Audi Q7 SUV in-depth review - Carbuyer

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The Audi Q7 is all about comfort, practicality, effortless performance and a beautiful interior. At launch, two diesel engines are available providing a good balance of performance and economy (on paper, at least). There’s plenty of cutting-edge technology available and the interior is as luxurious as you’d expect from an SUV costing around £50,000. It lacks the look-at-me styling of the original, and a Land Rover Discovery will be better off-road, but there are few better ways for seven to travel in comfort.
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[@mahadali619]

The new interior + old exterior = perfection

[@w-james9277]

Iv got to honest, I quite like the way it looks.

[@theokan89]

Are you from the Association of Visually Impaired?

[@w-james9277]

thoravian Na, looks are subjective.

[@thegoldtigerA7]

It looks decent and refreshing.. I don't know what's wrong with the people

[@w-james9277]

Ahmed Khallad Thank you

[@joeyad2626]

+Ahmed Khallad pakiza

[@sujeetverma4259]

am I the only one who likes the simple design?

[@blacksinper970]

Sujeet Verma nope

[@intrepidmilotic5999]

That is Elegance, other car makers put too much plastic and try cheap designs that ooze ''trying too hard to look cool''

[@eamokearney]

Its simple, solid and to be honest, unmatched by its rivals. The interior is on another level to the rest.

[@NitoKuvell]

Its an ugly design compared to the old one

[@noticiasdeultimahora8290]

I really liked this review. Didn't speak fast, no rush, very explicit. Pointed out the pros and cons very well and didn't let the flaws of the car overshadow the goods about the car. Props to Matt and the whole carbuyer team

[@suleb1]

I actually like the look of it. Looks a bit more futuristic.

[@suleb1]

But it certainly does look like an estate.

[@Slimecrazy234]

+Sule bereaux It looks like an 8 year old Dodge Journey, what's so futuristic about it?

[@suleb1]

+Slimecrazy234 the lights paired with the grills mostly.

[@marwanrasa6102]

Welcome to the future

[@Teme44]

Mat went from this to carwow damn

[@Raprada]

The interior in new Audis are really well designed and thought out. But I'm not sure that alone will pull new customers especially with their 'new' exterior design which is incremental at it's best

[@susand1177]

Right at the end, Matt concludes that this is HIS favourite seven seater. We took his very well-informed advice and couldn't be happier with ours.

[@NZsarge1]

I've grown to quite like the look of it, the rest of it is fantastic

[@Bomberboybrad]

The exterior design looked odd initially but is growing on me in a big way. The design language also makes sense now that the new Q5, A5 and A4 designs have been released. In person and in traffic, the front grill is imposing and exudes confidence.

[@andruthm]

thanks for the head-cam test, Mat ;) good idea with good realization.

[@aysbg]

This car looks so much better in person.

[@adelizasayer2982]

THIS CAR IS THE BEST CAR MONEY CAN BUY, I RECENTLY BROUGHT THIS CAR WITH MY HUSBAND DAVID AND IT LOOKS SO GOOD OUTSIDE THE MANOR, COMFORTABLE AND REASONABLE PRICED CAR, OVERALL MAJORLY IMPRESSED. AUDI ARE STRONG, RELIABLE CARS.

[@vsboy25]

he is a great reviewer always informative and classy.Audi did great with this new one.

[@Pete762]

I have to say it looks so much better in person

[@ScottPC]

I went off roading in the new q7 at goodwood and it is a proper off roader. It was even on 3 wheels at one point...

[@saifahmed7482]

@carbuyer How good it actually is when it comes to off-roading?

[@secondchance4498]

If you don't need the extra 2 seats would a Audi estate be a better buy or is there something else to be had other than the size/7 seats?I know and see lots of people driving round in these big 7 seat SUVs but cant recall ever seeing the extra seats being used. l supposes image is king for some although no doubt so will make good use of them.

[@bradleyattard]

Can someone tell me the name of the song used throughout the vid?? I really like it!

