SEVENTH HEAVEN? (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audiq7_2020

By Jonathan Crouch

Audi claims to have further rejuvenated its large 7-seat luxury SUV, the Q7. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 63

Just as the dinosaurs evolved to suit a changing planet, so have large luxury SUVs - Audi's enormous Q7 more than most. Here's another lightly improved version of the second generation model, complete with a slightly smarter look. It's a large luxury 7-seat SUV that aims to work smarter rather than harder and is still a difficult option to ignore in its segment.

Backgroundword count: 168

Ever since the original version of this Q7 was first launched in 2007, it's been a vehicle that middle-England families have always rather liked but, if truth were told, felt a bit awkward about owning, the MK1 Q7's sheer size, power and weight hardly in keeping with these eco-conscious times. The MK2 model, launched in 2015, then revised in 2019, improved things, thanks to a lighter platform shared with premium brands like Bentley and Porsche. But this car was still a huge thing. And remains that way in the improved form we look at here, revised in early 2024. These days, with Mild Hybrid engines the Q7 claims to have a better eco-footprint, enabling you to consider one with a clearer conscience. Which is nice because for many - ourselves included - there remains something tantalisingly tempting about this big Audi. The way it dominates the road as it'll dominate your driveway. You'll want to justify buying one - but will you be able to? Let's find out.

Driving Experienceword count: 258

There are no changes to the conventional engines used by this revised Q7. As before, the range is built around 48-volt mild hybrid engine technology and offers a choice of five powerplants. There are still two diesel options; the 231PS 45 TDI variant or the more popular 50 TDI 286PS diesel powerplant. It's one of Audi's best, creamy smooth, superbly refined and generally torquey, equipped with 600Nm of pulling power. Alternatively, there's a 340PS 3.0-litre petrol engine, badged 55 TFSI. You've also the option of Audi's Plug-in Hybrid tech, a 55 TFSI e model now oimproved with 394PS and a larger 25.9kWh battery that stretches EV range to 51 miles. At the top of the range, the 507PS petrol-powered SQ7 V8 TFSI model is still available. Since his second generation Q7 was first launched, Audi's worked on the drive dynamics to make the car more manoeuvrable, precise and agile in urban traffic and on hairpin bends, particularly in top 'Vorsprung' specification which includes all-wheel-steering as standard. That allows the car to turn into corners quicker and be more manoeuvrable at parking speeds. Adaptive air suspension is standard across the range. This provides variable ground clearance and better prepares the Audi Q7 with its standard quattro drive for terrain off the beaten track. The relevant offroad mode can be selected via the standard 'Audi drive select' dynamic handling system with its seven profiles. 'Black Edition' and 'Vorsprung' versions are equipped with the slightly tauter adaptive air suspension sport with a lower ride height than the standard air suspension system.

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