Audi Q7
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Not the prettiest thing you've ever seen, but Audi's formula of club-class quality and high-tech engineering should put the Q7 somewhere near the top of the premium SUV pile.
Review
For years, Audi resisted making this car - arguing that SUVs were just a fad and that demand would eventually fade. The company was wrong, of course, and the Q7 is an admission of that mistake. The outrageous success of the X5, M Class and XC90 made this car inevitable.
Based on the same platform that underpins the gawky Volkswagen Touareg and the willfully ugly Porsche Cayenne, it's not too surprising to find that the Q7 is a car with opinion-splitting styling. The front end projects plenty of visual presence, but from other angles the big Audi looks like a generic pastiche of some of its competitors.
Inside, there's more to enjoy with a fine driving environment and plenty of gadgets - including options like active cruise control and a very clever anti-blindspot radar, which detects overtaking traffic and warns the driver through lights incorporated into the door mirror housing. It's useful too, thanks to a third row of seats. These offer more space than those in the XC90 or Land Rover Discovery, and can be collapsed into the boot floor easily to maximize luggage space.
The suspension system is also premium quality, with air springing standard on all versions. Handling is impressive, the Audi belying its two-ton bulk with impressively composed cornering. And it's comfortable, too - thanks to a soothing, well-damped ride and excellent noise refinement.
Both the 4.2-litre V8 - taken from the RS4 - and recently revised 3.0-litre TDI are strong performers, although you'll soon be on first name terms with your local filling station manager if you opt for the petrol. Both ship with Audi's six-speed Tiptronic auto box.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
Not Audi's finest hour, but when you're trying to make a five meter, 2.5 tonne off-roader look graceful, the odds really are stacked against you. Looks best from the front.
Handling
4 star
Audi's experience with air-suspension means the Q7 drives surprisingly well for such a big brute. Good resistance to body roll and sharp steering.
Comfort
4 star
The driving position is hard to fault while those in the back get a good deal thanks to the long wheelbase. It's a bit of a squeeze in the pop-up third-row chairs, but better than rivals.
Quality & Reliability
5 star
Fit and finish is up to Audi's usual high standards, with the cabin particularly impressive - a clear area of superiority over the M Class.
Performance
4 star
The 4.2-litre V8 is a corker and gives the Q7 a real turn of speed - at the cost of 10 mpg thirst under hard use. The lively 3.0 litre V6 TDI motor will be where the smart money goes. Other engines follow later.
Roominess
4 star
The boot looks shallow but there's actually reasonable room with the third row seats upright - and a huge loadspace with them collapsed.
Running Costs
3 star
Strong residuals should help protect your investment, but the Q7 is still an expensive beast to run - even with the respectably frugal diesel engine. 4.2 V8 should be left to professional footballers or eccentric millionaires.
Value for money
4 star
Relatively high entry-level pricing, but good standard equipment includes air suspension. Options are expensive.
