Road Test - Audi Q7

Author: Ian Strachan

The first thing you notice about Audi’s Q7 is just how big it is. This car, which was the first ever luxury large 4x4 from the German maker when it was launched a few years back, is huge.

The first thing you notice about Audi's Q7 is just how big it is. This car, which was the first ever luxury large 4x4 from the German maker when it was launched a few years back, is huge.

It is also very comfortable - with the added versatility of seven seats if you want them, it handles well, is capable off road and very well behaved on road. It also looks good and has more than enough power.

The Q7 comes in more expensive than a Land Rover Discovery but cheaper than a Range Rover. A superb motorway cruiser it can go from tarmac to mud without the driver having to do anything. 

Even though my test vehicle wasn't fitted with mud plugging tyres, it rarely put a foot wrong in some deep and sticky Derbyshire mud. With the help of a wealth of technology it maintained grip throughout. A lot of manufacturers have tried and failed to emulate Land Rover's superior off-road capabilities. I think Audi may be getting close.

Despite its size, this is undoubtedly an Audi, with the distinctive deep Audi grille, unique lighting trim and pleasing lines. Inside it's roomy and comfortable, with plenty of creature comforts.

The design takes its cues from smaller Audi estates, but it is obviously much taller. The third row of seats folds flat into the loadspace area and there's also underfloor stowage here, which is very useful, though it does make the loading sill quite high. The tailgate is electronically powered.

I test drove a diesel powered Q7 quattro with a smooth but powerful 3.0 litre direct injection diesel engine. This 240 bhp unit has plenty of grunt, delivering power throughout the range without ever feeling reluctant to propel this big car. The flexible and brand new eight (yes, eight) speed tiptronic gearbox is exceptionally flexible. It's pretty frugal for such a big unit, delivering more than 38 mpg in mixed driving.

The Q7 handles better than most 4x4s. It is stable and predictable, with no suspension wallow, and flat cornering. On the open road its acceleration is impressive, achieving 0-60 in just over seven and a half seconds.

The Q7's manners are impeccable and it's a great motorway cruiser. Steering is light but precise.

Specification is good, and my test car came with some useful extras, including a technology pack consisting of a satellite navigation system,  Bose surround sound system, CD changer, driver information system and all-round parking aid. Other extras fitted to my test car included rear parking camera, mobile telephone preparation, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and 20 inch spokedalloy wheels.

The Q7 3.0 TDI comes at £45,630 on the road, but if you add the extras fitted to my test car it comes at £51,650. We're nudging Range Rover territory here, but the Audi is still exceptionally well-equipped and you get the benefit of a high specification vehicle that won't depreciate quickly, and a versatile and more than competent performer. 

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv