Audi Q7

In this price range, the 2022 Audi Q7 competes against the Volvo XC90 (starting ex-showroom – Rs. 90.90 lakh), BMW X5 (starting ex-showroom price, 76.50 lakh), Land Rover Range Rover Velar (starting ex-showroom price, Rs. 86.75 lakh). The Q7 will also compete with luxury sedans in the price band. 

Another highlight in this 2022 Audi Q7 review is how rich the interiors look and feel like. As compared to the older version, the cabin has been a complete transformation. This includes the three screens - Audi's virtual cockpit (instrumentation cluster) and one screen each for the MMI interface and the climate control system. The horizontal layout for the vents looks sporty and the glossy black finish on the fascia adds to the luxury touch. We do agree it will be a dirt magnet but certain elements go a long way in making the cabin look great.

As we said above, the front seats are spacious and the same trend continues at the back. With the front two seats positioned for 5"10' tall occupants, the second row has about 4-5 inches of knee room in place even for a person who is as tall as 6 feet. This is impressive and further, head room remain excellent. However, the central transmission tunnel is high and intrudes into the privacy of the center passenger. That said, we love how Audi has placed the air vents on both the pillars and behind the driver arm-rest. Will surely come in handy during summer months.

Last row is best for kids or adults who are under 5"6. You can adjust the 2nd row (slide and recline) and we did manage to get our cameraperson Julian in there. However, as much as we appreciate the front two rows for the space on offer, the last row indeed is tight on space. On the good side, boot space, with all three rows up, is surprisingly very generous. The updated Q7 also offers hands free tail gate access - swing your leg under the rear bumper to open and/or close the boot lid. Simple and easy.

The bad news first - Audi, and infact the entire group including Skoda and VW will not be offering diesel engines anymore in India. However, the good part here is that the new Q7 comes with a 3.0-litre V6 petrol motor that is good for 340 bhp of power and 500 Nm of torque - the latter comes from as low as 1370 rpm. Audi's AWD or Quattro comes standard and so does an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Flat out, Audi claims this hits the ton mark in 5.9 seconds and though our test car managed 6.7 (this could be down to a lower octane fuel being used), the Q7 is still a very quick car for its size. And its not just the outright acceleration that keeps your jaw muscles busy, the sheer amount of torque that is on offer from engine speeds is thrilling, much like a diesel. 

There isn't a dual clutch on offer but the torque converter should be (more) reliable in the long run. It does the job well and for your 'enthusiastic' side, you do have the convenience of paddle shifters. Performance aside, one thing that disappoints us is the lack of drama in terms of vocals. No matter how hard you go down on the right pedal, there isn't any roar from the V6 motor filtering into the cabin. So while you will be chewing up miles rapidly, everything will happen in a calm manner.

The 2022 Audi Q7 gets seven drive modes: Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Efficiency, Off-Road, All-Road, and Individual. As is obvious with their names, with the first two models the Audi Q7 offers a plush ride quality, wherein, it soaks in all the undulations without braking sweat. The efficiency mode is tuned to return the highest mileage figures, while Dynamic and Off-road, and all-road help make the SUV sportier and capable. The adaptive suspensions further keeps the ride supple and stable, on long stretches and around corners. 

The cabin of the 2022 Audi Q7 comes is fitted with 8-airbags as standard for the utmost safety, and it covers both first and second row. Furthermore, it gets technological assistance in the form of cruise control with speed limiter, Park Assists Plus with 360-degree camera and Lane Departure Warning, along steering assist as well. 

The 2022 Audi Q7 is definitely an all-rounder, when it comes to its imposing styling and size, and feature-laden interior. However, the complete elimination of a diesel engine option, will work against its favour when its competition is taking into consideration. But, with three feature-rich rows, and an updated styling – the Audi Q7 is worth the purchase and will keep showrooms busy this year.