Audi Q7 - TopCarNews

Audi Q7 (2015 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The Audi Q7 is a large SUV/crossover, the largest in Audi’s rapidly expanding model range. The current second-generation model was launched in 2015, with a mid-life update in 2019.

The Q7 range includes the flagship high-performance SQ7 model. There was previously a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid model, however this was dropped in 2019 when the range was updated.

Both the Audi Q7 and SQ7 have received very good reviews, with the SQ7 averaging very slightly higher scores in most cases. As of December 2021, the 37 reviews we have gathered on the Q7 give it an overall Expert Rating of 76%, which is competitive with the Land Rover Discovery and Volvo XC90, although a few places behind the new Land Rover Defender.

The Audi Q7 has received particular praise for its comfort, refinement and cabin quality, which are all considered to be best in class. The main criticisms related to the stying, particularly in the facelifted models launched in 2019.

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, diesel
Price: From £58,570 on-road

Launched: Summer 2015Last updated: Autumn 2019
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI Sport“One of the most comfortable cars on the market, combined with a luxurious interior and some fantastic engines, makes the Audi Q7 is a superb all-rounder.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SQ7Score: 7 / 10“The Audi SQ7 makes a case for itself as the performance SUV to buy if you still value comfort alongside pace. It’s not as exciting as rivals from Mercedes or BMW, but its potential as a long-distance cruiser and its comfort around town, on less than ideal tarmac, is impressive.”
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Model reviewed: 60 TFSIe 455ps CompetitionScore: 8 / 10“The Audi Q7 60 TFSIe Competition is a worthy addition to the large SUV range. It has the same abilities as other Q7s, of course – but it scores heavily on refinement and cabin tech.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The facelifted Q7 is still one of the best luxury SUVs in its class – but the 50 TDI will be a better pick for most buyers when it comes to running costs.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“The Audi Q7 is an upmarket SUV that’s practical and packed with hi-tech features.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi Q7 has always been an impressive seven-seat premium SUV and a mid-life refresh has done nothing to change that. It’s also one of the most spacious cars of its type, which means it will have plenty of appeal to families.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SQ7Score: 9 / 10“It’s impossible not to be taken by the sheer breadth of the Audi SQ7’s talent. It’s a phenomenally capable and extremely refined long-distance tourer; but has the pace, the grip and the control to amuse and entertain when the road ahead gets a bit more interesting.”
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Model reviewed: 60 TFSIe quattroScore: 8 / 10“Facelifted luxury SUV finds its soul mate in a 443bhp plug-in hybrid powertrain.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Impressively comfortable, massively refined and as a long-distance cruiser, very likeable indeed.”
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Business Car

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 55 TFSI e S lineScore: 7 / 10“The Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid SUV impresses in many ways, but there’s a major flaw, and it comes in the form of Audi’s German arch-rivals. The plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE both have bigger batteries than the TFSI e.”
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Car

Model reviewed: plug-in hybrid modelsScore: 8 / 10“The hybrid to solve all of our problems? Nope. The electric-only range is only just acceptable, and the Q7 also loses one of its USPs – a seven-seat configuration – by translating itself into a PHEV. But it’s tremendously refined, comfortable, practical and, frankly, way faster than a hybrid ought to be.”
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Model reviewed: 4.0-litre petrol automatic SQ7Score: 8 / 10“A new petrol-powered heart has made the Audi SQ7 a bit more of a lout under its buttoned-up exterior – louder and more aggressive and likes a drink a little more than before. But you’re still impressed by its breadth of talents.”
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Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Audi really didn’t need to make huge changes to the Q7. It’s had to move with the times and fall in line with the rest of the range, and the good news is the interior feels like an excellent blend of high-tech and luxurious.”
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Model reviewed: SQ7Score: 8 / 10“In isolation, the Audi SQ7 is a wonderful thing. It’s a total techfest and certainly houses one of the best (and most interesting) motors you can currently buy.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50Score: 9 / 10“A refresh of the Audi Q7 has built further on a car that was already one of the best luxury SUVs on the new market. It’s fair to call this car one of most comfortable money can buy — while a luxurious cabin and impressive powertrains combine to make this a fantastic machine.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8.6 / 10“The huge Audi Q7 is powerful, has a fantastic interior and can be surprisingly affordable to run for such a large car”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: SQ7Score: 7 / 10“The Audi SQ7 is a seriously fast version of the seven-seat Q7 SUV but, while it has the pace to match some hot-hatches, it doesn’t feel all that dramatic to drive and it is very expensive.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“If you’re after a practical, comfortable seven-seat SUV that’s as posh as it is well-equipped, the Audi Q7 should be right at the top of your list. If only it was a little more fun to drive…”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid automatic 55 TFSIe S line“Definitely the Q7 of choice for the company market despite being more expensive to buy than the petrol or diesel versions, but rival PHEVs are hugely more tax-efficient as they get below the magic 50g/km marker for BiK.”
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Model reviewed: petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 60 TFSIe S line“The most fleet-friendly Audi Q7. It’s also the most appealing to use thanks to great efficiency, impressive performance and total refinement. But only five seats.”
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Daily Mail

