New Audi Q7 India review, test drive

Luxury liner

Where the Q7’s exteriors can divide opinion, its cabin is certain to draw praise from all quarters. It’s just that well executed. The centrepiece here is the low-set dashboard that is very luxury sedan-like in layout. It’s sleek and minimalist but also looks unique with faux vents that extend across its breadth. Quality of materials is uniformly excellent but more than anything else, it’s the attention to detail that impresses. For instance, if you merely feather the climate control toggles, you’ll realise they are actually touch sensitive! Even the smallest of buttons feel well built here. Speaking of which, you won’t find too many buttons here. There’s a toggle each for the radio, media, telephone and navigation functions, a dial to navigate through the menus and a touchpad to scribble inputs on; right-handed drivers will need some dexterity to master the last system though. All settings and info are displayed on a retractable 7-inch screen atop the dash but to be honest, it’s really something to just keep passengers in the loop. Drivers can solely look at their customisable all-digital instruments (Audi calls it ‘Virtual Cockpit’) to get all info and navigation instructions needed in brilliant clarity.

Those at the wheel have a lot else to like too. Such as how the low dash allows for a great view out or how all steering controls fall easy to hand. Those up front also get large and fully powered seats that score big for comfort. The many who’ll choose to be driven around in their Q7s will be more than content as well. The low floor means you elegantly walk into the cabin rather than step in to it, there’s a great deal of space to stretch out and though slightly lacking in thigh support, the well-cushioned seats are comfy too. Rear seat occupants also get a dedicated two-zone climate control and also have the options to adjust seat backrest angle and slide their seats back to maximise legroom. That said, a hard centre backrest and high centre tunnel mean the middle passenger is likely to feel like an unwanted guest here.

What does come as somewhat of a surprise is the last row. It’s a fair bit more spacious than the old Q7’s and that’s despite the new one’s shorter rear overhang. With the middle row seats extended some way forward, it’s possible for an adult to sit here for an intra-city commute. That’s if said adult is fine with the knees-up seating position and the general feeling of confinement in the back. Thankfully, access to the last row is quite good by established standards and there’s a lovely damped manner in which the middle row seats tumble forward. Like the previous Q7, the new car doesn’t get a full-size spare but a space saver as standard. And rather than under the boot floor, it’s placed vertically in the cabin itself. This not only rules out the use of one of the last row seats but also seriously compromises luggage space. For what it’s worth, the middle and last row seats do fold completely flat (the latter at the touch of a button) and the loading lip is wide and low.