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Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SE review: Super SUV sheds weight and tax

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SE review 2
The new Q7 has improved on its predecessor so makes for an attractive prospect

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28 July 2015

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI SE review

What is it?

The more affordable of the two new Q7 versions on sale, if you can call £50,340 affordable, with the standard steel springs rather than the more expensive air set up.

What’s hot?

  • Audi has managed to lop an impressive 325kg out of the new Q7 compared to its predecessor. Weight-saving highlights in the new Q7 lightweight construction include, aluminium doors which save 24kg, the drivetrain which is 20kg lighter, a new five-link rear axle which saves 40kg and those clever engineers from Ingolstadt even managed to cut 19kg from the Q7’s not insubstantial exhaust system.
  • Inside, the new Q7’s interior is a success, as all the switchgear is logically placed and the use of high quality metal and plastic trim means it feels more than a match for rivals. The design is interesting too, following the same minimalistic, horizontal look first debuted on the A3 a while back. In particular, on the passenger side, Audi appear to have made a feature of the air vents, which runs from the corner to the centre console.
  • A lower powered 216bhp version of the all-new 3.0-litre TDi V6 will be available in October, but for the moment there’s just the full-fat 268bhp version we have here. It’s a smooth, refined and punchy unit, that’s still capable of 47.9mpg with 153g/km emissions.
  • Even on the standard steel suspension and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the benefits of the Q7’s weight-loss plan and new MLB Evo chassis can be felt. On the road, the steering is impressively precise, with a sharp turn in and plenty of grip.
  • The revised eight-speed tiptronic auto is a perfect match for the new engine, giving quick and slick changes. Acceleration to 62mph is dispatched in an effortless 6.5 seconds, while the top speed is 145mph.
  • It might be shorter and narrower than the old Q7, but there’s actually more head and legroom in all three rows of seats. Even with all three rows of seats in place, the boot space equals a useful 295-litres, but can be extended to 770-litres with that third row of seats folded down.
  • The third row of seats is power operated, which saves grazed knuckles when fitting them in place.
  • Tow regularly? Then the optional £1,300 towing pack with power retracting tow bar and clever Trailer Assist, will automatically steer the Q7 and trailer to the pre-programmed direction.
  • Considering the size of the engine, the 153g/km CO2 emissions are still impressive and mean the Q7 falls into the 28% company car tax band for 2015/16.

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