Audi Q7 road tests and consumer car reviews

Audi Q7 4.2Tdi S Line 2008

I would never buy one again. A catalogue of faults since I bought it: Faulty Sunroof, constant knocking noises, faulty aircon/demister, an aircon fan that only works when it wants to, faulty exhaust pressure sensor, which cost £600 to fix and a constant annoying whistle below 50 mph; there was a loose door and external door panels, which the dealer ’fixed’, but they are still loose. The Sat Nav is also faulty, with lines all over the screen and it flashes at night. The steering wheel rake adjustment failed leaving the steering wheel jammed up as high as it will go. For a £60,000 car it’s absolutely disgusting. Don’t waste your money.

Audi Q7 3.0 S Line 2007

I have had my Q7 for just under a year and I love it. It is a beast. It does everything I expect of it and more. I love the engine. Under normal driving it is barely heard, but if you put your foot down it produces a wonderful growl and is accompanied by a forceful shove in the back and a purposeful stride towards the horizon. For such a big car it is also relatively nimble once you have adapted your driving style to suit its bulk. Parking isn’t a major problem with the parking systems, finding a big enough space is though. Multistories can be a headache. The cabin is excellent, the seats are wonderful (I especially like the extending seat cushion, it just makes the difference between good and well, wonderful). Every control is where it should be and the tall centre console envelops the driver and brings everything to hand. The bluetooth handsfree phone system is excellent. The satnav is mostly excellent (I like how it integrates with your phone so that you can phone your destination, if it is a point of interest). It occasionally is a bit late and a bit too eager to redirect you, depending on the info it gets from its traffic updates. The Bose sound system is superb. Crank up the volume and enjoy. With all seats in use there is space for six to sit in comfort and seven at a squeeze. Unlike most other seven seaters though there is also space for some luggage behind the third row of seats. I managed to go self catering for a week with three adults and two under fives in child seats, without resorting to using a roof box. With all seats down it is cavernous. The cabin has no rattle or squeaks. If there is a rattle then it won’t be anything belonging to the car but something you have brought in, like a drinks bottle, or a cd box. I bought the car fully aware of its major flaws so I am not going to criticise it for them. Those flaws being its fuel economy (although current models have a much better economy and CO2 rating) and its appetite for tyres. It does eat tyres. If you are prepared for that then it won’t shock you. The only other gripes I have with the car is the headlights seem a bit dull, but that may be due to them not being xenon and my previous car having xenon lights. Also the glove box appears to be designed for storing gloves and not much else.

Audi Q7 2010

The worst car ever. Money back after mega faults. Will NEVER buy Audi again as Belfast Audi has seen to that.

Audi Q7 S Line 2009

I have one of the new lighter versions,it drives and feels perfect, I get 32 to the gallon and even at motoway speeds still averages 30mpg. Even with my careful driving style it needs new tyres every 10k miles. Even so I would not part with it because of the pleasure of the drive.

Audi Q7 diesel 3 litre sport 2007

Having previously owned Range Rovers, Discovery, BMW X5 and Volvo XC70 off roaders I changed to the Q7 because in was on the pace with the engine, chasis and towing ability to get me from my home near Wales to my pad in South West France together with a couple of large dogs. I also required the ability for the car to tow a caravan I keep in France if required. It covers the 850 miles each way as expected with ease and without making passengers sick (unlike the Volvo). However, don’t expect the Q7 sport with its low profile tyres to plow through bog and ice. It won’t.

Audi Q7 s line 3.0 tdi 2007

I have just bought one of these as a family car to replace an XC90 - what a difference. I paid 30000 from an Audi dealer - with only 15000 miles on the clock it’s virtually brand new and has sat nav, bluetooth and a host of other extras. I even got 2 years’ servicing and extended warranty thrown in. Somebody paid 52000 for it in december 2007! So far my MPG has been 26, better than the Volvo(23), and the car is quiet, smooth and extremely relaxing to drive. As things stand I am very impressed - if it’s reliable over the next 2 years as my last VW product was(2004 Golf GTi) then it will merit it’s initial 5-star rating.

