Audi took its time to get the second-generation Q7 just right. Based on our experience thus far, it’s certainly upped the ante in terms of important factors such as refinement and ride comfort. There are few cars, if any, in this category that deliver premium, luxury motoring with such efficiency and ease. Will the Q7 go all the way to secure a victory in this category?
1. Refined and efficient performance
Based on the Volkswagen Group’s new MLB-Evo platform, the Q7 is more than 300 kg lighter than its predecessor. You can feel it almost immediately. The lower weight, power delivery characteristics, Quattro all-wheel drive and slick 8-speed automatic transmission combine to deliver a very refined driving experience. The Q7’s 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine delivers a strong 183 kW and 600 Nm of torque, so even when fully loaded it can deliver excellent overtaking power when needed.
With less weight to lug around and efficiency improvements, the Q7’s engine is also impressively economical, with a claimed figure of 6.3L/100km being very reasonable indeed.
2. Top-notch luxury features
The Q7’s interior design is to be praised and in many ways its luxury stems from its refinement, not its features. Nevertheless, you do get most of the features you need as standard, including cruise control, navigation, auto wipers/lights, leather upholstery and even gearshift paddles.
You do have to pay extra for the “nice-to-haves”, however. Notable optional features include 4-zone climate control, Heads-Up-Display (HUD) system, a Bose sound system or, if you must, a Bang & Olufsen system. You can also treat yourself to optional memory function and heating for the seats.
3. Practical and spacious
The new Q7’s cabin is not just pretty to look at, but also very comfortable to sit in. Granted, you pay extra for options that include electrically adjustable sports front seats, Alcantara leather and a huge panoramic sunroof, but even so, we were mighty impressed with the interior. For one, it is notably better packaged than before. It offers more space throughout the cabin than its bigger forebear. Legroom in the second row is particularly generous, and though third-row seating is a offered as an option, Audi claims it’s bigger back there too. The load bay is claimed to hold 890 litres, which is commodious indeed.
Rear seat passengers have access to two 12V power points, ventilation outlets and the backrests of the seats offer a reclining function, too.
Do you own a Q7? We would love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience by completing ourOwnership Satisfaction Survey. Your input counts for 50% of the final result.
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