The first-generation Audi Q7 rose to the ranks of being a favourite among celebrities in no time. Of course, the market was very different back then, and the Q7 ticked many boxes. It looked great, had an upmarket cabin, and was quite well-engineered too. As time passed and the market evolved, the Q7’s appeal took a hit. It no longer was the definitive SUV to go for in the space, adopting a more understated role in the Audi line-up, especially with the arrival of the new flagship Q8. So, where does the Q7 stand today? We get behind the wheel of the recently updated version of the SUV to find that out.

First things first, at ₹88.66 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), the Audi Q7 represents brilliant value in the luxury SUV space. The elegant design is easy on the eyes but looks sophisticated enough to be the choice of wheels for a high-value individual without appearing too brash. The facelift is Audi’s clear effort to make the Q7 appear fresher without changing too much with the platform. The strategy works well because despite not straying too far from the company’s latest design language, it is instantly recognisable but thoroughly modern at the same time.

Its new, revised grille is instantly noticeable. The LED headlamps are new, and DRL units flanking the new flatter Audi logo set the tone for the front-end styling. It’s definitely not the loudest design but it in no way is boring, either. The recognisable shape continues, and the carry forward of the profile shouldn’t come as a surprise. The sculpted lines are complemented by the Q7’s well-defined edges, which make the SUV hide its visual mass quite well. It’s also a clear paradigm shift when compared to the first-generation Q7 ,which, while imposing, wouldn’t have cut it in the sleeker automotive space now. The rear isn’t boring either, with Audi having opted for the taillights to be integrated into the tailgate, much like the Q7s of the past.

Luxurious interior

A luxurious tan interior awaits you as you climb aboard after appreciating the car’s exterior styling. It complements the sophistication and upmarket appeal of the Q7, and on the whole, the cabin is inviting. The choice of tan instead of black furthers that sentiment and uplifts the SUV’s premium quotient. In addition to that are the leather seats which don’t shy in offering top-class comfort without compromising on support. Complementing the appeal of the Q7’s upholstery, the dashboard looks to be well-designed and put together to Audi’s excellent quality standards.

Gloss black panels are clearly Audi’s favourite when it comes to interiors, and you can see that in the Q7’s dashboard. The affinity to fingerprints and dust aside, these are in line with the overall appeal of the cabin. It’s a mix of modernity and tradition, the Q7’s dashboard, and we would’ve liked to see the inclusion of wireless phone connectivity and maybe slightly larger screens, especially if the Q7 was to take on its rivals on the tech front. In terms of space, it proves to be a great example of how SUV cabins ought to be. There are three rows of seating, with the first two offering superb comfort, while the third row is best used on short journeys. The boot isn’t bad, either, and even with all three rows up, you still have some space. The Audi Q7’s cabin is clearly one of the reasons you’d want to buy the car: the attention to detail hasn’t been lost, it looks and feels great, and the space is commendable, too.

How’s it on the move? With a V6 petrol engine, which makes 335 bhp and 50.98 kg-m, the Q7 proves how it’s still a great combination of luxury, space, and performance. It’s not going to set the track alight but for both effortless urban drives and long highway runs, it has enough performance. The 8-speed automatic gearbox ensures that you always have power on tap, and the set-up is a big upgrade from the 2-litre unit that graced the Q7’s engine bay not too long ago. The quattro AWD system is standard and increases the Q7’s ability to tackle bad roads and difficult weather with ease.

Adaptive suspension

The overall composure on the move can’t be faulted, either. From tight corners to winding stretches of tarmac, the Q7 tackles it all with ease. The steering is precise and thus complements the overall chassis balance. The adaptive suspension only makes things better for the Q7 because with that, not just the driver but the passengers too can relish the drive, no matter if it’s a quick grocery run or an interstate road trip.

The Q7 is more than just another model in the Audi line-up. Its previous stint has proven why it became a favourite for many buyers globally, and the latest model is an embodiment of what the brand offers: sophisticated modernity without giving up on legacy. As a package, the Q7 looks hard to fault. The overall high quality is visible everywhere you look, but where the Q7 excels is in the way it offers a powerful drive, comfortable ride, and luxurious cabin at a price that undercuts its rivals.

Larger screens and more advanced features would have been appreciated, especially with rivals opting for more tech-loaded cabins. Design is down to one’s personal preference, but in a segment where carmakers have willingly opted for flashy designs, Audi presents with the Q7 a sophisticated form of transport which doesn’t skimp on ride comfort, overall stability, or even pleasing design. The Q7 isn’t a fad that’s going to go away in a few years; it feels built to last a long time, representing what Audi does best.