Audi Q7 Video Review

STAND OUT FEATURES

Jump into the Q7 and you’re surrounded by what looks and feels as up-to-date as car interiors get. You’ve got two super sharp displays to work with, including a hugely customizable instrument cluster. There’s a large touchpad here on the centre console that can recognize your handwriting and gives you another level of control over the motorised screen on the dash.

Unfortunately a few of the Audi’s more advanced safety systems don’t come standard, like auto emergency braking and semi-autonomous control, so keep that in mind when buying. Also on the options list is a deluxe air conditioning package that turns most of the dashboard into one huge air vent and gives your back seat passengers their own climate controls.

WHERE DOES IT FEEL AT HOME?

Easily the most impressive thing about the Q7 is its refinement. The turbo-diesel V6 has plenty of power – in fact, it’s properly fast and it’s remarkably smooth and quiet. It defies its large size through the corners as well. That makes it sweet to drive at any speed and it cruises like a natural over long distances. In the very back there’s a third row of seats as standard, and while it is a big car it’s not unusable in the city. The hushed cabin acts almost like your own little sanctuary.

WHAT’S IT MADE FOR?

It probably won’t surprise you to hear that the Q7 weighs in at over two tonnes. What may surprise you is that it’s actually a lightweight compared to the old one. Audi has trimmed 240 kilos off the Q7s beltline which you’ll notice in better fuel economy and on-road performance.

WHAT WE LIKE AND WHAT WE'D CHANGE

Despite the outside being smaller than the old car, clever packaging means the interior space is actually bigger. You can configure the rear seats independently and this third row isn’t just somewhere to shove people you don’t like. It’s actually comfortable!

Sadly, even with the optional air con package, the third row of seats doesn’t get it its own air vents. How often you need to put people back here will determine how much that matters to you.

Now air suspension might sound like an unnecessary extravagance, but we would strongly suggest you test drive a Q7 with that option ticked before you buy. The ride on air is superb, and it actually adds to the car’s practicality by allowing you to lower the rear of the car to make it easier to load.

WHO WILL IT SUIT

The Audi Q7 is a hugely practical SUV with plenty of performance on tap, but it’s not trying to be anything other than a relaxed and luxurious people mover that you won’t tire of living with.