Audi’s Q7 has been a solid choice for the discerning buyer seeking space, comfort and refinement. With the second generation in for a mid-life update, we took the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the 45 TDI Quattro.
It’s the base model of the line-up, although there’s nothing basic about this large SUV, given the inclusion list. Revisions are mostly visual, with a refreshed grille and front bumper design, Matrix LED headlights and an integrated diffuser for the rear bumper.
Interestingly, the B-pillar now boasts insignia denoting the model and variant, in case you forget when hopping in. Audi’s large SUV offering was never a bad thing to look at to start with, but the changes freshen things up a little.
Ours was finished in Samurai Grey, one of seven colours to choose from. Contrasting elements are found in the optional High Gloss Black exterior package, and black and white Audi badging, which also forms part of the update.
The package is rounded out by 20-inch grey and bright finish wheels wrapped in 285/45 Pirelli P-Zero rubber. While it shares a platform with the Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q8, there are key dimensional differences.
Extra wheelbase and overall length result in a third row, making this a 7-seater. More height improves vision and headroom, with the combination making it a more family friendly option.
Much like its Q8 sibling, climbing aboard reveals a dark charcoal leather cabin featuring soft touch materials. There’s little distinction other than the extra space between the two. The front row scores heated seats featuring a prudent blend of supportiveness and comfort.
A range of electric adjustment is available. Up ahead, a familiar dash layout sees a trio of excellent screens; one 12.3-inch unit for the driver, with multiple display options including a map, and a central 10.1-inch unit atop the centre stack for core vehicle functions.
The final screen is an 8.1-inch unit below that, for climate control functions. Haptic buttons feature on screens throughout, but there are also some of the traditional variety, including a volume knob.
Charging duties are handled by two USB-C ports in the centre storage binnacle, which are supplemented by a wireless charging pad. It means things stay neat, but there were times when charging stopped due to overheating when the lid was down.
As with the Q8, storage space in there was limited to one’s phone and perhaps a pair of sunglasses. Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature, allowing you to play your favourite tunes through a 10-speaker stereo.
The driver holds onto a large, thin rimmed steering wheel with a range of logical buttons on either end for the basics. The driver’s seat feels high in the cabin, resulting in superb visibility through a huge glasshouse, that presents right around.
This is supplemented by an excellent camera system with a variety of useful functions, including an overhead 360-degree view for those who may find the size a little imposing when parking.
Visibility is also a benefit to middle row occupants, who enjoy their own air-conditioning zone and acreage of space for legs, and head room that is fit for a 6-foot plus frame. The seats are on rails too, allowing it to slide forward and aft.
That ensures easier access to the third row once they’re folded up against the back of the front row. A button near the C-pillar allows for electronic folding or unfolding of the third row itself, revealing two leather seats.
The length in the wheelbase really shows here; larger bodies will fit in there for shorter trips when the second row is slid forward. You can also fold the third row using a button in the boot.
It sits right next to a button to lower the rear suspension, allowing easy loading of bulkier items. The boot space itself is completely flat, with 295-litres available with all seats up, and 780-litres when the rear pews are down.
Folding the second row up results in a gargantuan 1908-litres of space. It all makes for amazing versatility, but the reality is that the Q7 is simply a very nice place to be as a passenger or driver.
It’s not just the surrounding materials and quality finishes, or the enormous, optional full roof sunroof. It’s an incredibly quiet and comfortable cabin to ride in. It’s aided by standard air suspension that does a great job of absorbing bumps.
Many will want the optional larger wheels and rubber for aesthetics, but this is a case where function beats form. There are five driving modes available that adjust not only that excellent air suspension, but things like throttle and steering.
The throttle pedal is connected to a 3.0-litre turbo diesel 6-cylinder incorporating 48V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, with outputs of 170kW and 500Nm. It’s connected to an 8-speed convertor automatic that sends drive to all for wheels.
It’s truly a silky-smooth affair, with none of the diesel cacophony one may expect. Not only quiet, it’s responsive in power delivery and supremely tractable in all conditions, rarely needing more than light throttle inputs to get the 2255Kg Q7 moving.
It’s the kind of car you can jump in and do an interstate trip without needing to stop for fuel either, given the 85-litre tank provides more than 1100km of range. During our testing we saw impressive fuel usage of 8.1-litres/100km versus a claimed 7.1-litres/100km.
Safety is also well covered in the Q7 too, with the full array of airbags and electronic wizardry. Think adaptive drive assist with stop and go, Audi active lane assist (which was among the best calibrated we’ve come across) and cross traffic assist.
You’ll also find collision avoidance assist and AEB. We did find on a couple of occasions that the former was a little overzealous when detecting and preventing impacts with objects, particularly while parking. It’s a small price to pay to prevent potential panel damage.
At $125,534 (as tested) plus on-roads, it presents a strong and competitive option. What’s more, it comes with a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, along with free roadside assistance over that period.
You can find out more on the Audi Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was supplied by Audi Australia for independent review purposes.
