Audi Q7 (2006) review
Audi has finally entered the large off-roader market, and has set its sights on class-leading models such as the BMW X5.
It may have waited a long time before entering the premium SUV market, but Audi hasn't been left behind. The Q7 blends the company's cabin quality with lots of space, while the firm's 4WD heritage means the newcomer handles well, too. Despite a high price, the Audi's seven seats, large boot and strong image are certain to attract fashion-conscious family buyers.
Based on a stretched VW Touareg platform, the new Q7 appropriately arrives at the very time the company is celebrating 25 years of the quattro brand. The SUV has an unmistakable Audi look, with angular lights and a bold grille that are largely unaltered from the Pikes Peak concept displayed at the 2003 Detroit Motor Show.
From the side, the trademark high shoulder line seen on other Audi models means the Q7 has a very similar appearance to the A6 Avant, although the large rear overhang and plain tailgate are rather cumbersome. But when viewed from the front, the sporty lines do a good job of disguising the SUV's size - which is important, as the German newcomer is certainly big.
Longer and wider than either the XC90 or M-Class, the Audi also has the largest wheelbase. As a result, interior room is impressive, and seven seats are fitted as standard. The middle row of chairs offers good head and legroom, while the rear pair flip up out of the boot floor with ease.
Access to them through the side doors and past the middle bench is a squeeze, but there is adequate room for two adults, and they are perfect for children. In five-seat mode, the 775-litre boot capacity is bigger than its main rivals', while with seven chairs in place the 330-litre volume is 81 litres larger than in the XC90. As you would expect from an Audi, the quality of cabin materials is class-leading, while the dash design is also very similar to the A6's. This means you get clear, egg-shaped dials, stylish chrome trim and the firm's easy-to-use Multi Media Interface (MMI) control system.
Only two engines will be available for the Q7's July launch - a 344bhp 4.2-litre V8 FSI petrol and a 3.0 V6 TDI diesel delivering 230bhp. The V8 offers the stronger performance and a throaty soundtrack, but with oil-burners making up more than 60 per cent of sales in the segment, the TDI is set to be the more popular model.
While the diesel powerplant isn't the smoothest on the market, refinement and torque are excellent, and the engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. The Q7 offers noticeably better performance than the XC90, although this is offset by higher emissions.
Handling is a plus point, too. While the Audi isn't as car-like as the X5 in terms of cornering, given its size, the Q7 has impressive grip and stability at speed. The steering is light, yet accurate, while air-suspension is standard-fit.
Five-point adjustable dampers cater for every surface, yet while the ride is comfortable, it can get a little fidgety over bumpy roads. And although the Q7 lacks a low-range gearbox for serious mud-plugging, it has hill descent control and an ESP stability system tailored to off-road use, and coped well in the thick snow of our test route. So whether you choose standard, SE or S line trim, the new Q7 will be a tough contender in the packed luxury SUV segment.
