Audi Q7 long term review, 8,000km report – Introduction

A 1,500km highway journey on an autobahn-like expressway is what the Q7 was made for.

The Autocar long run Audi Q7 had been restricted to the every day metropolis grind for almost all of its stick with us. Fortunately, a 1,500km spherical journey throughout the state allowed me to lastly stretch its legs – and do it on acquainted territory. Mumbai–Nagpur–Mumbai through some scenic routes. Predominantly, the Samruddhi Expressway meant I may get pleasure from a few of that Dynamic mode efficiency whereas counting on quattro for grip and buzzing together with the very good Bang & Olufsen audio system.

I didn’t have a lot use for the massive 770-litre boot (with the final row folded down), so I didn’t hassle and made do with 295 litres. The Q7 additionally has a neat trick, the place, on the contact of a button, the air suspension can decrease the automotive for straightforward boot loading – useful in case you have got heavy baggage. There’s additionally a baggage protector that ensures small gadgets are stowed in place and don’t transfer about.

Audi Q7 long term review, 8,000km report – Introduction

Not having a spare wheel on an extended drive is daunting, however you do get a puncture restore equipment.

On the gasoline pump, I topped up the tank, which guzzled 64 litres of petrol, giving me a spread of 570km on the MID – hinting at an effectivity of 8.9kpl. My goal was to get it into double digits.

Whereas setting the tyre pressures, I remembered that the Q7 doesn’t include a spare wheel. As an alternative, there’s a puncture restore equipment. On a desolate freeway just like the Samruddhi Expressway, it does hamper some confidence. As I set off, the highway to the 8-lane tremendous expressway was something however tremendous. For the reason that now-opened Igatpuri Tunnel was nonetheless below building after I did this journey, the one method was through Kasara Ghat.

The twisties meant I may lastly get it out of Consolation and into Dynamic, which improves engine response, stiffens the trip, and weighs up the steering. Certain, it’s not agile or nimble, nevertheless it does change its character.

3.0-litre V6 is creamy clean and has an incredible stability of efficiency and luxury.

Eager to make full use of the small thrilling stretch value me in gasoline, as spirited driving dropped effectivity to a mere 5.8kpl. Fortunately, I received onto the runway-like Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the speedboat must be transformed right into a yacht.

I shifted the mode to Effectivity, set the cruise management to 118kph to keep away from the pace restrict chime and sit under the authorized restrict, and activated lane hold help to assist keep throughout the traces. Oh! And the audio quantity was elevated as much as eleven.

The following 500-odd kilometres could be spent making an attempt onerous to not be hypnotised by the Samruddhi’s impeccable highway markings. The engine settles at 1,500rpm, because of the 8-speed automated, and the well-insulated cabin means the in any other case rumbly concrete floor of the freeway isn’t as loud contained in the Audi.

Because the kilometres glided by, the solar – which began in entrance of my windshield – handed throughout the panoramic sunroof, and a fast lunch cease revealed how comfy the journey had been to this point. Regardless of lacking out on a therapeutic massage operate, the Q7’s seats are beautifully comfy. The help, cushioning and adjustability imply I didn’t must get out and crack my again.

Matrix LED headlamps provide unimaginable illumination and may mechanically modify throw.

I reached Nagpur publish sundown, and that is the place the MATRIX LED headlamps (now customary on the Know-how model) got here into their very own. The brightness, throw, and illumination are good, and the system additionally adjusts particular person LEDs to keep away from disturbing different motorists.

The 700km journey was an absolute cakewalk, and because of the fuel-saving mode, effectivity was over 10kpl. The return leg was higher nonetheless, since there was no visitors to dodge. Whereas the déjà vu of the unending straights hit onerous, the effectivity solely improved.

On some sections, nevertheless, the gentle setup of Effectivity mode resulted in pitching. However a trick to that’s to pick Particular person mode and change the trip to Dynamic. With the suspension stiffened and the engine relaxed, it’s one of the best of each worlds.

MMI feels dated with no wi-fi Apple CarPlay. Twin screens appeal to smudge marks simply.

Nonetheless, after 1,000km of being within the Q7, it does really feel in want of a serious replace. There hasn’t been a generational change since 2015, and even the updates aren’t catching as much as the competitors. For instance, the dual-screen infotainment now appears dated.

Additionally lacking are wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and having to resort to cables in 2025 shouldn’t be according to its nearly Rs 1 crore price ticket.

The Q7 won’t be probably the most trendy luxurious SUV, nevertheless it nonetheless has a cult following and a picture that was cemented by the earlier model and its deserves. It’s a no-nonsense luxurious SUV that does the fundamentals – like consolation and efficiency – effortlessly. And the truth that I made a four-day, 1,500km journey with no fatigue is proof that it could possibly nonetheless maintain its personal in terms of barnstorming throughout the state.