Thanks for sharing. It's a surprise on #1, as most folks here said Q7 is much quieter than XC90
A side note, someone here will step up and start talking down Audi/Volkswagen (hint: dieselgate) and so on, as we normally see with the "vs" threads in this forum. Sigh ...

 

The only objective measurement of cabin noise that I know about is the Car and Driver test, which found the Q7 only marginally quieter than the XC90. Their numbers boil down to support the OPs judgment. When I test drove both several years ago, I could not tell much difference, except that the Q7 seemed somewhat noisier when accelerating. Both cars, however, are exceptionally quiet, so I am not criticizing either Audi or Volvo.

Other car reviews might have done similar db measurements more recently-- if anyone knows of any I would like to see the results.

 

My Q7 is definitely quieter and smoother then my 2018 XC90 with air suspension. I also have the adaptive chassis package on my Q


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Hi Chris, since you has kept saying this, I especially had my test drive today with both MY18. My lease will end in one year and have started looking again. I will test drive 2019 Q7 if available.

My Q7 is definitely quieter and smoother then my 2018 XC90 with air suspension. I also have the adaptive chassis package on my Q

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It is said V6 engine is smoother and sounds better than T6, if this is a concern for you.

But I just love my T8, definitely smoother and quieter than V6, and more powerful when you summon it.

 

Only if you accelerate hard and Q7 engine sounds better. Different noise level? Not too much.



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Test driving both today.

2018 Q7 3.0 TFSI fully loaded with Tech package and air suspension
2018 XC90 T6 fully loaded without air suspension

1)Ride smoothness and quietness: almost the same
2)Look and feel: cannot say which one is better
3)Q7 lane keeping only works with straight lanes and speed above 30KM/H (30 or 50? not 100% sure, 30 is what the dealer told me), not as good as PA2
4)Surprise me that Q7 doesn't have auto hold break feature
5) Q7 MMI center display screen looks cheap
6) Audio: B&W is way better
7) Wheels: Q7 looks more aggressive

Just share my experience.

When I compared the two the main reasons i chose the XC90 was the seat quality and comfort, the better B&W sound system, a more elegant interior overall and a nicer body style (pure opinion), and the larger storage capacity in the back. Both cars drive like champs, albeit differently. When all else is equal audio sound quality, seat quality and overall feel while inside the car determines for me how much i enjoy driving my vehicles and the XC dominated in those areas.

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I chose the XC90 for all the above reasons, as well as better storage space utilization, especially behind the third row seats.

 

I second the previous post. Volvo was never on my mind since I have owned cars over the last 30 years. Ole man cars. But then I saw the new XC90 on a vacation trip home. Kids were getting bigger and I needed more room, but I was never loooking at minivans or the large American made utes. The MB and Audi just didnt appeal for the $$.

Stopped by a Volvo dealer and saw the R Design. Never going to have the sport appeal of my prior car, an Infiniti FX 50, but a good looking Ute, with decent power (P* added), and all the space my family needs. No regrets after 1 year, a water leak, changed plugs, and replacement rear brakes at “only” 30k.

 

A counterpoint, we went the opposite direction after test driving the XC90 (T8 and T6), Q7, and X5 (previous X5d owners), and factory-ordered two 2018 Q7 Prestiges. Q7 was a hands-down quieter cockpit; I actually haven't driven a car in any price range to compare to the noise isolation in the Q7. MMI and Sensus are equally functional I think, but just prefer the real button interface of the Audi versus a Tesla-style tablet. The 4-wheel steering was a definite plus in the Q7, and makes the two and a half-ton SUV handle like a sedan. Pickup and acceleration were a win for the Audi for us, with the 3.0 v6 compared to Volvo' 4-banger. I like the looks of the Volvo slightly better, but fit and finish of the Audi were also slightly better. Road handling for me was a bit better in the Audi, perhaps also attributable to the 4-wheel steering. Volvo was roomier in the back, especially the third row. Seat comfort to me was a wash - both are very comfortable cars. Volvo was less expensive similarly equipped. Audi Virtual Cockpit display and HUD was superior to Volvo's instrumentation for my needs. To clarify some of the OP's points, Audi Lane Keeping Assist works on curves and at all speeds, from 0 to 120k I believe; it's certainly as effective as Volvo's. Auto-hold braking is activated by a firm push on the brake pedal while on a hill, not a separate button except on EU version. Bose sound system to me was equivalent to B&W, but subjective. Both cars were better than the X5 up to 2018, but BMW may be back in the game for 2019 by report. All my humble opinion.

