The Audi Q7 seems to be one of those cars that get left behind when talking about large family SUVs. I personally wasn’t a fan of the first-generation model. But with time Audi has managed to make changes that make it quite a looker. This is not a brand new car but a facelift of the second-generation Audi Q7, and it seems Audi is stepping up to the table with this one.
Styling
The most significant changes to this facelift come in the form of a larger grille, new headlights and new rear tail lights. Our test unit was the S-Line version which was finished in Glacier White and sporting optional Matte Titanium Grey 21-inch wheels (R 24,500) which gives the car a lot of presence on the road. The Black styling package (R 12,600) goes well with the Glacier White paint finish. The Q7 reminds me of the first BMW X5. The X5 wasn’t the best looking car when it was launched, but over time the designers worked at it through the years to make it look as good as it is right now. So with Audi, I feel like with time it’s going to look even better.
Inside
Inside the Audi Q7, it feels like you’re in business class. It’s thoroughly spacious and packed with Audi’s latest technology. From an appearance point of view, our test unit was kitted with the S line Sports package (R 27,500) which includes: Sports seats in front, Headliner in Black fabric, Pedals and footrest in stainless steel, Decorative inserts in Matte Brushed Aluminium, and Valcona leather with embossed S logo in front seat backrests. The seats are comfy and one has a full view of the road ahead. When it comes to the infotainment system, it utilizes Audi’s MMI navigation plus which comes standard in the Audi Q7. Also new to the Q7 and something that SA has been waiting for is Audi Connect which is now fully up and running. To explain what Audi Connect is “Thanks to an embedded e-SIM, the owner of the car can access features such as safety and security, convenience as well as real-time infotainment functions all at your fingertips thanks to the myAudi app which controls all of the above. One can also track vital information like fuel level, range, service appointments, warning messages and other functions through the myAudi app.”
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. When it comes to the touch screens it has a two-tier setup like how you find in the Q8 and A7. It’s packed with features and quite easy to use, when stationary. The top screen is a bit ok to use on the move, but the bottom requires your undivided attention and is tricky to use on the move as it requires you to take your eyes off the road. A word of advice, carry a microfibre cloth because these screens are fingerprint magnets.
Driving
The Q7 is one of the most comfortable cars I have ever driven. Thanks to the adaptive air suspension that comes standard, it has a magic carpet-like ride, silky smooth I tell you. Though it’s rocking 21-inch wheels, that doesn’t seem to phase the ride as the air suspension does an excellent job in soaking all the bumps, cracks, and creases on the road. Audi only offers 1 engine at the moment which is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel (45 TDI) that produces 183 kW and a healthy 600 Nm of torque. Audi claims a 0 – 100 km/h sprint time of just 6.9 seconds. During a 440km round trip to Ulundi, the Q7 recorded a decent 8.2 l/100 km. Which a little more finesse I think I would have brought down to the high sevens. Driving this car is a pleasure thanks to its superb ride and strong diesel engine. You’re probably wondering how does one manoeuvre such a large car. Pretty easy thanks to all-wheel steering which is included when you opt for the comfort package (R 33,200). It makes parking and moving through tight spaces easier. One of the other great advantages of all-wheel steering is that it gives the car better stability at higher speeds.
Practicality
The Q7 seats 5 people buy you can opt for the 3rd row of seats which is an R 20,800 option. The third row of seats is easy to move around as they are electronically operated. The second row of seats can also be folded, but if you want a better seating position they can recline and move forward. When it comes to luggage space the Q7 has got you covered. With all seats up it has 295 litres of cargo space, with the third-row seats down 770 litres, and with the second row down a ginormous 1955 litres. You can basically move house in this car.
Verdict
Like I said at the beginning of my review, the Q7 seems to be the one that’s left behind, but with this model its a different story. Audi has thrown everything at it and the results a quite amazing, The Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro tiptronic S line will set you back R 1,388,500 which is quite a bit car for the money. Our test unit came in at R 1,706,290 with options but I think it’s definitely worth the money. If you’re for a comfortable, tech fest, and a rather handsome large family car, ladies and gents this is it.
If you’re looking for something with more grunt, Audi is offering the SQ7 which is currently in limited numbers as part of a once-off launch opportunity. It’s powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that produce 310 kW and 900 Nm of torque and will set you back R 1,679,500.
- Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
- Power: 183 kW
- Torque: 600 Nm
- Transmission: eight-speed automatic
- Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h 6.9 sec (claimed)
- Top Speed: 225 km/h
- Fuel Consumption: 8.0 l/100 km (claimed)
- Price: R 1,388,500
