BEHIND THE WHEEL: Audi Q7 TDI
MONDAY JANUARY 13, 2020
This one’s very much a standard car with only a few notable equipment like blindspot monitor, 8.3-inch colour display, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and that’s all. Audi of the three mainstay German car makers is particularly good at manufacturing well-made well-insulated cars.
Noise, the lack of it makes you think you’re going slower than actual. A hundred kilometres an hour feels half that, it really is an A8 of SUVs. Several late braking was applied during my time demonstrates how much occupants are shielded from the outside world.
PRO
Insulation and comfort
Economy
Space
CON
Front seats lack bolster
Third row seats
SPECIFICATION
3-litre V6
215 hp 500Nm
8-speed ZF
0-100 km/h: 7.3s
A$ 96,300
RELATED ENTRIES
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For a car this huge, turning radius is eyebrow-raising good and so is fuel economy. This tune of diesel is muffled, refined, can’t be heard inside and barely any clatter on the out. Transmission is very much ace and so is ride quality although on passive springs.
Road noise is minimal thanks to thick standard tyres while wind noise is practically non existent, impressive for a car this tall. Well, the biggest selling point of a Q7 is space and you get plenty of it. Backseats slide forward and back offer ample recline.
Overtaking on country roads might make you sweat as it is nearly out of puff around the century mark. Seats could be softer because longer journeys do make bottoms sore. Sure it’s lighter than before but the 4M Q7 drives similarly to what it replaces, after all there are limitations when it comes to fighting physics.
Gear selector sometimes doesn’t react to inputs which can be embarrassing during rush hours. Third row seats rise up and fold away electrically, very amusing but are only good for short drives given how upright they are. Lastly, in our world of technology overload, Audi MMI like BMW iDrive, have become no easier to use as years go. At least it folds away in fashion. After all, this is a big car so piloting the Q7 in parking lots will commence further sweating.
The Q7 is an engineering brilliance as handling and high speed stability is remarkable for its footprint. Then again, there is neither much wrong nor much excitement going on. If space, off-roading and those two extra seats float your boat, only then this is a compelling choice.