 

Auto-hold braking is activated by a firm push on the brake pedal while on a hill, not a separate button except on EU version. Bose sound system to me was equivalent to B&W, but subjective. Al.

i don't think it is the same auto-hold feature Volvo has. I can turn on and off the feature in Volvo and if it is on, i don't need to have a firm push on the brake pedal. I can relax while waiting for the green traffic light with Volvo XC90 more than Q7.

Regarding semi-autonomous driving, I drove the same route which I drive everyday with my Volvo T8. First of all, it couldn't get it engaged with low speed. I was told by the sales rep that it must be over 30km/h speed. I was surprised because I knew Audi has supported traffic jam assist for a while. I could try multiple times to confirm. Unfortunately the test drive was short. Then Q7 couldn't handle it right while exiting the free way: starting to bounce between lane marks. Audi sales rep agreed that software could be enhanced in this case. I don't even feel comfortable to try it in local traffic.

Regarding the audio system, I tried to play the same FLAC track in Q7 and XC90 with B&W, the difference is quite obvious. There is no audio upgrade in Q7 as I know.

Virtual cockpit is the feature I'd like to try as well since it is so interesting. But I was quite disappointed. The map in cockpit is not very sharp. Maybe I am too picky.

MMI, no! I have my Q5 with MMI so I am not new to it. It is not very convenient, e.g. If I use AA, I have to dial to the button from top to down to get there with MMI and with touch screen, I just need to touch once. The touch screen is more advanced and Audi will go this direction as well with its new A8.

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I have debated for a while, and ended up buying an XC90, because I thought the seats were a lot more comfortable and find the screens in the Q7 awkwardly angled (everything is "sloping down" to reduce glare, but I found it awkward since I am pretty tall). I know, sounds minor, but it really annoyed me.

The XC90 interior looks a lot better too - I didn't care for the mix of materials in the Q7, or the ugly-as-hell wood trims that we are restricted to in the USA.

I was also surprised to find the XC90 to be better handling, especially with air. It seems to "hug the road" better, which I would never have expected.

Then my XC90 self-destroyed, and now I am waiting for a Q7.... it's been a long wait, frankly. I would still keep the Volvo, if it wasn't falling apart. Two things I love about the Q7... the smoothness of the V6 (the 4c on Volvo is unrefined, loud, jerky, in comparison, nor does it offer much fuel savings) and the quiet of the cabin. Anyone saying that the level of noise is similar is, well, just not being honest. I recognize than YMMV, but come on, it's day and night. To be honest, noise in the XC90 has never bothered me, but the Q7 is incredibly quiet.

 

Two things I love about the Q7... the smoothness of the V6 (the 4c on Volvo is unrefined, loud, jerky, in comparison, nor does it offer much fuel savings) and the quiet of the cabin. Anyone saying that the level of noise is similar is, well, just not being honest. I recognize than YMMV, but come on, it's day and night. To be honest, noise in the XC90 has never bothered me, but the Q7 is incredibly quiet.

I thought the Q7 must have smoother ride on the bumpy roads and noise level should be lower on freeways due to laminated side windows, better insulation and V6 engine. However, the difference was not quite noticed in my test drive. I will try MY19 later on with Vibrometer to get some numbers.

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You can add the Bang and & Olufsen music system to the 2018 Q7 for about $5000 over the Bose. The cars appear to be similar in options. As a tree hugger I don't see a plugin nor a lessor hybrid version of the Q7 available at present, so for me that makes it a no brainer. But that is the beauty of the marketplace. You can have choices. At this price point $85,000 either car is pretty sweet. Actually it is interesting in what finalizes a sales decision.