[@osullivanalbert4225]

Awesome, can you open 2016 tailgate with leg and how much ?

[@thedarkknight4243]

this is the generation to go for

[@MajorRushMore]

Ordered my 218 BHP 2 months ago. Build date is next week. Hope to be driving it in 4 weeks time. Cannot wait. It's amusing reading all the negative comments. The main reason I chose this SUV over any other is that it is a status symbol. I would not even consider thinking about a Volvo, regardless of how it looks or performs.

[@heatherroberts4665]

u tool

[@MajorRushMore]

+Heather Roberts You jealous

[@heatherroberts4665]

In all honesty you probably didn't buy it so you don't need to worry !! :)

[@MajorRushMore]

+Heather Roberts alright love, I'll send you a link to my owners video review on my youtube channel when I get it in a few weeks. you can eat your words then.

[@sean69superguy]

status symbol? what about Mercedes or bmw then? but you should atleast consider the Volvo since generally it is considered better.

[@urbanfox2004]

What's your view on new x trail 7 seat? Surely a much cheaper option and not bad trim levels?

[@rocketcityauction]

I just bought a Q7 Premium Plus for my wife and we love it. She was driving a Lexus LS 460 but likes the higher driving position for visibility. The accident avoidance safety sensing and all wheel drive also sold me in keeping her safe. This vehicle is lighter, (higher mpg and better handling and performance) shorter (easier to park) and more interior space than the older model. Brilliant!

[@serenityjoen3671]

I really like the design of this car. Let the money come, so I can get one for myself.

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

Buyer beware - Audi changed from contract with Google for mapping and some cars (like the S4 Avant I bought) don't have the satellite overlay. When trying to get Audi to fix the issue - the dealers were clueless and wanted money even to diagnose. A 10 minute Google and they could have diagnosed the issue (needed update to move to new mapping images). Also no courtesy car available for nearly a month. Went with an XC90 in the end and dealer (for regular service) have been fab.

[@jackbower2657]

I currently have a 2014 ML350 AMG sport and im looking for a new car what do you recommend in the SUV market thanks #carbuyer

[@VespertiliKildem]

Mat has an HTC M9 like me! Great choice mate!

[@bosse641]

It's beautiful :-) Would love to own one

[@sapientbudgie5652]

I love it. Brilliant. A 7 seater than handles well. It looks awesome

[@tahingomarqios6612]

Am I the only one here who likes the look of the Audi??

[@susand1177]

Nope. Liked it so much I bought one.

[@MrLuccaaaaa]

Hey can you review the Toyota Passo (Diahatsu Boon) new model (2010-2014) please? Thank you

[@ShaunJW1]

Audi nailed it with this Q7

[@josephb4865]

Hopefully the tyres will last longer on this if there are new makes, I got 10,000 miles on the old Q7! ridiculous

[@Thehpman100]

I really like the tech in this car and the engine is good but I have a 2011 Q7 S Line and far prefer it looks wise. I put a TDI tuning ecu box on it and it now has 300hp and averages 40mpg real world. I think this will be the last Q7 I own looking at the new shape which as matt says "looks like an overweight estate car". Audi are trying too hard to please everyone and in doing that have destroyed the look of the car so it no longer even looks like an SUV. How can it be that Volvo have surpassed Audi in SUV looks?? Audi, get your act together.

[@carbuyer]

+Thehpman100 It's possible that Audi's design language gets lost in translation when applied to an SUV shape. Volvo's lines work very well on a large car - we even liked the incumbent XC90 (which aged well, despite being in production for well over a decade). We don't have any information on tuning the XC90 but there's always been a good scene around Volvos, so let us know if you remap it or anything! Interested to hear.

