Audi gives its big Q7 another freshen up, its second in nine years. Is the beast getting long in the tooth?

There used to be quite a few Q7 models to choose from, as it was one of Audi’s best sellers here. However, things change and the Audi Q5 is now the people’s preferred four-ringed SUV. It’s more attainable, more compact but still premium.

One thing that hasn’t changed much in the past nine years is the Audi Q7, having gone through another facelift to help keep it relevant amongst the larger luxury SUVs.

The new bits this time concern the usual rearranged styling of the grille, bumpers and intakes, while new lights are a highlight, the fronts using HD Matrix LEDs and laser high beams while there are OLEDs on the rear.

Fewer choices now

The range of Q7 options has slimmed down, the 50 TDI being the entry point at $157,990. Your other option is the Audi SQ7, at $203,490. The latter is now an imbiber of gas, the oiler long gone.

That sees the menacing rumble of the diesel replaced by a more sinister snarl of the twin-turbo TFSI unit. The 4.0-litre pumps forth 373kW with 770Nm of torque helping out.

This is processed by Audi’s eight-speed auto and grounded via permanent and variable AWD.

Now that we no longer need to worry about transport-related emissions in NZ, we can revel in the glorious excess of this V8-powered SUV.

While a diesel engine is not considered an environmentally conscious option any more (it once was, remember), it is when the alternative is this.

Where the 50 TDI is rated at 8.1L/100km (211g/km), the SQ7 averages 13.2L/100km and emits 300g/km. That’s the on-paper figure; this machine was averaging 18L/100km, despite its cylinder deactivation.

It sure does sound good though. Not that the old TDI didn’t possess an emotive aural signature. It’s just that this sounds better.

It’s not overbearing for those in the cabin but you know you’ve got a V8 under the hood.

Loaded and luxurious

You also know you’re in a sporty Audi thanks to the appropriately bolstered front seats and the liberal helping of alloy in the cabin. And lots of leather. Being a top-spec model, there is, er, lots of spec.

Niceties include soft close doors (no slamming required, but the kids still will), four zones of A/C, and seat heaters front and rear.

You know it’s an older architecture as there are still some real buttons on the dash while the parking camera image is a little lacking in resolution. The wireless charger also takes up space in the centre bin.

Somehow you can spend more by ticking the Vorsprung package ($15k), which adds items like a trailer assist to help you back that 3.5 tonne load like a pro, a perfumer for the cabin, black detailing, a glass roof, more leather, bigger wheels and a massager for the front seats.

This has a pair of displays on the dash, one for the infotainment, the other for the A/C, which helps simplify operations. These touchscreens have a haptic response; give them a prod and they push back giving it a more tactile feel.

The other bits are typical of the brand with configurable dials in behind the wheel, and a head-up display. The interior is well trimmed and while not the newest on the lot, it is still up to date in a styling sense.

We like how the start button, gear lever and park brake are all clumped together for ease of use. And a smattering of buttons allows instant access to tools like the surround-view camera, self parking and the driver-assist menu.

These assistants are many and well mannered, while the most active, the lane keeping, can be disabled quickly via a button on the end of the indicator wand.

The SQ7 rides on adaptive air suspension of the sport designation, but it manages to ride with dignity despite the optional 22s. It’s quite plush considering it can rumble.

With light and quick steering, and rear-wheel steering, it’s more easily managed in the burbs. And with all that power, the kids will never be late to ballet.