• Not cheap to service or maintain – like all Audis
• V6 diesels will offer lowest running costs
• SQ7 TDI costs most to run, but retains more value too

Residual values are strong across the range, but it’s the SQ7 that performs best in this respect, retaining 62% of its value after three years and 60,000 miles. All Q7s retain better than 50%, however. Audi’s servicing and maintenance is also known to be reassuringly expensive, though.

The 3.0-litre TDI diesel engines make the most sense with both the entry-level 45 TDI and 50 TDI claiming figures ranging between 31.7.1-34.0mpg. During our time of testing with the 50 TDI, we averaged 33mpg on a motorway cruise. This figure dropped quite quickly once off it.

Opt for the 55 TFSI petrol engine and this ranges between 25.2-27.4mpg.

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As you may expect, use the SQ7’s mighty TDI diesel engine much and you’ll see fuel economy drop to near-supercar levels, but when driven conservatively, the claimed 29.1-30.1mpg figures make a V8 SUV more pallatable.

Fuel tank capacity ranges from 75-litres to 85 litres depending on model, with a predicted range of over 550 miles during our time with the 50 TDI.

TFSI e minimises running costs

The TFSI e plug-in hybrid deserves a mention here. Its claimed fuel economy of 83.1-88.3mpg is unrealistic for most users, but if you only do short journeys then it could work out that you use hardly any petrol at all. 

It takes approximately eight hours to charge the battery using a three-pin plug or 2hrs 30mins with a 7.4kW wall box.

Green credentials

When it comes to CO2 emissions, both the 45 TDI and 50 TDI engines emit a very similar output, ranging between 217-232g/km, depending on trim level. The 55 TFSI petrol engine ranges between 234-255g/km and the SQ7 ranges between 245-254g/km.

The lowest-possible emissions are achieved by the plug-in hybrid TFSI e with a 72-78g/km CO2 output (dependent on the model you choose). This makes it the only Q7 that a company car tax payer could realistically consider.

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Stop-start is standard on all models, while the optional Predictive Efficiency Assist can adjust its gear ratio choice, throttle application and other parameters based on topography and other mapping data, including live traffic information. It’ll also suggest alternative routes that will be more economical and efficient than the one you’re currently on, even if you’re not actually using the sat-nav to find your destination.

Reliability

• Common Audi parts should be reliable
• Some newer tech has been patchy
• Four recalls but cars will have been fixed

The Audi Q7 uses a lot of parts that are tried and tested in other Audi products, so reliability in that respect should be good. We’ve heard of electrical issues with Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system in the early days. However, it’s now been updated to a revised system, and we’re yet to come across any issues with it.

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The 48-volt electrical system in the previous plug-in hybrid E-Tron caused Audi to take it off sale for a short period after launch to be rectified, but this newer system has been implemented in the A6, A7 and A8 since then, and is much more reliable.

There have also been four official DVSA recalls, but all cars should have had these faults fixed.