[@MyVideosWillCalmU]

agree

[@Thehpman100]

+Carbuyer Do you know the funny thing? I ended up buying this new model Q7 on December 30th. I actually test drove them both (XC90 and Q7) and far preferred the drive of the Q7. The new 272ps engine is great and the gearbox is substantially smoother than the last model. This gives it a huge edge over 2 litre diesel suv's. Smooth drive around town and 0-60 in just over 6 seconds makes for a really nice drive. I would also agree with a comment you made further down when you mention the interior being one of the best in the business. It's far superior to the last model there too. It's a bit like being in the Tron film at night! Looks wise I got the Daytona Grey with the 21 inch turbine wheels you have on your demo car. This car grows on you looks wise, I actually prefer the more angular design now. I parked it next to my 2011 Q7 when I was picking it up and the old car looked really old and too curvy in comparison. The virtual cockpit is also a great cosmetic feature.

[@Thehpman100]

+Carbuyer An extra point is that the model you have here has the air suspension and when it's parked it sits lower so it looks like a big estate car. I didn't get that option and my car sits higher with standard suspension which helps the look of the car. This car doesn't need air suspension unless you want to go off road whereas the old model had it as standard because it was so heavy. When I parked my old Q7 (with air suspension on auto mode) next to this one the new car is actually slightly taller.

[@SugarBlood15]

+Thehpman100 Real word?WOAH!You sure it wasnt 40 mpg in the Matrix?

[@ismaeli9995]

I think it looks really nice.

[@bizmarkie100]

In reality and in black on black it looks stunning

[@sayedhasanrifat3104]

please do a review on the new land cruiser 2016

[@izaakali9704]

hard to find parking spaces in london for it

[@XzzVttll]

33 mpg is 7 l/100km and that is super for car that size!!

[@randomdude4628]

If you're buying a Q7 the price of a phone plan isn't exactly on your radar haha

[@JULIAN71102]

Pleasee VOLVO S60 R design in red or black

[@marioboskic7370]

wonderful car.. i really like it

[@tisho88ts]

Absolutely stunning car :)

[@terrellchia7788]

can u all test audi s5 , i want to know how is it in the real world

[@kadeodonnell9068]

It would look so nice in black or white

[@MyCurveCloset]

thanks

[@robocopvn]

What a pity ! I think we should have many more Go-pro on the head for the POV of the driver :D nice video. As always !

[@ppinjuh]

The final part of this review makes it a great one, thanks for the honesty Mat ;-) One of my cars is a Citroen Xm, so I really like the part about Audi's ride quality - it's not hydraulic, but it's still maybe a good one :-D hehe

[@ufookoro1]

The interior is just awesome. Not too sure about the way it look outside. A bigger version of the Audi Avant may be the kind description. I maybe sold after multiple views. Nice review

[@gitar313]

I'm in Bali, Indonesia. and in here in Bali doesn't have Audi or Land Rover, or even Volvo Authorized Dealer :( so, i choose Toyota Land Cruiser V8 Diesel and BMW X5 for carrying my family. I don't know if in UK Toyota sell Land Cruiser V8

[@footballgeorgiebest]

I took a walk around this new Q7 the other day and it looks better when you see it in person but I expect significant change when they update it in three or four years. Ps. Looks best in black.

[@SciroccoThePunisher]

Greeting from Athens Mat!!

[@cklimk]

I am driving the old xc90 for the last 6 years now, and will be switching to the new Audi Q7 in 2 weeks....I tested drive the new model of the xc90, but wasn't convinced in terms of driving pleasure...also, I stare into my iPod at work and iphone screen almost everyday everywhere and every free moment...so I wouldn't want to engage another touch screen when I get into the car in the case of xc90. Also, the new xc90 tail light is far too sleek for a SUV and makes the car looks small from behind. I must admit that the new Audi is unconvincing here over the video in terms of exterior look, but when I arrived at the Audi showroom...I must said that the actual look and feel of the new Q7 is simply unbelievable...the majestic classy exterior design coupled with the quality interior elegance setting and the sheer driving pleasure when you are on the road...,and for about the same price zone....the choice is easy....you have got to be in the showroom to tell the truth!!!!

