Audi Q7 review

Even the less powerful of the Audi Q7's two 3.0-litre V6 diesels (the 45 TDI) has 228bhp and delivers gutsy acceleration. Mind you, the 282bhp 50 TDI managed 0-60mph in just 6.2sec in our hands and feels far punchier than the 45 TDI from low revs. Acceleration builds strongly from just 1500rpm, making the Q7 effortless to drive briskly and more than quick enough for a luxury SUV. Both diesels can pull a braked trailer weighing up to 3500kg, and the Q7 is a really stable tow car.

If you don't want a diesel, you have two options: a V6 pure petrol or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The regular petrol engine (badged 55 TSFI) is gutsy enough at low revs, so you don’t need to work it hard – and with 335bhp, acceleration is more than a match for either of the diesels. Fuel economy aside, there’s lots to like about it. 

Air suspension comes as standard on all versions of the Q7, but it’s the Sport and S Line versions that deliver the most comfortable ride. In fact, in these trims, the Q7 is one of the most relaxing cars to waft around in, proving far comfier than the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90. 

If you go for Black Edition or Vorsprung trim you'll get a 'sports' air suspension system instead. Given that this drops the Q7 15mm closer to the road, it shouldn't come as a surprise that bumps aren't smothered quite as well. That said, it's still relatively supple compared with the BMW X5 – a fact made even more impressive when you consider that the Vorsprung is shod with enormous 22in wheels. 

The 55 TFSIe is less impressive. The heavy batteries and electric motor it has to cart around put a real strain on the suspension, causing it to trip clumsily over potholes that regular versions of the Q7 would breeze over.