Audi Q7 4.2 V8

Audi Q7 4.2 V8

How much?	£48,475
On sale in the UK:	Now
Engine:	4163cc, 40v V8, 345bhp @ 6800rpm, 324lbft @ 3500rpm
Transmission:	Six-speed Tiptronic, Quattro all-wheel drive
Performance:	7.4 sec 0-60mph, 154mph, 28.4mpg, 326gm/km CO2
How heavy / made of?	2270kg/steel body
How big (length/width/height in mm)?	5086/1983/1737

What's it like inside?

The cabin is pure luxury limo, far removed from an utilitarian SUV. The cabin mixes A6 and A8 elements with the usual mix of fine materials and faultless craftsmanship. Nothing in this upmarket interior, aside from the elevated view out, suggests that you're driving an SUV. That's the good news. The bad news concerns row three, which is strictly for kids, and even they will struggle to get there. The wide, deep and flat boot holds 2035 litres with the rear seats folded flat, 775 litres in five-people configuration and 330 litres with all seven chairs erect. Without extras, the Q7 is a relatively unremarkable piece of kit. Yes, it's built like a rock, it beats any Benz for surface quality and it has a space advantage, with 28 different rear set and cargo deck combinations. But it takes a long, deep reach into the options bag before it begins to feel really special.

Anything else?

These options include: ACC Plus active cruise control, a system that stops you rear-ending the vehicle ahead; Audi's first reversing camera; and a new "side assist" system that flashes a light if you're changing lane into the path of a vehicle hidden in the mirror's blind spot. Electronic tricks include a brake assist system that maintains a constant speed on steep descents, plus a roll stability program (RSP) which employs the brakes to prevent the vehicle from toppling over. In late 2006, Audi will add a 280bhp 3.6-litre V6. In 2007, we're going to see a 420bhp V10 petrol and a 4.2-litre V8 diesel, which makes 533lb ft of torque and represents a compelling mix between oomph and brio.

On the road, does it feel like a car, truck or elephant?

Like the Cayenne Turbo, the Q7 drives more like a high-roofed car than a low-roofed SUV. Hard cornering doesn't leave rubber all over the tarmac, sudden lane changes don't rattle it. The latest-generation Quattro system (which splits the torque 40:60 front to rear) lets the front wheels get on with the steering while the rears do the bulk of the propulsion duties. If the road is slippery, you can kick out the back end with only a moderate application of right pedal for a fun dose of power oversteer. The adaptive air suspension is standard on UK cars. It makes the Q7 more comfortable than a BMW X5 with sports suspension, but not as supple as a Mercedes ML500. The air springs thwart dive, roll and squat, and lower the body by 35mm at highway speeds to reduce drag and consumption. The ride quality on the optional 20-inch tyres is below average, especially over freeway expansion joints, and there's more tyre noise, suspension thump and engine hum than expected. Stability and steering are good, but the spongy feeling brakes don't bite hard enough initially.

How far will it make it off-road - Sainsbury's, Salisbury plain or Swaziland?

The Q7 foregoes hardcore off-road kit like a low-range transfer case. Maximum ground clearance is 240mm, so you can pass rutted country roads. But the double wishbone suspension is biased for on-road dynamism, not off-road adventuring.

What's it like inside?

The cabin is pure luxury limo, far removed from an utilitarian SUV. The cabin mixes A6 and A8 elements with the usual mix of fine materials and faultless craftsmanship. Nothing in this upmarket interior, aside from the elevated view out, suggests that you're driving an SUV. That's the good news. The bad news concerns row three, which is strictly for kids, and even they will struggle to get there. The wide, deep and flat boot holds 2035 litres with the rear seats folded flat, 775 litres in five-people configuration and 330 litres with all seven chairs erect. Without extras, the Q7 is a relatively unremarkable piece of kit. Yes, it's built like a rock, it beats any Benz for surface quality and it has a space advantage, with 28 different rear set and cargo deck combinations. But it takes a long, deep reach into the options bag before it begins to feel really special.

Anything else?

These options include: ACC Plus active cruise control, a system that stops you rear-ending the vehicle ahead; Audi's first reversing camera; and a new "side assist" system that flashes a light if you're changing lane into the path of a vehicle hidden in the mirror's blind spot. Electronic tricks include a brake assist system that maintains a constant speed on steep descents, plus a roll stability program (RSP) which employs the brakes to prevent the vehicle from toppling over. In late 2006, Audi will add a 280bhp 3.6-litre V6. In 2007, we're going to see a 420bhp V10 petrol and a 4.2-litre V8 diesel, which makes 533lb ft of torque and represents a compelling mix between oomph and brio.

Verdict

Quality is superb, the drivetrains impressive and handling is good - for an SUV. But the Q7 is unwieldy, big and bloated and stingy on spec. We'd hoped Audi would somehow rewrite the SUV rulebook, or at least chapters of it, and it hasn't. The Q7 may be the new leader of the pack, but the pack still follows uncomfortably close to its heels.

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