2018 Audi Q7 3.0L TDI Review |

The new-generation Audi Q7 3.0L TDi quattro AWD SUV is an excellent vehicle with few if any faults. It sets the benchmark for luxury 7 seat family SUV driving.

For those in a hurry that is all you need to read.

Audi Q7 Exterior

The overall length is 5.05m, which is longer than a Toyota 200 series LandCruiser. Yet for all this size it has a svelte appearance more fitting a luxury wagon than an AWD SUV.

That is one of the features of the Q7. It is more than it seems. However the new Q7 is less also, 240kg less to be precise.

Like all of us, less weight usually means being more nimble, use less fuel and handing better.

Style can be a matter of personal taste. To me the Audi Q7 exterior simply looks good and is very appealing.

Audi Q7 Interior

At this level you expect a quality luxurious interior, but the essence of true luxury is integration. Integration means that the whole interior not only flows, it works seamlessly and has subtlety.

The Audi Q7 strikes almost a perfect balance between form and function.

The drivers’ alignment to the steering wheel and dash can be adjusted for all drivers to find the perfect position. The large and clear virtual digital dash can be changed to suit personal preferences and is amongst the best in class.

I believe that while being able to adjust the dash layout, most drivers will find what they like and leave it.

Again the more than it seems feature of Audi comes through. The dashboard and centre console layout seems simple, almost bland, but after a little while you realise how easy and integrated it all is to use.

Sitting on top of the centre dashboard is the MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. This is displayed on an 8.3-inch extending screen that is sharp, brilliant and rich in contrast.

The optional head-up display (HUD) directly within the driver’s field of vision means that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road.

The controls are intuitive to use with the intelligent new MMI control concept: fewer buttons yet more functions, including vehicle settings, navigation, telephone, media and the optional Audi connect.

There is a lack of centre console storage though.

Front seats for driver and passenger are excellent, Rear seats are great for two passengers but can accommodate three in comfort with adequate head, knee and leg room.

The third row of seats while reasonable for teenagers, do feel slightly restricted in head room and leg room. There is however just adequate luggage space with all seats in use.

One clever feature is the flexibility in luggage configuration with individual folding seats that fold flat.

Audi Q7 Features

There are far too many standard and optional features and packages to list here when you are looking at the Audi Q7 and to be honest its best to look at the Audi site for a list of them.

Suffice to say the Q7 has an incredible long list of standard safety, luxury and comfort features with an even longer and expensive options list.

Audi Q7 Engine and drivetrain

The Audi Q7 is powered by a 3.0L TDI engine that produces 200kW @ 4,250rpm of power and 600Nm @ 1,500-3,000rpm of torque.

This translates to the road through the quattro AWD drivetrain and 8 speed auto transmission.

The Q7 can reach a top speed of 234km/h and accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds. It does all this while drinking fuel at a miserly 6.5l/100km on our test. These figures were around town and some freeway driving.

The real world driving experience with the abundance of torque at low revs makes for a smooth, powerful and extremely relaxed driving experience.

Combine this with the adaptive air suspension and you have a big AWD SUV that handles and drives like a luxury sedan. You simply forget you are driving a 5.05m long AWD SUV.

Audi Q7 Safety

Safety is obviously 5 star ANCAP and the Q7 is class leading in passive and active safety features. However I found that sometimes the vehicle was overriding normal driving ability.

For instance the lane assistance system was more sensitive than I believe is warranted, turning the steering wheel against my input. It’s not dangerous, just a little annoying at times.

I would have all the safety features and put up with the car thinking it’s a better driver than me though. It probably is!

Good Bits:

Power and economy
Ride and Handling
Space and practicality

Not So Good Bits:

Centre Console lack of storage
Long and expensive options list
Not owning one

Audi Q7 Summary

In short I loved driving in the Q7. I had the opportunity to test it over normal road surfaces and some dirt roads. Its ride, handling dynamics and comfort are class leading.

The overall appeal of a powerful yet economical diesel engine mated to an 8 speed transmission driving all four wheels through Audi’s outstanding Quattro system, that has dynamic handling yet smooth ride, is equally at home at the Opera and at Birdsville, accommodating its occupants in luxury and comfort for around $120,000 is exceptionally strong.

This might sound strange but it actually represents reasonably good value.

If I was looking for a luxury 7 seat AWD SUV the Audi Q7 3.0L TDi quattro would be at the top of the list.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro