Skip advert
Advertisement

Audi Q7

With its powerful yet refined V8, Audi's flagship Q7 sets a new performance benchmark in the luxury SUV class

Overall Auto Express rating

3.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£9,953 off RRP*
Find your Audi Q7
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

With its powerful yet refined V8, Audi's flagship Q7 sets a new performance benchmark in the luxury SUV class. While it's not the most capable off road, the seven-seater is very quick, and offers fine handling and rewarding road manners, too. Only firm suspension lets the chassis down. The £4,000 stereo system is another highlight. With a total of 14 speakers, it sounds every bit as expensive as it actually is!

Advertisement - Article continues below

Since it was launched 13 months ago, the Audi Q7 has proved that bigger is still better when it comes to 4x4s. More than 88,000 have rolled off the production line so far.

To drive the success story on even further, Audi has now given it the most powerful diesel on the market. The 4.2-litre V8 has 326bhp and 760Nm, and propels the two-and-a-half-ton Q7 from 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds.

On the road, this performance is made all the more incredible by the car's superb refinement. The whole experience is improved further by our test car's optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. The digital set-up sounds great, and has speakers that rise out of the dash when it's switched on. The downside is that it is likely to add around £4,000 to the Q7's price tag.

Although the ride is firm, engine and road noise are almost absent. Making progress even smoother is a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, while quattro 4WD ensures there is no shortage of grip.

However, it's not the most fuel-efficient or eco-friendly diesel on the market. The Q7 struggles to better 25mpg and throws out 294g/km of CO2 from its exhaust pipes, meaning you'll pay dearly if you want to run it as a company car. And while on-road performance is first class, it's unlikely that Land Rover or Jeep will lose any sleep over its off-road abilities.

Even so, if owners do venture off the beaten track, the Q7 still offers a good degree of versatility, thanks to its capable four-wheel drive and adjustable air-suspension. More importantly, the torquey diesel easily has enough power to pull the car out of sticky situations.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi Q7

Audi Q7

RRP £65,820Avg. savings £9,953 off RRP*Used from £32,999
Audi Q8

Audi Q8

RRP £68,130Avg. savings £9,985 off RRP*Used from £33,300
BMW X7

BMW X7

RRP £77,095Avg. savings £11,126 off RRP*Used from £49,750
Volkswagen Touareg

Volkswagen Touareg

RRP £60,430Avg. savings £4,923 off RRP*Used from £20,361
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales
Luxury car tax

Labour hints at major luxury car tax U-turn to boost EV sales

Is pressure from retailers and car makers finally cutting through with ministers?
News
22 May 2025
The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm
Nissan Micra - front

The Nissan Micra is back! New supermini arrives with EV power and plenty of charm

The Nissan Micra makes a long-awaited return as an EV and is set to offer up to 253 miles of range
News
21 May 2025
BYD Dolphin Surf review
BYD Dolphin Surf - front

BYD Dolphin Surf review

The BYD Dolphin Surf is a roomy, sophisticated, and competitively priced electric city car that’ll find plenty of willing buyers
In-depth reviews
23 May 2025