Since returning to the US after nine years in Abu Dhabi, KDHamptons Lifestyle Editor, Kim Hopkins, has been enjoying her new life in the Hamptons. “I love the beautiful beaches, delicious food, farms, family and friends,” shares Kim. “My son, Brady, is seven, and while he has visited the Hamptons many summers, this is his first time living in America, so we are showing him all there is to see on the beautiful East End.  Last week, we were thrilled when the founders of HeyMama and Audi asked us to test drive their new Q7, one of the coolest, hi-tech SUVs on the market.”

“Being a mother, I spend a lot of time in the car driving to and from school and camp, as well as play dates and excursions. Our Q7 came in Audi’s Glacier White, with chunky Goodyear Eagle Sport tires on 20-inch wheels. The V-6 engine has 333 horsepower and an impressive 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, especially for a vehicle that weighs 5080 pounds! The car’s interior is the real show-stopper: advanced technology, three rows of comfy leather seats, video screens on the back headrests, and much-needed USB ports so passengers can charge their own devices. Yes!”

“Our first stop in the Q7 was a trip to Cooper’s Beach in Southampton. Driving down Meadow Lane early Saturday morning, we were so excited to see that the Q7 has Apple CarPlay™, so all of our favorite iPhone music appeared on the huge retractable navigation screen. (The car also supports Google™ Android Auto.) The inside of the SUV is sleek, stream-lined and super-comfortable. Audi’s virtual cockpit makes navigating the roads a pleasure: there’s a full map display on the dash screen, as well as many extra safety features such a quick flashing light on the side mirror if a car or object comes close to either side of the vehicle. All cars should have that.”

“After a few hours at the beach, we stopped at Thayer’s in Bridgehampton to buy one of the summer’s coolest pool floats, a huge white swan. It was easy to secure to the roof through Audi’s full-length moon roof (one of Brady’s favorite features). Then we took to the open road, Deerfield that is, where many of the Hamptons’ car connoisseurs are known to put the pedal to the medal. The car’s pick up is great, and unlike some other SUVs, the Q7 hugs corners and rides low and steady.”

“We splashed in my sister’s [KDHamptons founder, Kelli Delaney] pool in Water Mill for the afternoon, then it was over to Topiaire, our favorite flower shop on Job’s Lane in Southampton, to pick up some Dutch hydrangeas for a dinner party. Parking in the Hamptons isn’t always easy, especially in tight parallel spaces, but the Q7’s 12.3-inch display does the work for you, with colored lines (and beeps) to guide you right into the spot.”

“Sunday was my best chance to see what the Audi was made of. I drove out to the Surf Lodge in Montauk for the Stronglikeamama wellness event, sponsored by Self magazine and Heymama.co. The morning kicked-off with an amazing workout led by Dasha Anderson, founder of KB Fit Flow. Not just another fitness “guru”, Dasha is a martial artist and has a master’s degree in exercise science! She is also the creator of Kettlebell Kickboxing, which blends strength training, cardio and movement science.”

“We all picked up so many great tips and ideas from Dasha, as well as the other wellness experts at a waterfront brunch after the workout. Led by HeyMama co-founder Katya Libin, industry experts Liz Plosser of SELF, Jill Foley of Peloton, and Jacq Tatelman of State Bags, shared their secrets of juggling work, home and children, and how staying healthy and fit is the key to it all, whether you sneak in a quick 15 minutes before work, or take a brisk walk at lunch. Just keep moving.”

“Feeling re-energized and inspired, I hit the road back to Water Mill for a final spin in the Audi. Cell coverage is often spotty in Montauk, so I was beyond happy when I remembered the Q7 has its own Wi-fi hotspot. I may buy one for this feature alone! What a great weekend in the Hamptons. Thanks Audi.”