are included in various option packages, as is a more powerful Bang & Olufsen audio system with 19 speakers. A cool digital gauge display that Audi calls Virtual Cockpit is optional and highly recommended.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The A4 achieves top-notch crash-test ratings - five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and Top Safety Pick accolades from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - but many driver-assistance features are limited to costly upper trim levels.

Other features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control, however, are only available as options on the pricier Premium Plus and Prestige trim levels.

Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
Available lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
2020 Audi A4

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Audi's warranty coverage is strictly average among luxury brands, but its complimentary scheduled maintenance coverage doesn't last as long as BMW's.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.