2016 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI review | road test

Audi's new Q7(with Android Car Gps) is something of a watershed moment in the SUV invasion – the second generation is not only better-looking, it's smaller looking. Out has gone the big, bluff get-out-of-my-way bling of the old car and in has come a chiselled, more restrained machine. It's also a handy 325kg lighter. There hasn't been any let-up on the technology front, though. A powerful diesel engine, seven seats and a festival of gadgets and safety gear means the Q7 is an option-picker's delight. The Q7 range is a single car deal at the moment, the 3.0 TDI with eight-speed automatic starting at $103,900, around $12,000 more expensive than the car it replaces (although it's probably not a direct replacement). This not-insignificant outlay buys you a ten speaker stereo with Bluetooth and proper USB, 19-inch alloys wheels, dual-zone climate control, funky daytime running lights and LED interior lighting, DVD player, DAB+ radio, electric seats up front, sat-nav, bi-xenon adjustable headlights, auto wipers and headlights, partial leather seats, leather steering wheel, park assist and auto-parking, powered tailgate, power mirrors. Our car came with a long list of options – Audi Connect ($750), metallic paint ($2400!), Assistance Package with active cruise and lane assist ($4075), four-zone climate control ($1950), Matrix LED headlights ($5500), interior lighting package ($1380), adaptive air suspension ($4950), aluminium interior trim with oak ($2170) and 3D Bose surround sound ($2775), bringing a total of $129,850. Terrifyingly, there's plenty more options to be had, such as all-wheel steering ($2775), S-Line ($7460-$10085), panoramic sunroof ($4250), and incredible 23-speaker B&O system ($14850) – you get the picture. You could easily drop $200,000 on this car. What about install a Car Dvd Player? The new Q7 could easily be mistaken for an A6 Allroad, and more than once it was. The front treatment is quite similar but look closely and you'll see that the Q7 is taller, longer and bit, well, slabbier. Having said that, it's still very spacious inside, with a usable third row (featuring electric lift and stow, if you please) and an adjustable middle row to help get the balance right. The cockpit is by far the coolest on the planet, with Audi's completely digital dashboard from the TT taking pride of place in front of the driver, although Q7 passengers get a more traditional central screen. There's lots of storage throughout, including an appropriate number of cupholders and the second and third rows get proper air-conditioning vents. The interior LED lighting is deadly cool, the fine strips along the trim switching to red when the driver flicks to Dynamic mode. Six airbags, blind spot monitoring, active safety bonnet, around-vision cameras, forward collision warning and mitigation, stability and traction controls, lane departure warning, hill descent control, brake force distribution, reverse cross-traffic warning. The Q7 scored five ANCAP stars. The new Q7 is a huge leap forward from the old car, dropping size and weight without adverse impact on the seven occupants. While it might cost a lot more than the previous car, there's a lot more in it and if you're switching up from an executive sedan, it will look like exceptional value, even if you load it up with options. If installing an Android Car Stereo in your car, that would be great!