Q7 Autocar First Drive - Audi Q7 6.0 V12 TDI

[Merc1]

What is it?

Audi’s spectacularly powerful range-topping Q7, the world’s V12 diesel SUV. Not exactly a car for the times, we admit, although the uber-Q7’s massive performance is certainly worthy of note.

The Q7 V12 TDI has been developed by Audi’s quattro GmbH division – also responsible for the RS4 and RS6, as well as the mould-breaking R8. So, although the Q7 doesn’t receive the ‘R’ badge itself, it’s certainly in good company.

The 6.0-litre V12 diesel powerplant made its debut in the R8 TDI concept car earlier this year, and was inspired by the engine in the Le Mans winning R10 TDI racer. It’s based around the existing 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, sharing cylinder bore spacing but getting a 60-degree bank instead of its sibling’s 90-degrees.

It’s good for 493bhp at 3750rpm, with 737lb ft of torque from 1750 and 3250rpm – fearsome outputs even in a big four-wheel drive. For perspective, VW’s existing 5.0-litre V10 ‘unit injector’ engine pumps out 350bhp and 626lb ft, and no-one’s ever accused that of being short of shove…


Audi Q7 6.0 V12 TDI - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk


M

 

[SDNR]

As politically incorrect as it is,

 

[Zafiro]

A swedish carjournalist said the engine sound were the best thing with the whole car. Amazing engine sound.

 

[bmer]

A swedish carjournalist said the engine sound were the best thing with the whole car. Amazing engine sound.

They praise the engine sound in this test too. They also like the acceleration and the agility of the vehicle for its size.