Audi Q7 review – MPG and running costs

This sector of big SUVs is not famous for its outstanding efficiency. That being said, it’s a segment that also, across many models, retains sturdy diesel engines, meaning you shouldn’t be making your local jungle juice forecourt your second home. 

Plus, with the option of a plug-in-hybrid, the right buyer with the right lifestyle may find fillups a real rarity if they’re diligent with plugging in at home and at work and don't take too many long trips. Make sure it is a fit though, or you’ll spend a reasonable amount of time asking the petrol V6 to lug dead weight around. Do so and you’ll rarely see over 30mpg in real world use from your petrol V6.

 If you do plug in regularly, though, a sturdy (if not class-leading) 30 miles of range – a way off the 51-mile claim – is possible in fair conditions. The BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport PHEVs offer more range, efficiency and the versatility those things entail. This is a more obvious area where the Q7 is showing its advancing years.

Happily, a strapping diesel engine is still (just about) timeless. As such, if you’re wanting to see over 30mpg on a regular basis, it’s the Q7 45 or 50 TDI you’ll need. In terms of taxation, all Q7s will have the expensive car tax supplement added given their pricing well over the £40,000 mark. Obviously, the TFSIe plug-in hybrid is the Q7 of choice with by far the lowest emissions. It’s in the lowest 1-50g/km bracket and therefore costs just £110 in VED in its first year. The others are substantially pricier – £3300 for the diesels, £4680 for the petrol V6 and £5490 for the SQ7.