 

I don't see the B&O upgrade in audi Canada website. Can someone help to confirm that it is available for Q7 in Canada as well?

I was told that the Q7 e-Tron will be available in Canada , maybe in 2019.

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Q7 is a souped up wagon. XC90may not be a proper 4wd Ute, but it looks the better part than the Q7.

 

Also forgot the mention that I think the Audi MMI with Virtual cockpit is better than the Volvo system. I love it in my vehicle. However, the Sensus system is a close second. But the ability to open up google earth and have it take up almost your entire instrument cluster is fantastic. I just wish Audi used google to calculate routes. It still utilizes audi's navi system, which like all OEMs it isn't anywhere near as good at finding optimized routes based on traffic or even general shortcuts.

 

But the ability to open up google earth and have it take up almost your entire instrument cluster is fantastic.

Isn't it rather a gimmick?

 

It seemed like a gimmick to me as well, although I was not shopping Q7, I was shopping the Q5 vs X3.

The digital cockpit demoed well, but as far as actually using it I didn’t like having the map *behind* the wheel, nor did I like having a map and a speedo and a tach all competing for that space. In general I just don’t feel the display hidden behind the wheel should be the one with all the extra displays.

I like having the gauges/controls dedicated to the space in front of me, and navigation in view at my hand. I know the MMI system is capable of that setup, but not using the fancy setup it takes away the +1 for MMI and just makes the systems even. Again this was in comparison to iDrive. It IS a nice system though.

Our Volvo is on order and I really don’t think this comparison was on my wife’s radar when she chose it, so I’ll need some time to develop an opinion on Sensus.

 

It seemed like a gimmick to me as well, although I was not shopping Q7, I was shopping the Q5 vs X3.

The digital cockpit demoed well, but as far as actually using it I didn't like having the map *behind* the wheel, nor did I like having a map and a speedo and a tach all competing for that space. In general I just don't feel the display hidden behind the wheel should be the one with all the extra displays.

I like having the gauges/controls dedicated to the space in front of me, and navigation in view at my hand. I know the MMI system is capable of that setup, but not using the fancy setup it takes away the +1 for MMI and just makes the systems even. Again this was in comparison to iDrive. It IS a nice system though.

Our Volvo is on order and I really don't think this comparison was on my wife's radar when she chose it, so I'll need some time to develop an opinion on Sensus.

The S and RS models default to a center mounted tach with speedo in the center. The standard models all use a dual gauge display, which does make it look and function more like Sensus with the media, map etc in the center.

 

Yes, we did the same comparison before pulling the trigger on the XC90 T5 for my wife (replaced her 4runner 2015 due to low safety ratings). we looked at three SUVs: Q7, GLE 350 and the XC90.

Dropped the MB after a short test drive - while mechanically it is excellent, the cockpit feeling is very outdated, we also felt that the windshield is narrow and does not have the observation field we are used to.

Q7 is quieter than the XC90 for sure (actually our old XC70 and XC60 are quieter than the new XC90). We felt that the Q7 has too many control points (dashboard, display and joystick in the center control). You can get rid of the pop-up display, but when you try to voice dial - it pops-up again. We felt that it was too distracting. I am sure that you can get used to all of that, but what for if you have XC90 with a clean cut central control unit?

The only con with XC90 - missing ventilated seats (we did not feel the need to overpay for inscription, and we actually disliked the Inscription seats). We liked that the base model has all the safety features, which will cost thousands more on MB and Audi. Kinda makes Volvo look as a good guy concerning about passengers of the vehicle, rather than market them as an additional features (MB and Audi).

 

Keep in mind the Q7's ability to use Google Earth is going away in 2020 (if you own an '18 or older):

https://www.audizine.com/forum/show...howthread.php/804214-Google-Earth-ending-December-2020-for-2018-models-or-older

 

Keep in mind the Q7's ability to use Google Earth is going away in 2020:

https://www.audizine.com/forum/show...howthread.php/804214-Google-Earth-ending-December-2020-for-2018-models-or-older

And MY19 and newer cars don't have that issue ?

