Images
Just as the dinosaurs evolved to suit a changing planet, so have large luxury SUVs - Audi's enormous Q7 more than most. In 2024, we got a further lightly improved version of the second generation model, complete with a slightly smarter look. It was a large luxury 7-seat SUV that aimed to work smarter rather than harder and remained a difficult option to ignore in its segment.
+ More
History
Ever since the original version first generation Q7 was first launched in 2007, it's been a vehicle that middle-England families have always rather liked but, if truth were told, felt a bit awkward about owning, the MK1 Q7's sheer size, power and weight hardly in keeping with its eco-conscious times. The MK2 model, launched in 2015, then revised in 2019, improved things, thanks to a lighter platform shared with premium brands like Bentley and Porsche. But this car was still a huge thing. And remained that way in the further improved form we look at here, launched in early 2024.
By that time, with Mild Hybrid engines the Q7 was claiming to have a better eco-footprint, enabling potential customers to consider one with a clearer conscience. Which was nice because for many - ourselves included - there remained something tantalisingly tempting about this big Audi. The way it dominates the road as it'll dominate your driveway. You'll want to justify buying one - but will you be able to? The MK2 Q7 sold in this form until early 2026, when it was replaced by a third generation model.
+ More
What you get
By 2024, we'd already had one update of this second generation Q7 (in 2019), so in creating this further nip and tuck, Audi had to think a bit harder. The brand said it had 'reduced the decorative elements' for 'a cleaner look'. This car certainly gained a bit more overtaking presence. Not much changed from the side - unless you count the restyled alloy wheels, which were available in sizes up to a huge 22-inches. The smallest rims available were 20-inchers. As you'd expect with a facelift, all the main changes featured at the front, with smarter bumpers and some lighting upgrades. Audi hoped the higher position of the daytime running lights would give this updated Q7 a wider, more expressive look.
Not much changed behind the wheel. Not much needed to. Audi told us that there were fresh trim, leather and stitching options and if you owned an earlier version of this MK2 design and look closely, you'll note that the screen tech here features updated software and graphics. Otherwise, Audi's so-called 'luxury lounge' cabin architecture remained as before. You're going to need to like screens because the gloss black-panelled layout incorporates no fewer than three of them, the two you'll notice first powering up as soon as the door is opened and dominating the upper and lower parts of the shiny centre stack.
Let's consider the second row, access to which is helped by a large door aperture. Passengers here benefit from Audi's standard 'rear bench seat plus' package, which gives you three individual seats each featuring 110mms of longitudinal travel, so that they can be pushed forwards or backwards to maximise either legroom or the space behind. Plus the outer backrests recline through 16 increments for greater comfort on longer journeys.
OK - what about third row functionality? You won't necessarily get it on a Q7. A five seat-only configuration is conditional if you go for the plug-in TFSI e versions of this model. There's no magic worked on the available standards of leg room you get once you're back here though and for any kind of comfort here as an adult, you're going to need to ask those in the middle row to push their seats forward a bit. Still, it's really intended for kids - of any age. This is one of the very few 7-seat cars we've tested with ISOFIX child seat fastenings fitted to its third row seats, so Audi gets a big tick for that.
Finally, let's consider luggage space. As you'll discover when the powered tailgate rises, as usual with large SUVs in this segment, there isn't much of it on offer when all three seating rows are in place - just 295-litres of capacity. Most of the time of course, you'll probably be running the car with the third row chairs folded down. Buttons are provided for the electrical retraction process both in the cargo area and on each side of the car behind the second row. Once everything's flat, there's a lot of room to play with, 780-litres to be exact in a standard model. Or 563-litres in the five seat-only plug-in hybrid TFSI e variants.
+ More
What to look for
This MK2 Q7 was a lot more reliable than the first generation model and by 2024, Audi had ironed out most of the remaining issues. Common issues relate to water pump and thermostat leaks and timing chain rattles on the diesels. The keyless entry sensors in the door handles can fail and we've heard of leaks from the panoramic glass roof.
