When we first test drove the Audi Q7 back in November last year, we were impressed by its combination of a classy and spacious interior, capable performance and comfortable ride. As the first model in the Volkswagen Group to use the Modular Longitudinal Matrix Evo (MLB 2/MLBevo) platform, as well as being the flagship Q model that shows what future Q models will look like, it was a thoroughly impressive showing.


Now, Audi is offering the Q7 with a 2.0-litre TFSI engine for the first time. It sports the same body as the 3.0-litre variant, but with a rather different heart.

Up close and Personal

On first glance, the 2.0-litre Q7 possesses the same sharp design cues and good looks as its heartier brethren that impressed us the first time round. The bold Singleframe grille, 'quattro arches' constituting the crisp lines cutting above the wheel arches and into the beltline, as well as the flowing roof line, all add up to disguise the car's size. It manages to look distinctly more estate-like than SUV-like. 

Inside, the car retains all of the quality, spaciousness and comfort of its bigger brother. The power-operated third row seats are also offered as standard. 

Speaking of standard, it is packed to the brim with standard features, including the ultra-slim MMI screen, the Virtual Cockpit, as well as an MMI touchpad with haptic feedback and programmable buttons that make navigating the infotainment system a breeze.

As one would expect from the brand that bears the four-ring emblem, every surface in the interior feels and looks good. Fit and finish is flawless, and definitely contributes to the overall sense of quality inside the car. It really is quite hard to find anything wrong with the Q7 in terms of its aesthetics and practicality. It manages to tick all the boxes, offering everything you would need and want.



 
If we had to nitpick, the Q7's sheer height makes getting in and out a little bit of an excursion, especially if you are on the wrong side of Singapore's average height. It could potentially be a pants-ripping, underwear-exposing affair if you aren't careful. This also means that trying to make quick pick-ups and drop-offs at Raffles Place at 6:00pm on a weekday can be a rather ungainly affair.