In 2006 Audi launched its full-size premium-quality seven-seater SUV. Iain Dooley checks out the imposing Q7.

Initially the vehicle came with one petrol and diesel engine – a lower capacity petrol was added after launch.

Tiptronic automatic transmission was fitted as standard, along with high levels of equipment, including adaptive air suspension.

Seven seats were standard and there was a long list of optional equipment also available.

Engines

To match the Q7′s big personality Audi helpfully offers the big SUV with some big engines.

Top of the list for petrol fans is the 4.2-litre V8 motor, with a 3.6-litre motor a more recent addition. If running costs are a concern, there’s always the 3.0-litre TDI diesel unit.

All prove quiet and refined, with the latter surprisingly willing despite its modest capacity.

Exterior

Big SUVs rarely blend into the background and it’s fair to say that the Q7 is no wallflower.

The car’s bold family-look grille, towering stance and generous proportions all ensure you’re left in no doubt as to the car’s position in the automotive pecking order.

Interior

Audi fans will feel right at home in the Q7. Everything should be familiar: switchgear, instrumentation etc. The design follows that of other big Audis (A6, A8) and does much to boost the cabin ambience.

And predictably, there’s no shortage of space.

Driving

Despite the Q7′s size it’s a surprisingly easy car to drive. Granted, you’ll need to take more care around town and in tight car parks, although on the open road the Q7 is fun to drive – challenging roads fail to upset the big Audi.

Predictably the diesel motor is the better all-rounder in terms of performance and economy, although the V8 petrol unit delivers a more sporting experience.

Ownership

If you’re comfortable with the Q7′s size and have somewhere to store it, the big Audi is easy to live with.

Practical and versatile by way of its spacious cabin and all-wheel drive system respectively, this high-rise limousine easily doubles as a go-anywhere towcar when you’re finished commuting to and from work.

What To Look For

Although a relatively new car some will have had a hard time driven almost exclusively in town. With that in mind, check for parking dents and kerbed wheels plus soggy brakes and a sluggish auto gearbox on the test drive.

Sky-high mileages and an absence of paperwork should have you walking away, as should excessive damage around the tailgate or the presence of a poorly fitted towbar.

Second Glance…

Reasons to Buy

Spacious cabin, serious road presence, all-weather capabilities, the Audi brand, build quality, seven seat potential

Reasons to Beware

Size, image, thirsty petrol models

Pick of the Range

Q7 3.0 TDI quattro SE

What to Pay

2006 06 – £24,555

2006 56 – £25,530

2007 07 – £28,404

2007 57 – £29,485

Figures relate to showroom prices for cars in A1 condition.