1Hondalover

I have no problem with the 6 Speed in our 2008 3.6 but wish it didn't spin 2850 at 80 MPH. Does the 4.2 have different gearing? I can't imagine the V8 cruising at those revs.....

Yesterday the Dealer gave me a brand new A4 to drive while the Q is in for some service and it obviously has an 8 speed. I've seen what appears to be mixed reviews on this trans here, and can understand some of them now that I've driven one, though I realize we're talking two different animals here.

Assuming an 8 speed Q7 responds similarly, I think I'd rather have the 6 Speed, sacrificing the slightly better mileage and lower final drive revs the 8 likely provides. Since I won't have a choice, the 8 won't be a deal breaker if we go for a new Q7 in a few years.....this is a cool car!

DUTCH VanAtlanta

I have a friend with a 2011 Audi sedan - don't remember which model - with the 8-speed, and he complains about it being sluggish, hard shifting and sometimes having a hard time deciding into which gear to go.

I'm more than pleased with the 6-speed in my 2010 Q7 TDI; and at 80 mph the engine is not laboring at all.

greggds

FWIW, I absolutely love the 8 speed in our S-Line. The shifts, IMO are very smooth - to the point that I can honestly say that I usually don't even notice when it's switching during normal acceleration in both D and S mode.

I do, however, notice a difference when mashing the gas in S mode compared with that of D. The gear ratios in D are mainly designed around fuel efficiency rather than performance, so the shifts seem more unnatural compared with what I experience in S mode where it allows for higher revs before the shift engages. Even with the more aggressive acceleration, I have been extremely happy with the shift transitions.

Oldmxnut

for my part, i cant compare with the six speed as haven't driven back to back, but can say i have absolutely no complaints with the 8 speed. very smooth and you do not notice the gear changes.
sport mode is a plus with 8, driving hard along a mountain road, with lots of acceleration and braking, it was running up through and back down again with confidence. i did start to use the paddle shift, but after a while didnt bother as the S mode held the gears and up shifted / downshifted as required.

MarkItZero

Here is the answer... it's close.

phil47

When I test drove the Q7 s-line before purchasing I specifically paid attention to the shift behavior of the 8-speed slush box. In the 2 hours I drive it I was very impressed. No hunting or delayed downshifts and always seemed to be in the right gear. Seemed to use a shift logic remarkably similar to the 7-speed SMG in my 2011 S4.

arkbbq

I'm pleasantly surprised that the 333 hp engine in my 2011 Q turns only 2200 rpm at 80 mph, and the '11 seems to clearly have more scoot than the 350 hp '07 4.2 I traded. So I gotta give props to the 8-speed transmission.