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I am a consultant in productivity improvement programs. One of my areas of expertise is the Toyota Production System. I am an auto enthusiast to say the least. I have followed the car companies for over 40 years. All manufacturers run into quality problems. For years the auto industry has been implementing the one piece flow concept into manufacturing. The bottom line is that auto manufactures no longer manufacture cars but assemble cars. The supply chain provides components just in time allowing the manufacturer to focus on putting the cars together properly and assembling the ones that they need. So what happens is that your supply chain becomes the source for parts and components that either fail or prematurely wear out. While you can spec parts out, the real world will test those parts in ways that the lab is unable to duplicate. So yes first year vehicles can be more problematic until things are worked out. When production increases over expected levels pressure is placed on the supplier to increase production. Tier one suppliers provide completed assemblies whether seat assemblies or dash assemblies to the manufacturer. The supplier must receive the needed components to assemble the dash from tier two suppliers. The tier two suppliers get their components from tier three suppliers. So when there is an increase in production, Volvo contacts their tier one supplier and the they in tern contact their tier two supplier and so on. You can see that everyone wants stuff ASAP. No one is allowed to build inventories as that drives up costs and can have a negative impact on quality. As hardware becomes more complex, you have more opportunities for failure. The auto industry has one of the strongest quality programs in the industry. Never the less we do things to cars that are difficult to test for. We push things and demand of things that makes it difficult to anticipate where breakdowns will occur. While I am not trying to make excuses for Volvo versus Audi. It is true that Volvo does not have the infrastructure that VW provides to Audi. Volvo is more like BMW (the old days), a small manufacturer.
This post started as a comparison between the Q7 and the XC90. Some have suggested that the noise level is higher in the XC90 than in the Audi Q7. In fairness if we really are interested in the facts rather than subjective anecdotal opinions, then someone needs to define a driving course (roads, distance, etcetera), time of day, ambient temperature, and any other independent variables that will impact NVH and then test both cars. They would need a reasonably accurate sound instrument so that we can identify the level of sound within the vehicles at the various speeds and location of the vehicles. Then we can agree on which car is louder than the other. Right or wrong, everyone has an opinion. Purchasing a vehicle is an emotional decision that we try and justify with logic.

 

Excellent!

 

In science we never just let things change without understanding the consequences. Ambient temperature is a big deal. As things heat up, materials expand differently. So the roadway surface is different when it is 70 degrees F versus when it is 75 degrees F. The temperature can impact the roughness of the road which in turn effects the sound. When racing it is a big deal as to time of day, humidity and temperature, road surface, wind, how much rubber is on the surface...…..Also keep in mind what kind of tires are being tested. If the Volvo is a T8 then it will have very hard tires with low rolling resistance versus summer tires? that are a softer compound and may not transmit sound in the same way. You have heard of oranges to oranges. That is really important. Even wheel size is a variable that contributes to sound. The larger the wheel the lower the profile of the tire and the rougher the ride in general. Frankly I don't care about the difference in sound thus far attributable to the Q7 versus the XC90. I find that my XC90 T8 is quiet enough for my enjoyment. Which Q7 is being tested? Is it the top of the line Q7 or is it the lowest cost Q7. I have an interest in this post only because of the technical aspect of comparing one car to another. I have never been one for having a quiet car. I have always in the end modified the exhaust. I may or may not do that to my present car. I am getting somewhat long in tooth. Oh, and I almost forgot. The tires on my T8 call for 42 lbs. PSI. That makes them pretty hard. So one should also check the tire pressure on the vehicles and either adjust them to the manufacturers recommendations.

 

In science we never just let things change without understanding the consequences. Ambient temperature is a big deal. As things heat up, materials expand differently. So the roadway surface is different when it is 70 degrees F versus when it is 75 degrees F. The temperature can impact the roughness of the road which in turn effects the sound. When racing it is a big deal as to time of day, humidity and temperature, road surface, wind, how much rubber is on the surface...…..Also keep in mind what kind of tires are being tested. .

