Audi Q7 4x4

ON THE ROAD

Performance
Petrol choices start with a 3.6-litre V6, but if 276bhp isn't enough for you, there's also a 345bhp 4.2-litre V8. Our favourite engine is the 237bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, but diesel buyers also have the choice of a 4.2-litre V8 with 322bhp. All come with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Ride & handling
The Q7 leans towards on-road agility rather than off-road prowess. It changes direction quickly for such a big car, and body movements are well controlled. The ride is rather jiggly at low speeds but things settle down at motorway speeds.

Refinement
Occupants will rarely be bothered by engine noise, while the Q7’s rounded nose and self-lowering suspension help it cut through the air with little disturbance at speed. Unfortunately coarser surfaces can be heard echoing through the wheelarches

OWNERSHIP

Buying & owning
The Q7 is a sensible investment because it holds on to its value tenaciously. However, its bulk means it won’t be cheap to run; high emissions mean every model falls in the top company car tax band and even the most frugal diesel averages only 27.2mpg.

Quality & reliability
Audi has a reputation for high-quality interiors, and the Q7 doesn’t let the side down. All of the materials are pleasantly tactile and robust, while the controls operate with a slick precision. The reliability news isn’t as good because Audi has consistently finished near the bottom in our surveys.

Safety & security
Standard four-wheel drive helps keep the Q7 on the road, backed up by electronic stability and differential lock systems. Twin front and side airbags are standard, while curtain side airbags provide head protection for all three rows. An alarm is fitted to every model.

IN THE CABIN

Behind the wheel
To reduce dash clutter, the Q7 has a single rotary knob for accessing stereo, sat-nav and air-suspension functions, with well-placed buttons bringing up menus for each system on a colour screen. A wide range of adjustment makes it easy to find a good driving position, too, but rear vision is restricted.

Space & practicality
Every model comes with three rows of seats as standard, the third row folding flat into the boot floor when not needed. The front two rows provide plenty of space for passengers, while the rearmost two seats are fit only for children or adults on short trips. The boot offers 330 litres as a seven-seater, or a vast 775 litres as a five-seater. The middle bench slides back and forth by 100mm to share out leg space between the middle and back rows.

Equipment
Every model comes with seven seats, alloy wheels, air suspension, climate control, cruise control and electric windows all-round as standard. SE models gain heated leather seats with electric adjustment, wood and aluminium trim for the cabin and extra lighting. S Line models feature headlamp washers, sporty styling details and sports seats. Options include a DVD sat-nav system and a panoramic sunroof over all three rows of seats