Audi Q7 Review

Audi Q7

The ‘Automatic setting provides the best possible performance and stability in changeable situations. With both of these settings, the ride-height remains at the normal 180mm ground clearance up to 75mph. After more than 30 seconds at that speed, the body lowers to 165mm and, if 100mph is maintained for more than 20 seconds, the air suspension system lowers the car a further 15mm for improved stability and aerodynamics.

The dynamic setting lowers the body by 15mm from the outset and stiffens everything up for playtime on country lanes and twisting roads. There is also a built-in dynamic roll stabilisation system, included within the air suspension, which is designed to counteract body roll on fast bends.

Although many Q7s will never venture further off road than mounting the kerb, the excellent and well proven Quattro system means that the car is very capable off the beaten track. For the more adventurous, there is an ‘off-road’ suspension setting that increases the ground clearance by 25mm, up to 62mph. Finally, for negotiating large obstacles, the ‘lift’ selection increases the ground clearance to a maximum of 240mm.

Off-roading requires a certain amount of slipping and sliding, especially on gravel, mud or sand. So, the ESP system (incorporating ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, ASR traction control and Electronic Differential Lock), which is designed to prevent this happening on the road, has been reworked to tolerate a certain amount of ‘slip’ for extra traction. There is also an assist function for steep, downhill trekking, a roll-over stabilisation program and even a safe-towing feature.

Back on dry land, so to speak, the fuel consumption figures for the 4.2TDI, Q7 are 18.9mpg, 31.7mpg and 25.4mpg for the urban, extra-urban and combined cycles, while CO2 emissions are a hefty 294g/km.

The Q7 is certainly distinctive. The enormous front grille is flanked by large air intakes, each topped by a thin strip of running lights. Strong design lines flow from the front across the bonnet to the A-pillars and along the side of the car at shoulder-height. Because the glazed area is narrower than the heavy metal sides, it has the effect of making the car look sleek from the side but rom the front, it just looks menacing.

Audi Q7