German Car Zone

Audi is justifiably proud of its V12 TDI engine. It has won Le Mans with it, showcased it in an R8 concept and now it's squeezed under the bonnet of the Q7 SUV to create a monstrous performance machine. This is a 6.0-litre, 493bhp, 738lb.ft V12 TDI flagship that's able to sprint to 62mph in 5.5 seconds and trouble its 155mph electronic limiter in no time. A car for these times then? Err, no.

In the Metal

Wearing the usual accoutrements that accompany a performance makeover the Q7 is certainly an imposing machine. From the huge, assertive front end, with its LED lights and butch grille, to the massive wheels filling the large wheelarches the Q7 V12 TDI isn't for shy, retiring types. The Q7 has always been vast, but just knowing that there's an engine under its bonnet with such mighty twisting power only seems to make it seem more so. The Q7's styling has always been a bit Marmite: some love it, others just don't get it. We fall into the later category - the Q7's shape lacking the purity and architectural quality that pervades the rest of the Audi range.

What you get for your Money

You don't get quite as much for your money as you might expect. Audi hasn't exactly thrown kit at the Q7 V12 TDI. Though it should have, as it's asking crazy money for the new SUV flagship. For the pleasure of owning one you'll need to part with £96,295, which is almost double the price you'll pay for the next model down in the Q7 line-up. Audi points at its ceramic brakes, DVD navigation and Bose audio, but at this level it's rather surprising to see there's an options list at all. But there is, Audi happy to relieve you of more of your hard earned (or perhaps not hard earned if you've been injured for most of the football season) for its Bang and Olufsen stereo, a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and side assist among others.


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The Car Enthusiast | Reviews | Audi Q7 V12 TDI | 12 cylinders of the apocalypse |


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