You are talking about lab testing. The discussion is about real world test drive observation, and conditions are not particularly tuned to benefit neither Q7 nor XC90. So, take it what is it.

 

I'm fairly familiar with science. One original question, important to some members was, paraphrasing, "Does the Q7 have a quieter cockpit than the XC90 (or vice versa)?" The testing reported did not compare all Audis to all Volvos, under all conditions, on all tires, and all surfaces. It compared car A to car B, one Q7 to one XC90, on the same course, at the same speed, using the same instrumentation positioned in the same place in both autos. This is a reasonable comparison, allowing the reader to draw general conclusions based on the findings, understanding the limitations of such testing. You could no doubt make either cockpit quieter by driving on non-run flat tires, at lower pressures, at slower speed, on smoother highways, not at rush hour. Wearing noise-reducing headphones. But that was not the purpose of the comparison. The relative importance of cockpit noise to drivers was also not a factor in testing. To some it might be very important, to some not at all. It provides readers data-based information on cockpit noise in two different automobiles from two different manufacturers, under similar conditions, using identical instrumentation, allowing the readers to come to their own conclusions based on reasonably objective data.

 

I am going to be on my best behavior and just say that "it is always in the details" People read forums for a variety of reasons. Of all that read some want information to assist in decision making. From that vantage it is important to provide information that has the least amount of bias included. If I was interested only in the sound level of one car from another. In other words, I am attracted to both cars equally. I want to make a decision based upon the amount of noise entering the cabin in these two cars. I have the two specific vehicles siting there waiting on my decision. Then in that instance driving each car and measuring the level of noise makes sense. If on the other hand, I have not chosen the specific vehicle but have chosen the make of vehicle I need to be more detailed in my analysis. There are three tiers associated with the Q7. In addition there are a multitude of options that can be included in the car. Look at the Volvo XC90 There are three models of the car plus the T8 and each model has a number of options. I do not believe you can make a statement that one car is quieter than another based upon a unscientific test as was conducted. The results that were identified might be good enough for you, but I believe peer review would suggest otherwise. So if you are familiar with science. Frankly I have never heard a statement like that. But that is ok. Everyone is allowed an opinion. You are just not allowed to make up your own facts. Cars are very subjective, I get that. I believe Audi makes a fine car. The VW Group is a powerhouse in the industry. Each car manufacturer designs and markets their cars towards a specific market segment. They are all trying to get new members as their loyal customers become older. Volvo is going after the environmentally conscious segment while I believe Audi is more performance based. That can change quickly as market forces dictate. I have had friends purchase a car based upon how black the black paint was on a particular car. It really is a personal decision. However we should never treat information as fact when it is really an observation that cannot be easily replicated.

 

I see Trump do this all the time in the States. He makes up his own facts and then dismisses anything that contradicts what he wants to be true. Think about his view of climate change. Very bad.

Please leave discussion of politics out of these model-specific forums. There are other discussion areas even within Swedespeed for this sort of thing.

Thank you.

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Car and Driver is a reputable publication, but I don't believe anyone would consider it a peer-reviewed journal. They test and review automobiles, and I believe their testing methodology to be reasonably sound for shopping comparisons for those considering purchasing a particular car - they are in fact specific and repeatable. And I can't detect where they "made up" any facts, but merely presented the results of their testing - as they do for a number of models and manufacturers. Readers are I'm sure invited to use this information in whatever way they choose for purchasing decisions, or just for information. Having reviewed articles and published in a number peer-reviewed medical journals myself, I encourage a critical eye. You should collect as much information as you deem necessary for any large purchasing decisions, and use your own judgement when evaluating anything that impacts your decision - especially the ever-factual Internet and random forum posts, including mine.

 

I went to test drive both the XC90 and the Q7 today and had my Sony WH‑1000XM2 headphones on. Conclusion: Both cars are quiet. This is settled!