[@andilemhlongo2753]

Woooow I loooooove the car thanks man, and my personal point of view is the far rear seats are good for kids so, no complaints at all, don't worry your knees too much that's not your seats loool just Kidding, Thanks man

[@eyeballseesaws]

Looks pretty good not ugly

[@Stalli0n999]

Does it have a spare wheel ?

[@elastic24]

Does this new Q7 comes with manual or just automatic?

[@elastic24]

OK. Thanks for answering. I appreciate.

[@nyashaterencemutemi]

I think this Q7 is class-leading SUV. It may not conquer the toughest terrain as does the Land Rover, but it is a massive improvement...The GLE,(formerly ML), may be in a tight spot right now. The game has changed dramatically to the extent that the Q7 has stolen my heart and its soul...

[@lionheart.5983]

Vipi mkenya mwenzangu

[@BestCarSound]

Yeah, I prefer Q7 as well. 2nd row seems to be most spacious between competitors, but how reliable all that uber-tech will be?

[@luisstransport]

my favorite 7 seater SUV is either this or the Mercedes gl class

[@munimuni5168]

my dad just got his mad . glacier white with beautiful 21 inch alloys. at first I really hated the car. but we test drove it and I looked it more than I normally do; I just started liking it .idk it's like I hate it but I like it some way . but it did cost freaking 60k..... I couldn't convince my dad to get the new x5 7 seater not my money it's his XD

[@senagst6510]

that dashboard look similiar with vw's line up nowadays...

[@Nestle245]

Y'all should see the matrix interior in night time driving, should totally changed your minds on this new interior.

[@bigleemac]

Went to look at one of these, interior is brilliant, Audi interiors are superb but didn't care for the overall look of the car at all, very expensive as well, I've got an A6 and can't really see the benefit unless you really need those extra seats.

[@GabrielSantos-xg7ur]

This car is amazing This car is the best

[@andreaskingbo3039]

It would be great if you would do a review of the new Mercedes GLC!

[@iPhone3GSCase]

Their last Audi models were the best looking

[@DreamCarGarage1]

If that thing had anything other than an Audi badge on the front we'd all be deriding it for it's bland, boxy slab-sided design. You want an example of a car maker moving their game on then check out Hyundai and their new Santa fe or Kia and the new Sorento. Both stunning looking cars. I've predicted it a few times now and I'll do it again; Hyundai and Kia are coming and they're coming very fast. The big boys won't be able to get away with complacent designs for much longer...mark my words!

[@MaestroPregadio]

It's true that Hyundai and kia are making beautiful SUVs. But in terms of technology, engines, transmissions, comfort they still are very far from german competitors like Audi.. And predictably they won't be able to fill this huge gap quickly

[@DreamCarGarage1]

MrStamboy I hear you but these companies are much bigger than most people realise. They got budget! While it's true that here in the UK we only get a couple engine choices in the US they get far more. Once the brand in the UK is deemed strong enough they'll simply start to give us more of the engine variants that are already using elsewhere. They also have luxury marques models doing very well elsewhere too. It's just a matter of time. They're coming all right and coming fast!

[@DreamCarGarage1]

kiki grn Yes you undoubtedly get some good engineering but most of what you pay for is the kudos of the badge. Just like Lexus had to come up the hard way in the 90's on merit I think Hyundai and Kia are making the same journey only a lot faster. Just think where they were just 7 or eight years ago and look at what they're producing now!

[@danesebruno]

Add Mazda to that list too...

[@Slimecrazy234]

+/Dream Car Garage 1 (DCG1) The Sorento design is a copy of the Toyota Highlander and the Santa Fe is horrid.

[@thomasjackwigglesworth]

Volvo xc90 I never did like the q7 but this new one is not to bad . I think I would still pick the xc90. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@akceleracevideoblogy417]

Perfect review. I ordered the SQ7 recently so every video about this car helps me to overcome a man pregnancy :)

[@graphguy]

Any review as a new owner?

[@akceleracevideoblogy417]

Oh, not yet. I ordered it during November. Production is scheduled on March probably. Moreover I have an exclusive color so it took months longer to get it.

