A Luxury SUV That Still Feels Premium In 2024

SUVs seem to have a way of appearing and then disappearing but the few that stay around and are still desirable even a decade after their release, one that I find is the Audi Q7. For some, this 2014 model still catches the eye of people who want something other than the norm for luxury SUV, a vehicle that doesn’t feel out of place, isn’t going to be difficult to use for family occasions and something which has a certain luxury feel about it.

What I like about the Audi Q7 isn’t simply just another SUV, but what Audi were aiming for. It’s something of a “car” SUV which combined the refined luxurious feel with a powerful performance as well as practical family use. It is a fantastic family hauler, effortless on the motorways but doesn’t struggle at any speed and can be more than a match when going out for long drives with the family. The sense is that Audi didn’t compromise with this vehicle.

For a vehicle that’s from the first generation of the Q7 (model year 2014), it’s still able to command a great presence through its design and it’s surprisingly still good looking. It features classic clean lines, a comfortable ride and top notch materials which at present don’t seem to be aging in the slightest and even now you can still easily recognize it on the road.

Bold Exterior Design, Yet Modern Looking

Audi has never been one to make bad decisions when it comes to styling and their cars have always maintained their timeless looks over years of use. The 2014 Q7 has the imposing and luxurious look without being aggressive and the sheer size of the large grille and modern LED daytime running lights along with the sheer width of the body and a muscled appearance lend the Q7 significant presence on the road.

While some SUVs from this period have started to look slightly aged and dated now, the Q7 manages to retain a fresh and modern feel due to its lengthy and imposing styling. The big alloy wheels and clean body lines complement this.

The sheer size of the SUV makes the SUV practical too. It offers good ground clearance and excellent visibility and also enough presence on the road to feel commanding in city environments and on the motorway.

Large Interior With Luxury Comfort

As you walk into the 2014 Audi Q7 you will first take in the quality. The Q7 shows how great of an reputation Audi has in some of the best interiors to date.

The dashboard is straightforward yet luxurious. Quality lies in the details from the soft touch plastics to the leather seats, wood trim and metal trim. The majority of Q7 interiors stand the test of time against many other vehicles.

Engine Performance and Driving Experience

Now onto the way the 2014 Q7 drives. The bulk of these SUVs were powered by a 3.0L V6 that was supercharged and produced around 280hp. For an extra kick of horsepower, you had the option of the S Line which produced 333hp. If you were in need of fuel economy then there was the TDI diesel version which not only promised greater fuel economy but it provided more pull to the power as well. It had 240hp but the most impressive figure here is the amount of torque-406 lb-ft. So there was no problems when towing.

Audi mated either of these to the 8-speed automatic transmission, which worked very well. Gear changes are barely noticeable throughout the whole drive, which gives the entire journey a much more premium feel.

However the biggest feature on all the models is the Quattro all wheel drive system. This has become the benchmark in many respects for Audi, and this vehicle certainly didn’t let the system down. On the road the Q7 offers excellent grip regardless of where you are driving or what the conditions are, even when accelerating hard or going around bends at pace. Rain, snow, desert sand, open highway etc it really doesn’t matter, the Q7 will continue to perform well and keep you safe.

Smooth Ride Quality

However, people return to the Audi Q7 because of its ride. Bumps seem to disappear thanks to the compliant suspension which makes all drives a smooth affair. There are adaptive air-suspension options that further elevate this.

Once on the open road the Q7 cruises with an uncanny smooth glide. It remains incredibly stable and wind noise is virtually nonexistent even at high speeds, the cabin never intrudes and makes for a perfect long journey.

Technology and features

Coming to the technology and feature set of a 2014 Q7,Audi did not shortchange any of the occupants. Depending on the trim you opt for, you get a panoramic sunroof, heated leather seats, navigation to guide you around. Then there is Bluetooth for hands-free calling, rear seat entertainment, and an amazing Bang & Olufsen sound system. And to make the car accessible and easy to manage there is a keyless ignition, powered tailgate and a single MMIinfotainmentsystem to manage it all.

Safety Features

Audi Q7 was really tech friendly with its choice of optional features; you’d be happy to have an all-electric sunroof, heated leather seats and a navigation system to help you find your way. Add to that the hands free phone calls via the integrated Bluetooth system,rear television screen for the back seat, a Bang & Olufsen hi-fi stereo system and push start ignition as standard you’d be more than impressed. You’d even be able to open the automatic tailgate with just the press of a button and take control of everything with the Audi MMI infotainment system.