Audi Q7 review

We often get asked "What’s the best car in the world?". It’s a tricky question to answer because, well, it depends on quite a lot. 

But the Audi Q7 makes a pretty compelling case for itself. This five-metre-long behemoth has been the benchmark in the luxury SUV class ever since its launch a few years ago, making some other very fine cars, including the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90, look ordinary in the process.

Key to its appeal is its versatility, because it can seat seven people in lavish comfort, yet it has the driving manners of something much smaller and lighter. It’s a great tow car, too, and can even manage a bit of off-roading.

Not so long ago the Audi Q7 was given a facelift to freshen up its looks, and at the same time it received a new interior and an overhauled infotainment system (not all good news, as we’ll explain later). On top of that, all of the regular petrol and diesel versions were given mild hybrid assistance, allowing the engine to switch itself off when decelerating to save fuel. A plug-in hybrid model was also added to the range.

In this review we're focusing on the regular Audi Q7 but, if you're looking for something sportier, there's also the bonkers fast SQ7. Just click the link the read about that car.

Over the next few pages, we’ll not only explain why the Q7 is such a fantastic all-rounder, we'll also talk you through its few weaknesses. Plus, we’ll tell you which engines and trims make the most sense and which option packs you'd do well to consider. 

And if you decide you want to buy any Audi Q7, head over to our New Car Buying section to find out how much you could save on the brochure price, without any awkward haggling.