Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is the one Audi that shouts too loudly.

• Comfort

  Air suspension makes light work of most stuff, but the Q7’s body control does come with some downsides – it can be a bit firm on UK roads. The bonus for that extreme exterior size is a humongous interior – you won’t be left wanting for space. And it cruises sublimely. 

  

• Performance

  The 3.0-litre TDI is the most suited to this car, and it's far less aggressive than the 4.2-litre TDI. The 3.0-litre TFSI petrols are better sounding, but do you need to rev that high? The V12 TDI - all 500 horses and 737 torques - will hit 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and return 25mpg. Yes, it's powerful, but why would you?

  

• Cool

  Only cool if you’ve recently won the Lottery. Even then not really. 

  

• Quality

  Generally good, though small niggles in the cabin you might notice over other Audi product. This car was made for America, where anything better than a 70s Chevy is deemed awesome. 

  

• Handling

  Remarkable for such a big car, the Q7 manages to hustle with the best of them thanks to adjustable air suspension as standard across the range. Still big though, and you never quite forget it. 

  

• Practicality

  This thing is massive, so no worries about space inside. The only thing is, it’s genuinely massive; it only fits in a standard British parking space if the wing mirrors are folded in, and even then you can’t get out of the damn thing. On a British country lane it feels enormous. Not for the nervous. 

  

• Running costs

  Diesel if you care about mpg, but all the engines are in high tax brackets. Residuals are good though.