Audi Q7 review - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Audi Q7 is available with a choice of two 3.0-litre diesel engines, which keep it relatively economical, along with a petrol V6 of the same size, and all three are mild hybrids. Customers can also choose from a plug-in hybrid, and while this isn't cheap, running costs should be very affordable.

The extremely fast SQ7 version now uses a 500bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, after the outgoing diesel V8 was discontinued in mid-2020. The switch to petrol power has made it faster than before but more expensive to run. However, when you consider the power the SQ7 has available and the way it can swiftly get up to speed with seven people on board and their luggage, its poor fuel economy may seem like a fair trade for wealthy owners.

Depreciation is often an issue with large, expensive cars like this, however, the sheer desirability of the Audi badge helps minimise it for the Q7.

Audi Q7 MPG & CO2

Fuel-efficiency figures for the Audi Q7 ranges are comparable to its high-riding rivals such as the Range Rover and BMW X5 thanks to the addition of mild-hybrid kit. Under the revised WLTP economy tests, the 45 and 50 TDI diesel engines are the most frugal of the standard combustion engines, with both versions capable of up to 35.8mpg. Picking the 55 TFSI petrol engine sees this figure fall to a maximum of 27.4mpg, depending on which trim level you go for.

This 48-volt mild-hybrid system uses a belt-driven alternator starter to recuperate energy during braking and store it in a small lithium-ion battery pack. This can be used to power the car with the engine shut off while the SUV coasts at speeds of 34 to 99mph, or when stopped in traffic, saving fuel and cutting emissions.

Two plug-in hybrids badged 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e get a far larger battery pack than the mild-hybrid models, measuring 22kWh in capacity. In the massive Q7 it's enough to propel the car for around 51 miles without using any petrol, and it can be charged in around three hours and 45 minutes using a 7kW home wallbox charger.

Fuel economy figures for the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid model are claimed to be up to 217.3mpg, with CO2 emissions of 31-29g/km. Fuel economy used to be lower and CO2 emissions figures higher because the older version had a slightly smaller battery. Bear in mind, however, that running that battery out will quickly see fuel economy plummet, and those sky-high efficiency figures are only remotely possible if you keep the Q7 regularly charged up.

While diesel sales might be on the decline, we’d recommend the diesel engines for most private Q7 buyers, as their grunty delivery suits this heavyweight really well and should allow its economy figure to creep upwards on longer runs. The PHEV is the only real choice for business drivers, as both the petrol and diesel Q7 sit in the highest Benefit-in-Kind band, resulting in big tax bills. 

After the first year's CO2-based road tax (generally included in the on-the-road price), Audi Q7s cost the standard rate in VED (road tax) – the PHEV will no longer be eligible for a £10 annual discount from April 2025. With a list price of more than £40,000, all Audi Q7s are also liable for an additional luxury car surcharge in years two to six.

Warranty

Like all Audis, the Q7 makes do with the three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which, although average, is a little behind rivals BMW and Mercedes, neither of which put a mileage limit on their three-year warranties.

Insurance group

Unsurprisingly for a big, expensive and desirable SUV, the Q7 occupies the upper echelons of the insurance groups. The 45 TDI has a maximum rating of group 47 and the more powerful 50 TDI gets a maximum rating of group 49. The SQ7 sits in group 50.