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 10 / 10“I was blown away by the looks, it accelerates and handles well and is big on storage. There is very little not to like.” (Chris Evans)
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“Better to drive and plenty of tech, but still behind rivals”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel-electric plug-in hybridScore: 9 / 10“For drivers who cover up to 20 miles or so locally between charges, and then undertake longer journeys, this car will offer better economy than a petrol plug-in hybrid, and if driven on electric power, it can offer zero tailpipe emissions in built-up areas – so much better than a conventional diesel.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The Audi Q7 is a prime example of what can be achieved through attention to detail. Leave no stone unturned, and great things can happen.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“Comfortable, quiet, practical and more efficient. You could almost say the Audi Q7 has been worth the wait.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Audi’s flagship SUV is suitably big, bold and brash. Launched in 2015, it oozes luxury, with an interior that’s as good as any rival.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8.8 / 10“Modern, imposing, capable and efficient full-sized SUV.”
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Model reviewed: SQ7Score: 8 / 10“Audi’s seven-seater supercar-slayer”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 45 TDI S line“Audi’s facelifted Q7 feels luxurious and is actually quite fun to drive”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic S lineScore: 6 / 10“If Yoda were heading to the Highlands, he’d go in this” (AA Gill)
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automaticScore: 8 / 10“It can handle Namibia; the run to Nobu will be a breeze”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 50 TDI Quattro S LineScore: 10 / 10“Decry big SUVs all you like – if people want them, the manufacturers will build them. And of them all, the Audi Q7 is the best at being a proper seven-seat family wagon with an upmarket bent. This facelift brings standard air suspension, making the Q7 more comfortable, as well as a host of other worthwhile upgrades. It’s worth waiting for.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“Not exactly revolutionary, but it makes plenty of sense… if you need this sort of thing.”
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Model reviewed: 50 TDI“This is an enormous, and quite enormously intimidating, ‘car’. Inverted commas, because it’s actually a tank masquerading as a friendly family-mobile, albeit an incredibly upmarket one.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 10 / 10“The outstanding Audi Q7 offers a relaxing blend of comfort and peaceful cruising manners, while proving surprisingly agile for such a big SUV, too.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: e-tron“This is a tremendously refined and high-performing luxury SUV. Whether the e-tron hybrid version of the Q7 suits you depends on the use the car will get.”
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Model reviewed: SQ7“The Audi SQ7 is a high-powered, gigantic SUV with a mighty diesel engine and a sharpened-up chassis.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The new Audi Q7 impresses, even for a luxury SUV in this price bracket. It impresses across the board, managing not only to be as refined and well-constructed as we’d expect of an Audi, but more engaging to drive than a two-tonne car has any right to be.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019

92%

ADULT OCCUPANT

86%

CHILD OCCUPANT

71%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

72%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The Audi Q7 has not yet been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic.

If the Q7 is put through the Green NCAP lab testing programme, we will publish the results here.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the Audi Q7 has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV for Comfort

2020

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV

2019

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV

2018

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV

2017

What Car? Awards – Best Luxury SUV

2016

Professional Driver Awards – Best Luxury SUV
Autocar Awards – Innovation Award (SQ7 TDI)

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