The Audi Q7 is the largest Audi family SUV that is able to accommodate up to seven people at once. This means that the Q7 is primarily targeted towards family use. However, the Q7 is not as large as the BMW X7 or the Mercedes GLS, the Q7 is more like the GLE and the X5, but with the ability to go for a seven-seater configuration.
The Q7 is available with a few different engine choices which also include a few hybrids. All Q7 models come with Audi’s Quattro AWD system, the Tiptronic 8-speed gearbox, and loads of standard equipment. The Q7 is indeed one of the best Audi SUVs you can buy and the only Audi SUV that is able to rival the Q7 is the Q8.
Design-wise, the first generation Q7 looks nice while the post-facelift 1st gen Q7 is arguably the best-looking Audi Q7 to date. The new Audi Q7 is not exactly beautiful, but the 2nd generation post-facelift model does make this luxury barge look nicer. Interior-wise, the 1st gen Q7 is now old while the current one is also starting to show its age a bit.
The Q7 is a decently reliable car, especially the current generation Q7 which seems to outperform most of its rivals when it comes to reliability. Practicality-wise, the Q7 is as good as cars get with seven seats and acres of cargo space without hampering great all-around visibility.
Audi Q7 – The powertrain
The 1st generation Q7 is available with a few different engines starting with the 3.0L TFSI 6-cylinder with 272hp or with 333hp. Some markets also got the 3.6L Q7 with 280hp while the only 8-cylinder model is the 4.2L V8 with 350hp. The first-gen Q7 also comes with a myriad of diesel engines and the V12 6.0L diesel with 500hp is the craziest Audi engine of all time.
The new Audi Q7 range also kicks off with the 3.0L V6, but with 333hp as standard. The post-facelift model raises that output towards 340hp while the range-topping SQ7 uses a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 507hp. The current Q7 is also available with a few diesel engines and with two 3.0L V6 hybrid engines.
As mentioned in the beginning, the first-gen Q7 uses an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox while the newer ones also use an 8-speed Tiptronic, but one that is both better and more sophisticated. All Q7 models come with Audi Quattro AWD and all of them can go off-road.
As far as efficiency is concerned, the Q7 is a large SUV which means that it is not the most efficient one. The least efficient Q7 is the 4.2L V8 while the newer 3.0L hybrid is the most efficient one with a maximum MPG of up to 84MPG.
Audi Q7 – Design and chassis
The very first generation Q7 is now a fairly old car which means that it shows. However, the post-facelift 1st generation Q7 with the all-important LED lights is in my opinion, the best-looking Audi SUV to date. The second generation of the Q7 debuted with a much more angular design that didn’t fare all that well while the now post-facelift 2nd generation of the Q7 is much better looking.
Interior-wise, all 1st gen Q7 models now look dated as the interior design is based on the C6 Audi A6. The second-generation Audi Q7 looks nice, especially if equipped to a high degree. However, the post-facelift Q7 definitely looks the most futuristic and best.
As far as chassis and suspension tuning is concerned, the Q7 aims for a clear emphasis on comfort and subtleness. It is a large SUV and that is rather obvious from behind the wheel, no matter if you go for the SQ7 or not.
Audi Q7 reliability and common issues
The 1st gen Q7 is not the most reliable car out there, especially because it costs a load of money to maintain. Early second-generation models also didn’t fare admirably, but the post-facelift (current) Audi Q7 is much better. So much so that it beats most of its rivals when it comes to reliability.
The most common issues with the Q7 are associated with the fuel tank pressurization, the knock sensor, ignition coils and spark plugs, timing chain issues, and worn-out CV boots. Most of these are indeed mechanical, but they are not all that common with the current Q7 as they once were.
Audi Q7 value and practicality
The Audi Q7 tends to costs between $15,000 to $90,000 depending on the model, the condition, and the mileage. The Q7 offers quite a lot of features and is a true luxury SUV. Practicality-wise, the Q7 is as good as cars get as it is both spacious inside and it offers a huge cargo space.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Audi Q7?
It depends on what you need and what you want from a car. If you like to treat yourself with the upper echelon of cars and you don’t mind spending the extra money, the current generation Q7 is one of the best mid-to-large luxury SUVs you can buy right now.
If you just want the space and comfort without spending huge amounts of money, a used Q7 is also a good idea. However, you need to keep in mind that cars like these tend to depreciate rapidly while also costing a lot of money to maintain.
Is the Audi Q7 safe?
The Audi Q7 earns a stellar 5-star safety rating in every credible organization which means that it is indeed safe. It’s worth mentioning that you need to spend extra on various options if you want the highest level of safety.
This means that the Q7 does not come as standard with all the safety bells and whistles and that these also cost quite a lot of money.
Is the Audi Q7 good off-road?
The Audi Q7 is positioned as a luxury family SUV which means that it is not a Jeep Wrangler. This does not mean that the Q7 is unable to tackle challenging terrain, but rather that you have better options at this price point.
If you simply want a car that can do everything on the road while also being able to tackle light to moderate off-roading, the Q7 is indeed a good choice.
