Audi Q7 Review

Performance4.5/5

From the selection of engines on offer in the Audi Q7, the 3 litre TDI diesel (236 bhp) is the most economic, combining as it does the ability to sprint from 0 – 62mph in 8.5 seconds, with a top speed of 134 mph and returning 27 mpg. Other options include a 6-litre TDI (493 bhp), a 3.6 litre and a 4.2 litre petrol engine. The bottom line though is that there isn’t a cheap option and anyone considering purchasing such a weighty vehicle should have a certain amount of financial manoeuvrability.

Handling4.5/5

It goes without saying that a huge two ton car like the Q7 is not the best for town driving; parking and negotiating narrow urban streets are downright difficult. But get it out on the open road and it’s a whole new can of worms. The air suspension ensures a comfortable ride for all and there is little exterior or interior noise to spoil the feeling of well being. There is very little body roll to trouble the occupants on corners; there is plenty of good grip and the steering is sharp and responsive. Should you decide to go off-road (although the Q7 is not the best in its class for this terrain) the air suspension can be raised for easier clearance.

Exterior4/5

Not a delicate flower this – the Audi Q7 is a hunk of a car and not one to blend in with the crowd. It has hefty alloys, a larger than usual grille, distinctive rear lights and two exhausts.  It’s a big vehicle; but not ungraceful and not lacking in style.

Interior4.5/5

Despite its external bulk, the interior of the Q7 is typically ‘Audi’ and a delight. A clearly laid out dash with a variety of gadgets enhances the driver’s experience, while the driving position is fully adjustable and should be able to accommodate any driver to suit their needs. The third row of seats is easily collapsible, adding some 450 litres to the already generous 330 litre boot space. With them upright the Q7 can carry seven people; although the two seats in the back are really only suitable for smaller adults or children, and are not very easy to get to. The middle row of seats can also fold down creating a massive stowage space of more than 2000 litres; a waterproof storage area beneath the floor of the boot is a great place for getting rid of the muddy wellies and soggy wetsuits! Of course the downside of all this space is that you can’t cram the vehicle into a small parking space.

Equipment4/5

The Audi Q7 comes in three trim levels – standard, SE and S-Line. Equipment, as standard across all three, includes 18 inch alloys, adaptive air suspension, automatic lights and wipers, CD player, cruise control, rear parking sensors, automatic folding door mirrors, front and rear electric windows, climate control and aluminium trim. Moving up to the SE, leather upholstery appears, along with electrically operated heated front seats, ambient lighting, Bluetooth and chrome trims. Take the leap up to S-Line and for your money you will get 20- inch alloys, front sport seats, headlamp washers. Optional extras include a DVD sat nave system and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety4/5

The Audi Q7 was awarded a four star rating in the European NCAP crash tests. Front, side and head airbags are there for the protection of front occupants, and head airbags are also fitted through the rear passenger area. Its electronic stability control is augmented by a rollover stabilisation program which is activated if it detects the car may be in danger of rolling. All models are fitted with an alarm as standard.

Buying & Owning3.5/5

Unsurprisingly the Q7 is an expensive car to run – from the range, the 3.0 litre turbo diesel is the easiest on the pocket. The Clean Diesel engine, introduced in 2010, delivers an average 32 mpg – which could be worse, considering the size of the car. All models will incur a large road tax bill, falling as they do into the higher bands.

Reviewed by cars2buy