If you’re in the market for a seven-seat luxo-barge that can haul a family, a Labrador fresh from a swamp, and a weekend’s worth of camping gear while still looking sharp outside Waitrose, the 2025 Audi Q7 55 TFSI quattro Vorsprung is probably on your radar. But does it deliver the goods, or has Audi gone all touchscreen-happy and buried common sense beneath layers of software updates? Let’s find out.

On-Road Ride – Smooth or Sofa on Stilts?
The Q7 has always been a road-biased SUV, and the latest model continues that tradition. Under the bonnet sits a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 340PS, offering effortless power delivery and enough grunt to make overtakes a non-event. The eight-speed tiptronic gearbox is slick, and Audi’s quattro system ensures that grip is never an issue, even when the weather turns typical-British.

Air suspension is standard on this Vorsprung model, meaning it soaks up most road imperfections with ease, though it can feel a bit floaty at times. On a twisty B-road, the Q7 handles better than its size suggests, but you’ll still feel its heft in tighter corners. The steering is light yet precise - perfect for wafting along but not exactly brimming with feedback. That said, it’s still fun to throw around corners on tight, or sweeping, country lanes.

Feeling a bit sporty? How about a top speed of 155mph and 0-62 in 5.6 seconds.

Its ride was super smooth during the 5-hour drive from Lancashire to Great Yarmouth, both comfortable and powerful, but I do miss the 3-litre diesel and its fuel economy.

Off-Road Capability – More Chelsea Tractor Than Green Lane Hero?
Despite its quattro all-wheel-drive system and height-adjustable air suspension, the Q7 isn’t really a vehicle you would take green-laning. It’ll handle a muddy field, a farm track, or a particularly gnarly Tesco car park with ease, but don’t expect it to be crawling up mountains with Defenders and Land Cruisers. There are multiple off-road modes, but ground clearance isn’t massive, and the fat road-biased tyres mean it’s better suited to towing a horsebox than tackling the Rubicon Trail.

Ahem, that said, get it on three wheels and although it’ll find grip, you do get the distinct impression it would rather you didn’t put it these predicaments! Also, the brake assist wasn’t keen on these angles either - it was like “no, I’m not budging!”

Interior Spec – Lovely, But Where Are the Dials?
As expected, the Vorsprung trim means you get all the bells and whistles, including Valcona leather, ventilated and massaging seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system that could make your local pub’s karaoke night sound decent. Build quality is top-notch, with plenty of plush materials and soft-touch surfaces.

But then we get to the controls. Audi has fully embraced the touchscreen revolution, meaning almost everything - including the heater controls are buried within its twin-screen MMI system. Want to adjust the temperature without taking your eyes off the road? Tough luck, this is where the Q7 loses valuable points. Saying that, they do have their own dedicated screen and isn’t that difficult to use - I just don’t like ‘em! Switching off the lane departure and speed warning is a matter of a couple of click of a button, so not too bad.

Up front there’s a noticeable lack of space for gubbins, best you’ll get is stuffing the passengers phone and car keys in the double cup holder, even the centre console is quite shallow.

That said, all can be forgiven for the incredibly supportive front seats, and if I was to order one, I would quite happily pay the extra for the massaging function. Not that the seats are uncomfortable, but getting your back pummelled takes the edge off long and interminable drives.

In the boot, despite having buttons to lower and raise the suspension, lower and raise the third row seats, and tow bar, there’s still no 12v socket, which was a bit of a nuisance. Rear passengers will be happy with separate heating and USB-C sockets.

Comfort – Sofa-Like or Spine-Breaking?
Comfort is where the Q7 excels. As I mentioned, the seats are among the best in the business - wide, supportive, and perfect for long journeys. Rear passengers get ample legroom, and even the third row is usable for adults (for short journeys, at least). Noise insulation is top-tier, meaning road and wind noise are kept at bay, making it an excellent long-distance cruiser.

Practicality – Big Boot, But Is It Dog and Tat-Friendly?
I specifically asked for a Q7 for its load swallowing capacity, and it didn’t disappoint. With the third row seats down it gobbled up enough bags, cases and Muddy Madam’s Cosplay paraphernalia, along with my Ecoflow Glacier fridge freezer with ease. That’s 780 litres of boot space.

With the third row folded down, the Q7 offers a cavernous 1908 litre of nothingness, that’s plenty of room to carry a couple of 6ft plus blokes - if that’s your thing.

The loading lip is reasonably low, and the air suspension can be lowered further to make access easier. There’s also a handy kick-to-open tailgate, ideal when your hands are full of gear or you’re juggling a reluctant dog.

Fuel Efficiency – Petrol and Practicality, Can They Coexist?
With a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, don’t expect Prius-like economy. Audi claims around 27mpg combined, which is fair, but expect figures to be be lower, especially if you have a heavy right foot. It’s better than older V8s but still thirsty compared to diesel alternatives or hybrid rivals. After a 5-hour, 233 mile trek to Great Yarmouth we achieved 30mpg - that’s fully loaded with adults, a dog and enough parafanalia to obscure the rear window.

Conclusion – A Proper SUV, But With Caveats
The 2025 Audi Q7 55 TFSI quattro Vorsprung is a brilliant luxury SUV if you’re after comfort, space, and tech. It drives incredibly well on the road, has plenty of power, and offers a high-end cabin. However, its off-road ability is limited, the fuel economy isn’t great, and the obsession with touchscreens is frustrating.

Would I buy one? Honestly? Not sure, but I was genuinely sad when it left.

If you want a seven-seat luxury SUV that can carry the whole family in comfort while still looking the part, the Q7 is a solid choice. Just be prepared to curse the infotainment system every time you try to change the temperature.

Website: Audi UK
Price as tested: £93,400 - yes, you read that correctly - £93,400