A few buyers complained of various rattles and squeaks, so look out for these on your test drive. Few Q7s will have been used off road, but check underneath just in case. The most reported faults related to interior trim and non-engine electricals. Look out for bodywork scrapes and kerb damage to the large alloys. We've had some reports of issues with wear to the side bolsters of the leather seats, as well as squeaking front brake pads, so it's worth looking out for both of those. There were a few issues with the car's infotainment system, with phones not connecting properly and flickering screens being the main problem. The DSG automatic gearbox should be checked to make sure it's had a regular oil and filter change, as should the quattro four-wheel-drive system.
Many Q7s will have been company or lease cars and, as a result, you should check the condition of the bodywork carefully. The high-quality fit and finish of a Q7 also makes it an ideal candidate for clocking, so ensure the history is absolutely verified.
+ More
Replacement parts
(approx based on an Q7 2024 50 TDI - Ex Vat) A genuine Audi air filter costs in the £45-£76 bracket. A genuine Audi oil filter costs around £23-£37. A genuine Audi diesel filter is around £65. Genuine Audi front brake pads sit in the £190-£253 bracket for a set; for a rear set, it's around £95-£135. Quality front brake discs sit in the £224-£285 bracket. Quality rear brake discs sit in the £180-£245 bracket. A pair of genuine Audi wiper blades cost £50-£73. A genuine Audi water pump's in the £327-£344 bracket.
+ More
On the road
As previously with this second generation model, the range was built around 48-volt mild hybrid engine technology and offered a choice of five powerplants. There were still two 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel options, but it's worth ignoring the base 231PS 45 TDI variant in favour of the more popular 50 TDI 286PS unit, which gets to 62mph in 6.1s en route to 150mph (1 second and 10mph quicker than the 45 TDI). This engine is one of Audi's best from this era, creamy smooth, superbly refined and generally torquey, equipped with 600Nm of pulling power in 50 TDI form (100Nm more than the 45 TDI).
Alternatively, there's the 340PS 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, badged 55 TFSI, which makes 62mph in 5.6s en route to 155mph, but which you always tend to drive with one eye on the rapidly falling fuel gauge. That might also be the case with the most powerful variant, the uber-rare twin turbo V8 petrol SQ7, which has 507PS with a thrusting 770Nm of torque and makes 62mph in 4.1s. But is there really any point in buying a resolutely un-sporty car like this with a big petrol V8?
Another pertinent question lies in whether there's really any point in choosing a Q7 from this era without seven seats. If you think there is, then a more credibly efficient way to run one (if you can afford the up-front price premium) is to choose the 55 TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid version, which (as before) was five-seat-only thanks to the bulky PHEV system inserted under its boot floor.
The TFSI e powertrain was the only one in the range that was tinkered with as part of this update. Its fundamentals didn't change - it was still based around the 3.0-litre TFSI petrol unit just mentioned. But for this update, Audi worked on the integral electric motor and the result was a total output pitched at 394PS, accompanied by the same 600Nm torque figure that you get in the 50 TDI diesel. That means 62mph is dispatched in just 5.7s on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 149mph. As with most PHEVs, there are two main system drive modes, 'Hybrid' (engine and battery together) or a full 'EV' setting, plus a 'Hold' option that allows you to save battery power until later in your trip when you might need it.
The big changes though, lay with the PHEV model's increase in drive battery size, from 17.9kWh to 25.9kWh, which boosted the EV range from a meagre 28 miles to a much more acceptable 51 mile figure.
+ More
Overall
Here's a big Audi SUV that, in an eco-conscious world, you could still own proudly, rather than slightly awkwardly. A statement of technology and innovation with electronic intuition anticipating needs you didn't know you had. As well as simply a very plush and practical way to transport your household just about anywhere.
In this further revised form, this second generation Q7 certainly looked the part, the badge works for the boardroom, it's as capable off road as most will ever need and the seven-seat format is fine for families. True, there are rival large SUVs that are better to drive in this segment - but none of those are as practical. And yes, there are certainly others that are significantly cheaper - but none of them are as advanced.
Back in 2024, Audi was certainly aware that a model of this kind could never be completely eco-centric, but as they proved in this case, there was certainly plenty that could be done to reduce its environmental impact. In short, what we got here was simply this: a lesson in Vorsprung durch Technik.
+ More
Have you considered these alternative models...
Find a Review
We have over 500 new and used car reviews to help you find your next car.
Browse reviews and model guides for all makes
