Audi Q7 4.2 V8 TDI 340 CV, road test (Equipment, prices and overall assessment)

We have reached the end of our road test, a test defined by its figures and power. Figures in terms of size, seating or power: without a doubt, the Audi Q7 with 4.2 V8 TDI engine producing 340 CV is a large car in every sense of the word.

In the first part we analysed everything related to the engine and performance, and we did not forget handling or consumption. In the second part of the test we analysed the interior space and design of the Audi Q7. Space is undoubtedly the main feature of the Q7’s interior, above all thanks to its seven seats.

Now, in the third part we will analyse the Q7’s equipment, first in the safety section and then going deeper into the standard equipment of a Audi Q7 and the optional items that surprised us or stood out on our test unit.

Equipment

When it comes to safety, premium brands always follow one premise: most of these elements come as standard. Indeed, we find a long list that includes front and side airbags, as well as rear side and curtain airbags. The relevant controls are also present, such as ABS with emergency brake assist or stability control.

Given all this equipment, very little is missing (perhaps the knee airbag, which is starting to appear on competing models), but overall safety is high. As proof, the Q7 earned the famous five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The rest of the standard equipment consists of 18-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, LED rear lights, front halogen headlights, electric mirrors, electric air conditioning, a CD-MP3 radio and dual rear exhaust outlets. It is basic equipment, missing LED daytime running lights, the interior storage package or Bluetooth, items that should be standard given the starting price of €58,310 for the 204 CV diesel version.

Now that we know the safety and standard equipment, let us review those optional items that surprised us. The first thing we noticed as soon as we sat in the Q7 was the Bang & Olufsen sound system, which turned the interior into a true concert hall.

It is one of the most expensive sound systems available and is only offered on the Audi A8 and Q7. The system features three speakers per door, plus the relevant centre speaker, two front satellites and the subwoofer. The novelty, however, is that it is adapted to the vehicle, tailor-made, with the speakers covered in steel to optimise the sound. The final price is €7,910 (plus the navigation system).

Another notable item was the navigation system, which included the function of creating a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the car: if we connect a phone with data via Bluetooth, we can share its internet connection.

We must not forget the adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains speed relative to the vehicle ahead and also includes braking function. This is normally available as an option on almost all premium models.

The list of extras on this type of car is practically endless, since we can tailor it entirely to our taste with countless packs and options, from individual leather to turning the Audi Q7 into a genuine cinema room thanks to the Premium speakers.

Prices

Petrol range (based on the online configurator)

Advance 3.0 TFSI 272 CV €64,520
Ambiente 3.0 TFSI 272 CV €70,890
Ambition 3.0 TFSI 272 CV €71,320
Ambiente 3.0 TFSI 333 CV €76,640
Ambition 3.0 TFSI 333 CV €76,640

Diesel range (based on the online configurator)

Advance 3.0 TDI 204 CV €58,310
Advance 3.0 TDI 245 CV €60,190
Advance 3.0 TDI clean diesel 245 CV €62,260
Ambiente 3.0 TDI 204 CV €64,445
Ambition 3.0 TDI 204 CV €64,860
Ambiente 3.0 TDI 245 CV €66,325
Ambition 3.0 TDI 245 CV €66,740
Ambiente 3.0 TDI clean diesel 245 CV €68,395
Ambition 3.0 TDI clean diesel 245 CV €68,810
Ambiente 4.2 TDI 340 CV €91,460
Ambition 4.2 TDI 340 CV €91,460

Overall assessment

We began the test by describing the Q7 as a large vehicle, and we were not wrong, but we must certainly find the rational side of a car that, at first glance, is not one. Who do we recommend the Q7 for?

In principle, for someone looking for a premium SUV who also wants space, space that includes up to seven seats: of the three main premium brands, the Q7 is the SUV in its segment with the best third-row seats, both in space and access. Others such as the BMW X5 also have seven seats, but with worse access, and the Mercedes ML does not offer them at all.

In terms of build quality it struck us as a very well finished car; we can find little to object to here, as the quality and fit and finish are up to the standard of the segment.

However, when it comes to the engine, we would like to make a point: there is very little negative to say about the 4.2 V8 TDI with 340 CV, but perhaps one important thing is that this much engine is not really necessary. With a 3.0 V6 TDI the car already goes very well and, in addition, we achieve much tighter consumption figures.

Therefore, as a differentiating factor compared with other premium SUVs we have the interior space and one of the most powerful V8 engines, because among diesels no other competing model offers V8 engines, at least among the three main brands. But as said, less engine is sufficient.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira and test team