Audi's rejuvenated Q7 is arguably at its best in 50 TDI diesel form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Audi's Q7 seven-seat luxury SUV has always made a big impact, but the improved version of this second generation model aims to be a little smarter than its predecessors - in more ways than one. The Ingolstadt brand has not only sharpened the styling but also introduced efficient mild hybrid technology that features in the 50 TDI diesel variant we're going to test here. Plus the Ingolstadt maker has installed one of the classiest cabins in the segment. As a result, if you really want a car of this kind, you may well find yourself really wanting this one.

Background

This improved version of the 'Type-4M'-series MK2 Q7 model is dynamically very different from the large, lumbering original Q7 design introduced back in 2005. Which is just as well given that since the second generation Q7 was first launched in 2015, we've seen all-new versions of rivals like BMW's X5, the Mercedes GLE and the Land Rover Discovery, with nearly every competing brand in the sector copying this Audi's provision of seven seats to suit larger families. Upper-spec Q7s now also have BMW's improved X7 and a revised version of the Mercedes GLS to deal with too. Audi's taken the opportunity here for a quick stylistic nip and tuck and there's a slightly classier cabin, along with plenty of safety and autonomous driving tech. Plus air suspension's standard across the range. But will it all be enough to allow the Q7 to keep pace in this rapidly evolving segment? Let's find out at the wheel of the volume 50 TDI diesel version.

Driving Experience

Audi is offering its latest 48-volt mild hybrid engine technology with the revised version of this second generation Q7. That sees an integrated 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator powering a 48-volt main electrical set-up in which a compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. That additional electricity might be used either to boost the engine while accelerating, or to restart it when the stop/start system kicks in at low speeds. The technology's seamless and features right across the range, which kicks off with two 3.0-litre V6 TDI options, either the base 45 TDI variant (which has 231PS) or the 50 TDI powerplant we tried (which offers 286PS). This engine is one of Audi's best, creamy smooth, superbly refined and generally torquey, equipped with 600Nm of pulling power. As before, this isn't a large SUV that particularly likes being hurried, but there's plenty of cornering traction, courtesy of torque vectoring and quattro 4WD, plus a 4-Wheel Steering set-up adds extra manoeuvrability to top 'Vorsprung'-spec models. Adaptive air suspension is standard across the range, which helps you cruise over tarmac tears and speed humps, plus it lowers the car at highway speeds and can be raised for the greater degrees of off road prowess you'll probably never need.

Design and Build

This further revised version of the second generation Q7 features smarter bumpers front and rear and some lighting upgrades. The headlamps can now be specified with HD Matrix LED units featuring different lighting signatures and the brand's 'Laser' high-beam system. While at the rear, there are striking OLED tail lamp clusters. There are redesigned wheels too, with sizes between 20 and 22-inches. The large octagon Singleframe grille continues and as before, three seating rows are standard. Inside, there are fresh trim, leather and stitching options, plus the screen tech gets updated software and graphics. Otherwise, Audi's so-called 'luxury lounge' cabin architecture remains as before. You're going to need to like screens because the gloss black-panelled layout incorporates no fewer than three of them, the two you'll notice first powering up as soon as the door is opened and dominating the upper and lower parts of the shiny centre stack. The gently curved upper 10.1-inch display deals with the most important radio, media and telephone functions while the lower 8.6-inch monitor is reserved for more comfort-orientated mainly climate-related features. Both screens interact with the 12.3-inch 'Audi Virtual Cockpit' instrument binnacle screen you view through the three-spoke wheel. Provision for cabin storage isn't ideal, both the central bin between the seats and the door pockets being somewhat restricted in size, but the driving position is virtually faultless and the seats are supportive with heating and standard 4-way lumbar support. As before, versus its direct competitors, the Q7 has a greater interior length as well as more headroom and elbow room in the front and rear. Depending on the position of the rear seat backs, the luggage compartment offers between 865 and 2,050-litres of capacity across a flat load area. An electric tailgate is standard and when the optional 'Comfort and Sound pack' is specified it also brings foot-activated gesture control for even easier opening. Versatility is further increased by the standard 'rear bench seat plus', which adds individual fore/aft movement and backrest angle adjustment for the middle seating row.

Market and Model

Audi reckons that around 90% of buyers of this improved second generation Q7 will be buying a 3.0-litre diesel 45 TDI or 50 TDI variant with either of the two main trim levels - 'S line' or 'Black Edition'. From the launch of the further revised version of this 'Type 4M'-series design in early 2024, that meant asking prices in the £70,000 to £93,000 range for the 50 TDI version most will want - plumb in the sweet spot of what you'd expect to have to pay for a luxury SUV of this kind. The base 45 TDI starts from around £67,000, but could be all you really need. Even base 'S line' variants get fully digitised instrumentation and the 'MMI navigation plus' infotainment package delivers top-of-the-line connectivity by incorporating LTE Advanced streaming, a Wi-Fi hotspot, natural voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio, opening up everything from online traffic information and navigation with Google Earth to hybrid radio. The cloud-based Amazon voice service Alexa, which is integrated into the MMI operating system, is also included. The top 'Vorsprung' variant includes just about everything you could possibly want. With 22-inch wheels, S line detailing and a black styling pack, this top derivative shows the remodelled Q7 body in its most impactful light and its powered soft-close doors set the tone for the exceptional comfort and luxury within. Occupants are treated to ultra-supportive front super sport seats with diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery, climate control and a massage function, plus an extended leather pack taking in the door pull handles, armrests and lower door trim, the front centre console trim and the underside of the instrument panel. Seat heating is also expanded to the second row, and attention is even lavished on the roof, which gains a soft-touch Alcantara headlining. The brand's 3D BOSE surround sound system is also installed to fill the interior with virtually cinematic sound quality.

Cost of Ownership

The mild hybrid technology plays a major part in the efficiency of the engine on offer here. It can reduce consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Its central component, the belt alternator starter (BAS), powers a 48-volt main electrical system in which a compact lithium-ion battery stores the energy. During braking, the BAS can recover up to 8kW of power and feed it back into the battery. If the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph, the Audi Q7 50 TDI recuperates energy, rolls at idle or coasts for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off. The BAS restarts the engine the next time the accelerator is depressed, and does so faster and more gently than a conventional starter. The startstop range begins at 13mph. This works with a clever starter motor / generator system and allows the car to coast at both high and low speeds using 48V electrical assistance. All of this tech is important because there's a lot of weight to carry around here and this improved Q7 rides on larger wheels (20-inches rather than 19-inches), which is why its efficiency figures aren't actually quite as good as the previous model. You can expect a combined cycle reading of around 32-33mpg for the 45 and 50 TDI diesels (down from around 36mpg) - which compares to around 22-25mpg for the V6 and V8 petrol variants. As before, all models have an unremarkable 3 year 60,000 mile warranty.

Summary

In summary, a significant package of updates has enabled this Q7 to continue to compete on equal terms with much newer designs in this segment - and that's no mean achievement. Are there issues? A few. We're a little disappointed that the much-trumpeted mild hybrid tech hasn't delivered more in terms of efficiency gains. And there are elements of the signature twin-touchscreen cabin that that in our view slightly prioritise style over function. It all looks pretty smart though. And very high-end. Potential buyers though, will be attracted not only by this SUV's cool, classy feel but also by strong residuals that deliver overall running costs which remain very competitive, especially with this 50 TDI variant. Other competitors might be glitzier, but this Ingolstadt contender remains an all-round proposition that's very difficult to beat.