Audi Q7 review

Rally enthusiasts will tell you that Audi was one of the brands that really popularised four-wheel drive, yet it was actually something of a latecomer to the SUV party.  While the other premium German brands had theirs in showrooms before the Millennium celebrations began, Audi only joined in during 2006, launching the first Audi Q7 to considerable fanfare.

The latest Q7 doesn't stray far from the pattern established by the first generation, either beneath the surface or to look at. It's instantly recognisable as a seven-seat bigger brother to the Audi Q3 and Audi Q5, and lines up against premium rivals such as the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90, as well as the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE. 

Inside, the emphasis is very much on luxury and the Q7 is a showcase for everything Audi knows about putting high-quality interiors together. Of course, with space for seven, you get to choose whether to carry a full compliment of guests, or to maximise luggage capacity by folding down some of the seats. Those rugged looks aren't just for show, either – every Q7 has four-wheel drive and enough rough-terrain agility to cope when the going gets tough, although we're talking more about rutted tracks and filthy weather than traversing muddy fields.

There are two, powerful diesel engines to choose from, and it's likely that a plug-in hybrid Q7 e-tron and performance-oriented SQ7 version will arrive in due course. If you're keen to step away from fossil-fuels altogether, though, the Audi E-tron SUV is an all-electric alternative.

So, how does the Q7 compare with its luxury SUV rivals? Read on for everything you need to know, including which engine, trim level and options to choose.

And before you buy any version of the Q7, take a look at our New Car Buying pages to see how much you could save without the hassle of haggling.