Introduction
After joining the Audi range back in 2005, the Q7 has become one of the top premium SUVs to buy, providing plenty of practicality and smart looks.
Now in its second generation, the Q7 is no longer the flagship SUV in the German firm’s line-up after the Q8 was released in 2018 – but the Q7 remains as the largest and most practical model in the Audi range.
Sharing the same platform as the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, the Q7 has plenty of rivals in-house at the VW Group already before you consider the likes of the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90.
But in an ever-growing and competitive segment, can Audi’s monster SUV still make waves? We take a look…
Performance
Both engines on offer with the Q7 are diesel 3.0-litre V6s – labelled 45 TDI and 50 TDI under Audi’s naming structure. Both are paired to quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 45 TDI develops 227bhp and 500Nm of torque, allowing the Q7 to get from 0-60mph in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 142mph.
The more potent of the two units, the 50 TDI, develops 282bhp and 600Nm of torque, allowing the Q7 to get from 0-60mph in just 6.1 seconds – before a reaching a top speed of 152mph. Despite the upgrade in power, the difference between 45 and 50 in overall performance isn’t that great and both are more than capable of dragging the Q7’s heft without many issues. A 48V mild-hybrid system enhances the vehicle’s fuel-saving capabilities.
Ride & Handling
With the quattro system on-board, the Q7 is never lacking grip, and when teamed with the well-balanced steering, you have a car that is predictable, if not particularly invigorating, to drive. As Audi fits it with rather soft suspension as standard, it can feel a bit ponderous through the corners and lean due to the car being top heavy – but it’s nothing that the upgrade to adaptive suspension can’t manage.
Audi has managed to make the whole driving experience for the Q7 very refined, as the suspension manages to soak up all but the worst bumps in the road, while the cancellation of tyre and exterior noises help to make the car feel even more relaxed. The sportier SQ7 helps make the package feel much more dynamic due to a lower ride height, sports suspension and quicker steering.
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Interior & Equipment
Due to the car’s rather large proportions, you won’t be found wanting for space in the cabin. Even with all seven seats in place, head and legroom is more than ample for all the seats, and gaining access to the rearmost seats is very simple, as the middle row can be slid and tilted forward. With all chairs in place, customers will still have 770 litres of boot space to play with – while folding all the seats down provides 1,955 litres in the rear space.
For the price you pay for an entry level Q7, equipment levels are certainly plentiful. You get 19-inch alloy wheels, Audi Drive Select, LED daytime running lights and rear lights, electric door mirrors, powered tailgate, heated front seats with leather upholstery throughout, two-zone climate control, the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit instrument display, a wireless charging pad with space for two phones, an 8.3-inch central touchscreen and satellite navigation.
On top of that, the Q7 also comes with a series of assistance systems to ensure drivers stay safe on the road. The ‘Parking System Plus’ with front and rear sensors, cruise control with speed limiter, a rear-view camera and Audi pre-sense city emergency braking system are all included as standard – with more features available further up the scale.
Cost
For the entry level Q7 in Sport trim with the 45 TDI engine, prices start from £51,325, which is higher than the likes of the Volvo XC90, but considerably less than the cheapest Range Rover and BMW’s X5.
With the help of the mild-hybrid system, both the 45 and 50 TDI engines return the same fuel economy and emissions figures – 41.5mpg and 178g/km CO2 – which for a car of this size isn’t too bad at all.
Verdict
Audi has done a great job with the Q7 in making it as comfortable and as practical as possible – while also making it feel as premium as many of its rivals. With equipment levels very high from the starting point and the overall performance feeling very refined, the Q7 also manages to be very efficient – with both diesel engines employing the 48V mild-hybrid system. If you’re in the market for a premium family SUV, then in terms of pricing and performance, only the Volvo XC90 comes relatively close to this.
