Audi Q7 SUV - MPG, running costs & CO2

The Audi Q7 is available with a choice of two 3.0-litre diesel engines, which keep it relatively economical, along with a petrol V6 of the same size, and all three are mild-hybrids. Customers can also choose from two plug-in hybrids, and while these aren't cheap, running costs should be very affordable.

The extremely fast SQ7 version now uses a 500bhp twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, after the outgoing diesel V8 was discontinued in mid-2020. The switch to petrol power has made it faster than before but more expensive to run. However, when you consider the power the SQ7 has available and the way it can swiftly get up to speed with seven people on board and their luggage, its poor fuel economy may seem like a fair trade for wealthy owners.

Depreciation is often an issue with large, expensive cars like this, however, the sheer desirability of the Audi badge helps minimise it for the Q7.

Audi Q7 MPG & CO2

Fuel-efficiency figures for the Audi Q7 ranges are comparable to its high-riding rivals such as the Range Rover and BMW X5 thanks to the addition of mild-hybrid kit. Under the revised WLTP economy tests, the 45 and 50 TDI diesel engines are the most frugal, with both versions capable of up to 35.8mpg. Picking the 55 TFSI petrol engine sees this figure fall to a maximum of 27.7mpg, depending on which trim level you go for.

This 48-volt mild-hybrid system uses a belt-driven alternator starter to recuperate energy during braking and store it in a small lithium-ion battery pack. This can be used to power the car with the engine shut off while the SUV coasts at speeds of 34 to 99mph, or when stopped in traffic, saving fuel and cutting emissions.

Two plug-in hybrids badged 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e get a far larger battery pack than the mild hybrid models, measuring 17.3kWh in capacity – not far off the battery in the original Renault ZOE electric city car. In the massive Q7 it's enough to propel the car for around 26 miles without using any petrol, and it can be charged in around two hours using a 7kW home wallbox, so it’s a shame Audi has closed the order books for its Q7 PHEVs at the time of writing in early 2023.

Fuel economy figures for the entry-level 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid model are claimed to be up to 113mpg, with CO2 emissions of 59-57g/km. The efficiency numbers for the more powerful 60 TFSI e PHEV are just behind, with up to 108.6mpg and emissions from 58g/km.

While diesel sales might be on the decline, we’d recommend the diesel engines for most private Q7 buyers, as their grunty delivery suits this heavyweight really well and should allow its economy figure to creep upwards on longer runs. The PHEVs are the only real choice for business drivers, as both the petrol and diesel Q7 sit in the highest Benefit-in-Kind band, resulting in big tax bills. That’s an issue for Audi, which will no doubt be losing some sales to rivals like the plug-in hybrid BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Range Rover Sport.

After the first year's CO2-based road tax (generally included in the on-the-road price), Audi Q7s cost the standard rate in VED (road tax) (with a £10 reduction for the plug-in hybrid versions). With a list price of more than £40,000, it’s also liable for an additional luxury car surcharge in years two to six.

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Warranty

Like all Audis, the Q7 makes do with the three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which, although decent, is a little behind rivals BMW and Mercedes, neither of which put a mileage limit on their three-year warranties.

Insurance group

Unsurprisingly for a big, expensive and desirable SUV, the Q7 occupies the upper echelons of the insurance groups. The 45 TDI has a maximum rating of group 47 and the more powerful 50 TDI gets a maximum rating of group 49. The SQ7 sits in group 50.