They're both great cars. I'm sure a lot of people who cross shopped both have their own opinions. These are just opinions and the reason why we visit these car forums is because we are enthusiasts. We come here to learn and to share our interests. No one is being forced to believe any opinion posted in these car forums.

 

And amen to that!

 

Volvo and the Environment

1. Volvo announcesplan to use 25% recycled plastics in cars by ...
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HakanSamuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. "Environmental careis one of Volvo's core values and we will continue to find new ways tobring this into our business
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Volvo, Betting on Electric,Moves to Phase ... Volvo Cars on Wednesday became the first ... Thedecision by Volvo to focus on electric vehicles could ...
3. Volvo AnnouncesIntentions to Use Only Four-Cylinder Engines
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Volvo AnnouncesIntentions to Use Only Four-Cylinder Engines ... (Volvo Environmental... "Our four-cylinder focus is the perfect way for us to quicklyreduce CO2 ...
4. Plastics News
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"Environmentalcare is one of Volvo's ... the Gothenburg Volvo Ocean Racestopover. The race's focus on ... announced a commitment ...
5. Volvo isbuilding a line of electric commercial semi trucks ...
www.theverge.com/2018/4/13/17234040/volvo-fl...
Volvo has announcedits first all-electric commercial truck, called the FL Electric. ... They canbe used in indoor terminals and environmental zones.
6. Volvo's testingan autonomous garbage collection truck ...
Volvo's testing anautonomous garbage collection truck. ...

7. All Volvo carsto be electric or hybrid from 2019 | Business ...
Volvo's recent announcementthat all new models will be electric beginning in 2019 has received wildlyenthusiastic responses from the environmental and electric carcommunities.
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Goteborg,Sweden -- Volvo Trucks has announced an environmental productdeclaration for its heavy duty Volvo FH and Volvo FM truck modelsto describe the environmental impact of these vehicles throughout theentire product lifecycle.

 

Did a test using my MY16 T8 with additional B-pillar insulation (TJ30853.2.0) today, hybrid driving:

Speed 100km/h = 61 dB

Speed 70km/h = 54 dB

 

Did a test using my MY16 T8 with additional B-pillar insulation (TJ30853.2.0)

Just curious what is the "additional B-pillar insulation" (never heard of that)

 

Excellent. Now if you don't mind can you get a Q7 and try the same thing again, same time of day, etcetera. Data is always nice to have. I suspect that the XC90 T8 will be the best insulated vehicle of the lineup. I bet that because it can operate on batter alone that Volvo spent a lot of time harnessing the NVH of the car. Waiting and holding my breath.
Thanks,
Manny

 

Car and Driver reviews the Audi Q7 for 2018 https://hips.hearstapps.com/amv-pro...und-level-linear-photo-703020-s-original.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=800

Vehicle Tested: 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige​

Interior Sound Level

Modern cabins do an excellent job of insulating passengers from ambient noise, but none can completely eliminate the sharp sound of the wind and the drone of tire noise when you're traveling at highway speed. To measure the interior sound-pressure level, we use a Brüel & Kjær Type 2250-L sound meter, which we position in the middle of the first row of seats at the height of the driver's ear. The meter automatically averages 15 seconds of sound in A-weighted decibels (dBA), taken while the test car is cruising at 70 mph. (A-weighting is an industry standard that adjusts decibel readings to better reflect how the human ear hears various frequencies.) We take two measurements and average the results. We also correct for speedometer inaccuracies with our GPS-based data loggers. It is worth noting that decibels are a logarithmic unit, so a rating of 40 decibels isn't twice the sound pressure of 20 decibels; it is 10 times the sound pressure. A six-decibel increase roughly doubles the sound pressure.

Test Results: Interior Sound Levels at 70 mph

[HR][/HR]

​

 

Based upon the testing conducted by Car and Driver, I must admit that I am surprised that the Q7 was significantly quieter than the Volvo XC90 T8. In depth analysis of the car and they compare it to a number of other vehicles including the XC90 T8. You have to love the data.
Manny