Used Audi Q7 for sale: everything you need to know
The Audi Q7 nameplate is nearly 20 years old, the original model having been launched in 2005. That car lasted 10 years, to be replaced by the model you’re reading about here - though while the current Q7 is now itself approaching a decade on the roads, constant evolution and improvement means the latest Q7s are every bit as up to date as much newer Audis.
That long shelf life does mean that finding used examples for a good price is relatively easy, but later models bring about improvements in technology and more advanced engines. There’s a useful spread of models though, from frugal diesel and plug-in hybrids, to the high-performance SQ7, with either a diesel or petrol V8 depending on the age of the car you’re looking at. Read on to find out more.
Should you buy an Audi Q7?
The Audi Q7 is what happens when you combine the ultimate in Audi luxury with a practical seven-seat body. The result is as imposing as it sounds - this is a vehicle that’s five metres long, two metres wide, and more than 1.7 metres tall, but the wonders of modern technology mean that, if you pick the right engine, it certainly doesn’t drink fuel as quickly as you’d expect for something so large.
Those same engines offer enough performance that it rarely feels as heavy in a straight line either - performance is strong across the board, and really quite rapid in the SQ7 versions. It begins to feel its weight in corners, but the Q7 is more of a cruiser anyway, a taller and more spacious alternative to the A8 luxury saloon.
A tall seating position and typically solid build imbue the Q7 with a feelgood factor too - it’s like an oasis of calm whatever is happening outside. Comprehensive equipment levels help here, though given the Q7 has been on sale for a while now, later models definitely feel more modern than earlier cars, particularly in terms of their infotainment systems.
The Q7 is far from the only scaled-up SUV on the market right now. The BMW X7 and Mercedes GL are the two closest alternatives, but everything from the Land Rover Defender 110 and 130, and the Range Rover, to the Toyota Land Cruiser, Volvo XC90, Kia EV9 and Porsche Cayenne are all worth a look too.
What’s the best used Audi Q7 model to buy?
It’s a big, heavy SUV, and that tends to mean prodigious fuel consumption. That’s why we’d recommend one of the 3-litre V6 TDI models, which are about as efficient as the Q7 gets, yet not short on performance or refinement. There’s no such thing as a badly equipped Q7, so even SE or Sport trim will offer everything most buyers need, and the smaller wheels are best for ride quality too - though bear in mind that later models are better equipped than earlier cars, so if your budget stretches to a newer Q7, that’s the way to go.
Used Audi Q7 fuel economy and performance
- Audi Q7 45 TDI: The Q7 range starts with a turbocharged 3-litre V6 diesel, making 231PS. That’s enough for 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, while Audi claims up to 35.8mpg on average.
- Audi Q7 50 TDI: You’ll find the same V6 in the 50 TDI, but tuned to 286PS. This results in a quicker 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds, and the same 35.8mpg economy.
- Audi Q7 55 TFSI: The first of the petrol engines uses a 3-litre turbocharged V6. With an output of 340PS, it’ll get from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, and do 27.7mpg combined.
- Audi Q7 55 TFSI e: Here the V6 is paired with an electric motor and a battery pack, got 381PS and 26 miles in EV mode. Performance matches the 55 TFSI with a 5.9-second 0-62mph time, while economy, helped by that electric running, is 134.5mpg.
- Audi SQ7 4.0 TDI: The SQ7 started out with a 4-litre turbocharged V8 diesel engine, making 435PS and getting from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds. Economy was pretty good for a vehicle this big, at 39.2mpg.
- Audi SQ7 TFSI: Later SQ7s swapped the diesel for a twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, now making 507PS and getting from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. Economy took a dive though, to 23.3mpg.
What used Audi Q7 trim levels are available?
- The Audi Q7 SE was the base model at launch but later disappeared from the lineup. It’s still comprehensively equipped though, with 19-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, and an infotainment screen with navigation.
- The Audi Q7 Sport is where the range started on later models. It too got 19-inch alloys, with LED headlights, a Virtual Cockpit display, and an updated dual screen setup in the dashboard.
- The Audi Q7 S Line gets a more dynamic appearance package with a body kit, 20-inch alloys, and larger intakes, while inside there are front sports seats in Valcona leather.
- The Audi Q7 Black Edition has the same theme as you’ll find on most other Audis - it’s effectively an S Line model with brightwork swapped for darker elements inside and out, with larger 21-inch, diamond-cut alloy wheels.
- The Audi Q7 Vorsprung is effectively like a Q7 with all the option boxes ticked - it has everything from 22-inch alloy wheels, to adaptive air suspension, LED Matrix headlights, all-wheel steering and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system.
- The Audi Q7 SQ7 is the performance model and notable mostly for its 507PS TFSI engine (in later cars), but also gets 21-inch alloys, Super Sport seats and S-specific adaptive air suspension.
- The Audi Q7 SQ7 Black Edition steps up from the regular SQ7 with 22-inch black diamond-cut alloys, a Titanium Black styling pack, polished oak interior inlays and four-zone climate control.
- The Audi Q7 SQ7 Vorsprung adds the best bits from the SQ7 and the Vorsprung together - think LED Matrix headlights, ventilated front seats with massage function, the Bang & Olufsen sound system and a head-up display.
Used Audi Q7 dimensions and boot size
The Audi Q7’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 5063mm
- Width: 2212mm (including door mirrors)
- Height: 1740mm
- Ground clearance: 210mm
The Audi Q7’s boot size is:
- 865 litres (with third-row seats folded)
- 2050 litres with rear seats folded
Used Audi Q7 road tax
The first couple of years of the second-generation Q7, so those registered between 2015 and April 2017, are taxed based on CO2 emissions, which means the 3-litre diesel models will be among the cheapest Q7s to tax, currently attracting a bill of £210 thanks to 150g/km emissions. All SQ7s registered since April 2017 are subject not just to a flat tax rate, but also to a surcharge for costing more than £40,000 brand new. That means a £600 annual bill, or £10 less for the plug-in models. From their seventh year on the road, that figure will drop town to £190 though (or £180 for the plug-ins).
How much is it to insure an Audi Q7?
Don’t expect cheap insurance with a Q7 - even the entry-level 45 TDI starts from group 42 out of 50, and unsurprisingly, you’ll find the SQ7 models in groups 49 and 50. These figures aren’t too different from those of most rivals though.
