Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Many cars do many things well, but few cars do everything well. For most motorists, the Audi Q7 is possibly one of the best all-round cars money can buy. The sister vehicle, the Q8, may be sportier, but the latest Q7 is no slouch out on the open road either. It is a magnificent SUV.

The Exterior

The Audi Q7 features the design ethos that spans the whole Audi range. As with other models the car adopts the large octagon-shaped ‘Singleframe’ grille. With six upright slats creating a powerful impression, its two-part side air inlets have a much more expressive line, as does the sill area that draws attention to the large SUV’s considerable ground clearance.

This is a big vehicle and the headlights emphasise the width with their contour and design features, including Matrix LED technology as standard in Sport, S line and Black Edition specification levels. HD Matrix LED units with Audi laser light are reserved for the range-topping ‘Vorsprung’ model. At the back, a chrome strip makes the connection between the flat rear lights with their technical-looking graphics and carries forward the horizontal body line.

In S line models and above a blade in the front bumper, accentuated underbody protection at the rear and a full paint finish create an even more striking look in conjunction with 20” alloy wheels at the S Line level, 21” on the Black Edition and 22” on the Vorsprung.

The Interior

Audi are talking luxury class here: No half measures. The Q7 is longer and wider than previously with ample head and elbow room for up to seven passengers. There’s plenty of storage space throughout and the high load capacity of the boot (trunk) provides functional utility value. Depending on the position of the rear seat backs the luggage compartment on the seven-seater version offers between 865 and 2,050 litres of capacity – the latter with a flat load area. An electric tailgate is standard, with foot-activated gesture control as an option.

The latest Q7 features a new digital operating concept, which incorporates two large touchscreens. They provide both haptic and acoustic feedback when clicking on the touch controls. When off, the top display blends almost invisibly into the large black decorative surface. All elements work seamlessly with each other for intuitive control.

A multi-mode interface (MMI) incorporates navigation and is standard across the range. This system delivers top-of-the-line connectivity by incorporating 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 new to the UK market.

Soft-close doors set the tone for the exceptional comfort and luxury within. Occupants are treated to ultra-supportive front sport seats with diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery, climate control and massage function, plus an extended leather pack taking in much of the rest of the interior. Seat heating is also expanded to the second row, and attention is even lavished on the roof, which gains a soft-touch headlining. The 3D BOSE surround sound system is also installed to fill the interior for auditorium-quality music.

Driving The Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is an appealing choice for buyers wishing to import from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and elsewhere thanks to superb manoeuvrability, precise and agile steering in in the city or on twisting roads. In particular, the Vorsprung specification includes all-wheel-steering as standard.

Supremely comfortable and poised with excellent ride comfort on the highway, the ride is aided by adaptive air suspension that is factory fitted across the range. This also provides variable ground clearance and prepares the Audi Q7 with its standard quattro drive for terrain off the beaten track. It might be sedate on the road but of road it reveals a tough side to its character. It really is that capable.

There’s a choice of engines all driving through an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox and quattro permanent all wheel drive. A choice of two V6 diesel engines are available or, if preferred, a V6 petrol unit and a plug-in hybrid model. The standard mild hybrid technology plays a major part in the efficiency of the engines. Power is on tap when needed from any of the engines but this car is about so much more than speed; the whole with a great reliability record.

For business users the Audi Q7 is a VAT-qualifying car. Ask us here at MHH International how this can be applied to reduce costs.