Audi Q7 4x4 3.0 TDI 245 S line 5dr Review

For The engine's just brilliant – as smooth as a choirboy's face and wonderfully refined – and the eight-speed auto gearbox complements it perfectly. An engine stop-start system helps lower fuel consumption and emissions.

Against The Q7 has never been the subtlest of cars to look at, yet despite its size, seven-seat versions don't offer much room in the back. S line suspension nset-up is too firm for UK roads.

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

If you're going to have a Q7 make it the V6 diesel, and not just for running-cost reasons. It's actually the nicest of the lot to drive. Best avoid the S line suspension, though.

What Car? readers say

4.138889

Key facts

0–60mph: 7.8 secs
Top speed: 135 mph
Average mpg: 38.2
Tank range: 840 miles

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Features

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Size

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The full Audi Q7 review

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Quick and effortless pace from all engines
Ride & Handling
3 out of 5 stars
Fine body contol, firm low-speed ride
Refinement
3 out of 5 stars
Some road noise; little engine or wind noise
Buying & Owning
3 out of 5 stars
Not great residuals; dear to run
Quality & Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Typical quality; reliability record not great
Safety & Security
4 out of 5 stars
Decent kit in both respects
Behind The Wheel
3 out of 5 stars
Great driving position; poor rear vision
Space & Practicality
4 out of 5 stars
Seven seats and lots of space
Equipment
4 out of 5 stars
No need to spend much on extras

Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

If you have your heart set on an Audi Q7, you have plenty of choices to make. Not least the colour – there's a palette of around eight to choose from, but if none of those tickle your fancy, Audi's paint shop will recreate any colour you choose. For a price, naturally.

Then there's your choice of engine. We haven’t driven the entry-level 3.0 TDI with 201bhp, but we love the 242bhp version of the same engine – it provides plenty of power and sensible running costs. The Clean Diesel version is fine if you have a genuine environmental conscience, but if your decision to go green is a financial one, leave it be – it won't save you anything in company car tax. All the other engines are strong, but running costs start to get beyond a joke, especially if you go for a petrol.

Trim-wise, we'd stick with the standard Audi Q7. SE cars are a little posher and S line a little sportier, but the standard car comes with everything you really need.