The Audi Q7 may be the premium German company’s first full-size SUV and like alternatives such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class it’s firmly designed for staying on tarmac rather than tackling harsh terrain.

Audi is famous for its quattro four-wheel drive system and has put its expertise to use with the Q7, however it lacks clever off road systems like the Land Rover Discovery.

It’s a big vehicle though and this translates into superb passenger space and seven-seats as standard while the air suspension ensures supreme comfort. It makes great family transport and it’s stylish too – but it’s not cheap to buy or run.

The 3.0-litre TDI engine was updated in 2009 and the whole Q7 was given a facelift in 2015, resulting in a much lighter and cleaner car. As well as losing 325 kilograms, the 3.0-litre diesel V6 was overhauled for greater efficiency. A greener version of the TDI engine was promised after launch, as was a plug-in hybrid version.

New kit was added, including a revamped infotainment system with touch control, as well as sartphone integration with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Audi connect service was expanded, and a tablet for rear seat passengers made available.

Given the sheer size of the Audi Q7, you’d be right in thinking it has a vast interior. It’s made all the more practical with seven seats as standard in all models, which gives it a versatility its more upmarket rivals such as the Range Rover cannot compete with.

The Q7 also gives its owner the versatility of mixing and matching the seating arrangements to suit individual needs. Even with all seven seats in place, the Q7 offers up 333-litres of load space, while an enormous 775-litre cargo capacity is available with the two third row seats stowed flat into the boot floor.

Go the whole hog and fold the middle row seats and you’re left with a cavernous 2035-litre load bay, so taking a trip to the DIY store holds no fears for the Q7 owner.

To create a car with as much cabin space as the Q7, Audi has had to make the exterior correspondingly large. At 5089mm long and 1983mm wide, the Q7 is a very tight fit for most standard single garages, while the 1737mm height can make nipping under car park height restrictions a nerve-wracking experience.

There’s also the problem of slotting the Q7 down narrow city streets and country lanes, where its bulk can be more of a hindrance than a help.

However, the Q7 enjoys considerable presence on the road, which means it is easily spotted by other drivers, who are less likely to pull out of side streets without spotting the big Audi. For the full Audi Q7 review please read on.

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