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Audi Q7 50 TDI

50 NOT OUT (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Audi's rejuvenated Q7 is arguably at its best in 50 TDI diesel form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 99

Audi's Q7 seven-seat luxury SUV has always made a big impact, but the improved version of this second generation model aims to be a little smarter than its predecessors - in more ways than one. The Ingolstadt brand has not only sharpened the styling but also introduced efficient mild hybrid technology that features in the 50 TDI diesel variant we're going to test here. Plus the Ingolstadt maker has installed one of the classiest cabins in the segment. As a result, if you really want a car of this kind, you may well find yourself really wanting this one.

Backgroundword count: 162

This improved version of the 'Type-4M'-series MK2 Q7 model is dynamically very different from the large, lumbering original Q7 design introduced back in 2005. Which is just as well given that since the second generation Q7 was first launched in 2015, we've seen all-new versions of rivals like BMW's X5, the Mercedes GLE and the Land Rover Discovery, with nearly every competing brand in the sector copying this Audi's provision of seven seats to suit larger families. Upper-spec Q7s now also have BMW's improved X7 and a revised version of the Mercedes GLS to deal with too. Audi's taken the opportunity here for a quick stylistic nip and tuck and there's a slightly classier cabin, along with plenty of safety and autonomous driving tech. Plus air suspension's standard across the range. But will it all be enough to allow the Q7 to keep pace in this rapidly evolving segment? Let's find out at the wheel of the volume 50 TDI diesel version.

Driving Experienceword count: 214

Audi is offering its latest 48-volt mild hybrid engine technology with the revised version of this second generation Q7. That sees an integrated 'BAS' belt alternator starter-generator powering a 48-volt main electrical set-up in which a compact lithium-ion battery in the boot stores energy harvested via a 'KERS' kinetic energy recovery system. That additional electricity might be used either to boost the engine while accelerating, or to restart it when the stop/start system kicks in at low speeds. The technology's seamless and features right across the range, which kicks off with two 3.0-litre V6 TDI options, either the base 45 TDI variant (which has 231PS) or the 50 TDI powerplant we tried (which offers 286PS). This engine is one of Audi's best, creamy smooth, superbly refined and generally torquey, equipped with 600Nm of pulling power. As before, this isn't a large SUV that particularly likes being hurried, but there's plenty of cornering traction, courtesy of torque vectoring and quattro 4WD, plus a 4-Wheel Steering set-up adds extra manoeuvrability to top 'Vorsprung'-spec models. Adaptive air suspension is standard across the range, which helps you cruise over tarmac tears and speed humps, plus it lowers the car at highway speeds and can be raised for the greater degrees of off road prowess you'll probably never need.

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Pictures (high res disabled)

Statistics (subset of data only)

Min

Max

Price:

£59,350.00

£83,700.00

Insurance group 1-50:

44

49

CO2 (g/km):

180

Max Speed (mph):

150

0-62 mph (s):

6.5

Combined Mpg:

33.2

Length (mm):

5061

Width (mm):

1970

Height (mm):

1740

Boot Capacity (l):

865

2050

Scoring (subset of scores)

Category: Crossover or SUV 4x4s

Performance
70%
Handling
70%
Comfort
70%
Space
80%
Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

This is an excerpt from our full review.
To access the full content library please contact us on 0330 0020 227 or click here

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