Audi Q7 55 TFSIe | Review

The second-generation Q7 is one the oldest models in Audi’s line-up, having debuted in 2015, yet it has been kept up to date with various styling, technology and powertrain updates.

In the most recent, Audi improved the ‘TFSIe’ plug-in hybrid version by fitting a new, larger battery. It gives the Q7 55 TFSIe a claimed range of 52 miles, attracting a low benefit-in-kind (BiK) rate of 8% in the 2024/25 tax year.

With a large and intimidating appearance, the Q7 has plenty of road presence. Its key rivals include the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Range Rover Sport. From a practicality point of view, the Q7 has a spacious interior and a large boot. You only get five seats, however. Some models, such as the Volvo XC90 T8, can seat seven.

The Q7 55 TFSIe uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine, paired with an eight-speed electrified transmission that feeds power to a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Under the car, a 25.7kWh battery pack provides the zero-emission capability.

Performance is plentiful, thanks to the car’s 394PS and 600Nm output. The petrol engine is exceptionally smooth and, when combined with the instant torque of the electric motor, provides responsive and rapid acceleration.

In a real-world test we achieved 40 miles from a single charge, before the Q7’s engine was forced to fire up. You can complete most daily driving duties in EV mode, where the car is quick enough to keep up with traffic and can cruise at motorway speeds.

When the battery is depleted, the car manages fuel consumption in the mid-30s. Reasonable for a large, powerful SUV. You can also operate the car in hybrid mode, where is balances the use of electricity and petrol throughout a journey. In this case the car returns closer to 50mpg on a journey.

One downside of the Q7’s battery is its charging speed. Only 7.4kW AC charging is supported, meaning a charge time of 3.75 hours.

Despite being an aging model, life on board is highly luxurious. The Q7’s interior is shared, largely, with the flagship A8 saloon. It integrates a central MMI infotainment screen in the upper dash, along with a second touchscreen which is used for climate functions. Despite having very few physical switches, the Q7’s setup means that most functions are easily accessible.

Opt for the S Line model, at £77,755, and you’ll get a healthy specification that includes leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, LED matrix headlights, three-zone climate control, all-round parking sensors and a reversing camera.

The range-topping Vorsprung costs north of £100,000, but comes with a luxury specification that includes soft-close doors, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and massaging front seats, a suite of driver assistance technology and a 360-degree camera system.

Vorsprung models also get four-wheel-steering, which makes manoeuvring the Q7 much easier.

All Q7’s are fitted with air suspension as standard, giving a smooth and comfortable ride. There’s also a dynamic edge to the car, which makes it quite fun to drive. Under the skin, the Q7’s underpinnings are shared with the Bentley Bentyaga, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, so there’s some decent pedigree in there.

The Q7 is priced keenly against its rivals and represents good value for money. Where the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE cost more than £80,000, it’s only the Volvo XC90 that can be had cheaper. All them attract an 8% BiK rate, while the X5 has the lowest running cost of the four.

And while the Q7 55 TFSIe has a considerably lower list price than a Range Rover Sport P460e, with its longer electric range the Sport attracts a 5% BiK rate and is the cheapest from a tax perspective.