2017 Audi Q7 3.0T quattro Premium Plus

Right, the 2017 Audi Q7. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s basically Audi’s way of saying, "Look at us! We’ve made a tank that’s somehow still a luxury car!" And that’s exactly what it feels like. You sit up high, looking down on all the plebs in their lesser cars, with that sense of invincibility that only a large SUV can give you. You’ve got all the space in the world, tech that would make a spaceship blush, and enough power under the bonnet to tow a small village. Let’s start with the looks. It’s not a shouty design, but it does have this imposing presence. It’s like a very well-dressed bouncer. The massive grille, those sharp LED lights—it’s all very Audi. Subtle in a way, but with a clear message: “Get out of my way.” And honestly, you’ll want to because this thing is huge. Step inside, and it’s like you’ve just walked into a posh hotel lobby. Leather everywhere, metals that feel reassuringly solid, and buttons that click with the precision of a Swiss watch. The technology, though, is what really sets the Q7 apart. It’s got Audi’s brilliant Virtual Cockpit, which is this digital display in the dash that can do everything—maps, media, your fuel consumption, you name it. It’s almost too good because you’ll find yourself fiddling with it instead of concentrating on the road. Now, the driving. It’s a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. The Q7 is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine with turbocharging and all the usual German engineering wizardry. It’ll do 0-60 in about 6 seconds, which for a car that weighs as much as the moon is frankly absurd. The engine is smooth, powerful, and makes you feel like you can conquer anything. But here’s the thing—it doesn’t want to be a sports car. Sure, it’s fast in a straight line, but when the road gets twisty, the Q7 feels its size. You can throw it into a corner, and it’ll respond, but you’ll be acutely aware that physics is not on your side. The ride quality is brilliant, though. It glides over potholes and imperfections like they’re not even there. The air suspension—because of course it has air suspension—makes it feel like you’re floating down the road in a cloud of luxury. It’s quiet, too. You could be doing 90 on the motorway, and all you’ll hear is a gentle hum from the tyres. Perfect for long drives where you just want to sit back and enjoy the sheer opulence of it all. But the real magic trick of the Q7 is its practicality. Seven seats! You can actually fit your family, your dog, the neighbour’s kids, and still have room for the shopping. And even when the rear seats are up, the boot space is still decent. Fold them down, and it’s cavernous. You could live in it if you had to, which, considering the price tag, might actually be necessary. So, what’s the catch? Well, it’s expensive. And when I say expensive, I mean “you might want to sell a kidney” expensive once you’ve ticked a few options. But for that money, you’re getting an SUV that’s not just practical and powerful, but also draped in luxury and stuffed with tech. In the end, the 2017 Audi Q7 is a car for someone who wants everything. Power, prestige, practicality, and a cabin so luxurious that you could host a dinner party in it. Sure, it’s not the sharpest tool in the box when it comes to handling, but who cares? You’ll be sitting in a leather-lined, tech-filled fortress while everyone else is stuck in their tiny little hatchbacks, and that’s worth something, isn’t it? Price excludes $399 processing fee