Audi Q7 review

In the UK at least, Q7 prices start at £68,370 for a base-spec, S Line paired with the 45 TDI diesel powertrain. The entry-level price for a petrol is now £70,800, while the plug-in hybrid starts at a hefty £76,315 despite having the same trim levels. All of those entry prices are up on the pre-facelift as the previous black plastic-arched Sport trim has been dropped on our shores. 

You’ll pay the most for fully-loaded Vorsprung editions, with the 50 TDI costing £94,010 and the 55 TFSI e £98,915. Ouch. That does include a whole heap of kit though, including the aforementioned four-wheel steer, plus mega 22in wheels (although the ride is better on the smaller 20s), a Bang & Olufsen sound system, self-closing doors, LED lights all round and super soft quilted leather.

The only real issue with the Q7 is not that it can seat seven in comfort (or five if we’re talking PHEV), but that it makes most sense if all of the real estate is in regular use. If you’re driving one or two-up most of the time, it’s a pretty big vehicle to potter about in.

The addition of the MHEV mild-hybrid system (regenerative braking, improved stop/start and coasting, 48v alternator/starter) helps the Q7 slightly in the efficiency stakes – apparently the system can recoup up to 0.7-litres of fuel per 100km (0.15 gallons in 62 miles, if we’re talking old money), and even if that doesn’t sound like much, over 60k miles, that’s… umm… approximately 145 gallons, or 700-ish litres. Both diesels claim 34mpg on the WLTP cycle, while the 55 TFSI only manages 26.9mpg from the same test. Ouch. The PHEV is skewed but claims 201.8mpg. In reality you might get mid-thirties. 

Rivals include similarly priced family buses like the Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Discovery. In truth, all three are really rather good.