Audi Q7 3.0 TDi

Rising fuel prices and a trend towards downsizing mean theQ7 is up against it, but the raft of changes is a step in the right direction. A hybrid powertrain would add weight and make the SUV much pricier, yet with these new engines, Audi has minimised costs and kept driver appeal high.

It's Audi’s most efficient Q7 yet! The firm has introduced a series of economical engines and a range of upgrades to slash the SUV’s running costs.  

The 3.6 and 4.2-litre V6 FSI petrol engines of the outgoing model have been ditched in favour of a pair of new 3.0-litre supercharged TFSI units. These serve up 268bhp and 328bhp respectively, and Audi says they are 12 and 16 per cent more efficient as well.

Most buyers are still likely to go for the 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel model, though, which is why the company has shaved 20kg off the existing oil-burner and added stop-start, among other changes. The result is 38.2mpg and 195g/km CO2 emissions – impressive for such a heavy car. Mild changes have also been made to the 335bhp 4.2-litre V8 TDI, which now averages 30.7mpg. Plus, all buyers can specify a new eight-speed tiptronic box with longer ratios to keep revs as low as possible and boost efficiency.

Visually, there’s nothing to differentiate the latest Q7 from the model it replaces.

It’s identical, inside and out, with the same huge, imposing road presence and top-quality cabin.

Although the 3.0-litre TDI engine is lighter, it’s certainly not short of grunt. Prod the throttle and the 550Nm of torque propels the big Audi forward with surprising pace.

It will complete the sprint from 0-62mph in only 7.9 seconds, and under acceleration the V6 emits a pleasant growl. There isn’t a hint of diesel clatter about it. We also tried the V8 TDI, which delivers a massive 800Nm of torque for blistering mid-range performance. But it isn’t as refined as the V6, which is realistically all the car most UK drivers will need.

The new eight-speed transmission shifts ratios smoothly and seamlessly. It’s best to leave it to select gears on its own, however, as the steering wheel paddles make the changes slightly jerkier.

Anyone looking to downsize is unlikely to consider the Q7, but it’s still a great choice for motorists in the market for a capable luxury 4x4. The more efficient engines and fuel-saving technology are a welcome upgrade.

Rival: BMW X5
Good looking and brilliant to drive, the big BMW is as strong as ever. There’s the option of seven seats and the 3.0d diesel is tough to beat. It blends strong acceleration with nearly 40mpg