[@graphguy]

Akcelerace Videoblogy Yikes... that is a long wait! You are more patient than I would be.

[@susand1177]

Lucky you! I have the higher powered 3.0Tdi, which still has great 0-62 and torque. Yours is going to be heavenly!

[@AdamAus85]

Almost put your finger through that digital cluster, lol

[@SiyathWidyaratne]

Really like the Q7!

[@xBuzz996]

After this review, I think I'd prefer the Q7 than the XC90

[@ZigZag9639]

Wow, that Q7 looks amazing, but heaps better in black! Am thinking of buying one but dunno to buy a new one or 2014 model, or even get one in 2007 for an affordable price? Other than that, it looks like an awesome family car for my babies. =)

[@ItachiUchiha-re6fx]

Is it reliable used?

[@Cruiser203]

id take this over the xc90 because of the engine, i dont want 2 liter engines in my 7 seater suv

[@naisaeteurn1673]

Erkal z hmm✔🚫🔊🚿✔

[@exinsiders3009]

Audi Q7 its an Amazing car

[@shadnowc5494]

Best reviewer

[@otablott7779]

Hi Mat, which engine was the Q7 you were driving?

[@classock3264]

BEST REVIEWS IN THE MARKET, CONGRATS you won my VOTE

[@jhp555]

Hahaha Mat I guess you recently went to the beach? you got tanned bro hahahah nice review btw

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Another great presentation. Thanks, Mat. I actually like the look of the new Q7. I don't see what so many others do. And the new XC90? BORING. Just not my taste. There's something for everyone. No doubt, Audi will sell a ton of these.

[@iloveplanesandcars9714]

How good is the 2013

[@aszkanfederation28]

the design looks like an 80's futuristic car

[@SwiftHDX]

Brilliant car.

[@hashimmir3260]

Matt's right the old one had an attitude but I think Audi's experience is getting down in market like the new R8 is also not mean looking car but the old once are looking just a wild animal

[@hashimmir3260]

Ones*

[@zekefishy798]

My future SUV...

[@kilove1]

Am not a big fan of the exterior of the new Q7 but i love the interior..i could have this just on the inside of the SUV

[@LiamS94]

Upon first glance I think the first word that springs to mind is "gopping"...

[@lilbang0623]

I drive the 1st gen 2009 Q7 with the 3.6L VR6 engine and personally, the brand new one is a bit bland in design. It looks great and clean for the uninitiated but as someone who drives one, the outgoing design looks more like an SUV and its looks make the Q7 stand out compared to other Audi SUVs which start to look like VW SUVs (after all, VW owns Audi). All in all, i prefer the outgoing one in design.

I woud go for Q7 100%

[@ARB0204]

This car looks more rugged and faster than the XC90

[@susand1177]

Agree x 100. In person the Q7 has a ton of presence, and I find the rear of the XC90 rather ugly.

[@MrTARIQSs]

The new xc90 looks 100x better Audi ruined it!

[@BBGrooves1]

+|〉 TARIQ k. 〈| It was getting dated and needed to be updated one way or another

[@shanjanusman9974]

Id go for the BMW X5. Best in Class.

[@BBGrooves1]

Shanjan Usman Me too

[@testcars3704]

You are right

[@harryc266]

Well buy that and stop fucking telling us

[@MultiRyan2112]

I love every update that they have done to this car apart from the styling, the previous generation was miles better looking, this one looks like a minivan/wagon

[@joaodinispinho8668]

Why is this video not public? I couldn't find it by searching on youtube.

[@arditibishi59]

I'm a big Mercedes benz fan, and i think that the gle -suv is mutch better, has a sharper look, but i have to admit i love the new Bmw X5

[@E-ZE-DUZIT]

it would be nice to have the gas tank on the drivers side

[@GTAstuntz]

Very nice on the inside, but the front grille just seem so out of proportions. They executed this much better on the new A4.

[@Predalien73]

terrific car...........