Responses to this review

Following my initial report last November, 3 months on I can confirm the merits of this car: During the terrible weather of Jan and Feb the car were superb; The previous owner had the foresight to equip it with winter tyres and as a result we were the only people in our close not to be snowed in, other 4x4 owners on 20-inch wheels included! I recently bought a set of wheels with good summer tyres on ebay and swapped them over so I should get another winter out of the originals. The car has been faultless; on a trip to see the rugby in Paris this month it averaged 33 mpg at a steady 80 mph - wow! Get one, I’m glad I did - Victor Jones from Sussex

Update - traded the car in this month against a 4.2 tdi - more performance being the only difference. Got 27750 for it - I only paid 30k a year ago and put 25000 miles on it. Amazingly low depreciation. By far and away the best vehicle I have ever owned. If you can afford the slightly excessive tyre wear there is no better family transport - Victor Jones from Sussex

Audi Q7 3.0 TDi S-Line 2008

Unlike many other reviewers on this site I did not try the direct competitors of the Q7! This was due to the fact that I was previously employed by one of them for 17 years so knew quite enough about them to exclude them from my list!! At the time of taking a test drive in the Q7 I was driving a 2007 BMW X5 which suffered from too many "niggly" faults and premature wear and tear of some components which, if replaced outside of warranty would have cost a small fortune. As soon as I test drove the Q7 I was hooked. I subsequently placed a factory order for my first Audi car, a 3.0 TDi S-line. My ownership experience of this car has been nothing short of outstanding. The build quality, fit, finish and fault free operation of every component have confirmed the Q7 as the best car I have ever owned. Audi dealer contact and support was also highly commendable. The "Bose" sound is fantastic! the Sat Nav accurate, gear change smooth and the electric seats highly supportive and comfortable. If I had to identify anything that I had any concern about it would be the front outside edge tyre wear (a common issue on 21" alloys), Load space is quite shallow and the fuel consumption on the urban cycle. These minor issues aside the Q7 is a highly recommended 4x4. One which I would not hesitate buy again and again.

Audi Q7 SE 2007

Lovely car, BUT, and here it is - new tyres needed every 6-7K miles - all 4. This is a known problem and one in which Audi will keep replacing for at least 2 sets, but wow at £1K a set you will soon find it too expensive to run, none of the other reviews here have got to these miles yet, but watch out, they will. Otherwise, I did like the car. Never got the MPG over 30 even on a 1000 mile journey; about town around 20 -22mpg. Might buy the Q5 now as a good compromise.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SE auto 2007

I’ve had this car for 8 months now and I’m still hugely impressed with it. It’s safe, solid and very enjoyable to drive. It performs like a much smaller car, however, the fuel consumption will remind you it’s not - still reasonable though for a car of it’s size so not really a complaint. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

Audi Q7 2007

I have had my car for 6 months and it is nothing less than brilliant. High quality finish, ride, performance and fuel econnomy (bearing in mind the size of the car) we have three young children and they can easily get themselves in and out and we have much more room than the previous cars ML and 5 series. It is certainly a head turner as well, we know several people that have bought the Q7 since we have had ours.

Audi Q7 TDSE 2006

I have now had my Q7 a year - and boy what a motor. I tested all the usual suspects, Rangie, X5, ML - nothing drives like this or feels like a car. We have used it 7 up on a number of occasions, performance is excellent and I have had up to 32mpg on a run, ave is 26.8 over the last 16000 miles - cant argue with that. We have used it for dogs, horse feed and all our gear to go on holiday - it swallows everything and is supremely comfortable on a long journey. Make sure you get the parking camera - I have and it makes parking a doddle - just remember the size of this beast !! Will probably have another as nothing comes close. Audi have BMW and merc well beaten here.

Audi Q7 3.0 V6 SE TDI

I have an Audi Q7, I love it to bits! I use it every day, I have driven to the Dordogne for the summer, such a peaceful and relaxing drive! Fuel averaged about 25 mpg, not bad at all for a huge car! Just one gripe, the luggage capacity is not too good! However I still love it!

Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI S line 5 dr

Prior to purchasing this as a family car, test drove all the immediate rivals; Volvo XC90, Mercs ML and R Class, Range Rover and Sport, X5, Cayenne. None of the above gave me that instant feel of quality feel of a car. And drive of the Q7 is just perfect. It is THE perfect family car in my opinion. The competition in comparison are out dated and pointless relics!

Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI

Test drove the 3.0 V6 TDI yesterday. Very impressed. There is plenty of legroom and also plenty of space for storage. This makes for a very comfortable ride. The Q7 handles well, has no difficulties overtaking and you feel extremely safe in it. I plan to buy one shortly and although I know that it will not be the most economical the plus points I’ve made above more than outweigh this. Perfect family car.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI TIPTRONIC

This was a very expensive choice and with hindsight one I would probably not choose again. This SUV is very heavy on fuel consumption. I would probably go for a cheaper 4x4 alternative next time. On the plus side it does feel very safe to drive and is certainly of excellent quality.

Audi Q7 3.0 V6 TDI S line 5 dr

A very solid car, the interior is comfortable and stylish and the exterior easy on the eye. The DVD SatNav and MMI system are a welcome bonus. The car so far has averaged around 26mpg, that’s combined journeys of motorway and road over 340 miles. It doesn't feel as big as it is to drive and handles like a much smaller car, almost nippy! All in all I’m very happy with this car, it does exactly what it says on the tin.