In the real world, how 'big' is a Q7?

[puntograle]

Hi all,

I am looking to buy a 7 seater to be used mainly by my wife for school runs, etc. We have three kids and frequently would like to transport additional kids or other relatives.

I am not keen on estates with rearward facing seats in the boot or MPVs.
We have drawn up a short list of a new Volvo XC90 (~£25K), a used Audi Q7 (~£30-35K), or a used BMW X5 (~£35-40K)

The Volvo is cheap , new, but a little grandpa-ish.
The BMW is probably the best road car, but quite expensive

Having seen the three cars, I personally preferred the build quality and finish of the Q7. However, it is obviously a very big car.

So are there any Q7 owners that can comment on the real world experience of driving this car around town?
How difficult is it to manoeuvre on the roads, how easy to park, how much abuse from other drivers, etc. ?

(We live in London suburbia with fairly open roads and off street parking i.e. not tight roads with continuous parking. However, for shopping there are the usual trips to supermarkets and occasionally to multi-storeys, etc)

Many thanks!

[Dr G]

If there are any width restrctions in your area be sure you have a good bodyshop on call. They really are rather wide and visibility isn't amazing.

[FUBAR]

Whilst not an owner, I did have a 'loaner' for 7 weeks. Even being an Audi owner, I really wanted to dislike this car (mum has a Disco3 7 seater..much roomier inside, much better off road) but I have to confess at the end of the 7th week, I was reluctant to return it. Yes it is BIG, but as long as you have the parking aids its not too bad. All round visibility (especially rearwards) is, um, challenging. Build quality was fantastic. And for such a large lump, the 3.0tdi went surprisingly well (I bet that 6.0 V12 diesel is something else!)

Apart from the front of the cabin being snug for such a big car (I'm a short arse and banged my head on the front pillar every time I got in it) it really is a nice place to be

[hss111]

its a big car. i wouldnt like to drive it around london my self. its not that big i would say width wise compared to a range rover but it is longer then a range. parking wise can be tad difficult.

[blueg33]

I had one on loan for 4 weeks whilst my A6 was being sorted. I found it was just too big for use in many English Towns, Cheltenham was a nightmare, with victorian streets parked on both sides. People never gave way either they liked to make you reverse.

If you drive it in London prepare for plenty of verbal abuse from cyclists etc

[seawise]

had a loaner - felt more unwieldy and larger than my wifes LR Disco3 , but with less more inside, especially the 3rd row of seats which like an X5 are basically useless. the whole car seems to be at odds with the restrained and modest image Audi try to portray with the rest of their range.

[puntograle]

All, thank you for your comments.

The Q7 would appear to be difficult to drive from the comments here. I am hoping to test drive the Q7 this weekend to get a sense of its dynamics.

Interestingly, until mentioned here, I had not considered the Disco3. Some quick research has highlighted its optimal use of internal space. Now you have added another option to the list!

The Disco3 seems to be very competant as a people carrier and as an off roader. How does it perform as a road car (where it will spend most of its life)?Incidentally it has the same acceleration as a Volvo XC90 D5. However, whereas the Volvo gets put down for being slow, I do not see the same comments about the Disco3...plus the Volvo comes in below 225 g/km

Thanks to all.

[Dapster]

I had a Cayenne on loan whilst my car was in for a service. It was spectacular but the abuse I got from other drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and even sneering from my neighbours was astonishing. I didn't reaslise that there were so many angry, envious and ill informed idiots in this world. That is more difficult to get used to than parking a big bus.

[FUBAR]

The Disco3 beats the Q7 hands down for interior space and therefore doesn't feel claustrophobic. Also easily wins for off road ability. D3 is the winner for 7 up ability. Q7 wins for quality of cabin.

Despite the D3 (with the 2.7tdi) being a massive leap forward performance wise over the D2, IMHO the Q7 wins this. I'd also say the Q7 (despite its size... don't forget the D3 isn't exactly a Smart Car) shades it for on road handling.

We've had Discos in the family since they first came out (and considering I live semi rural) and if it was my money Id get a D3 (or the new D4 with the 3.0tdi).

Other thing, certainly new, the Q7 is considerably more expensive.

ETA I have no experience of the Volvo

Edited by FUBAR on Wednesday 3rd February 15:52

[AKA8]

Just in case you haven't already considered it, have a look at the Mercedes R Class (or even the GL). Yes, it's big, it makes my A8 feel relatively compact but it's got a great turning circle and access to the rear seats is the best out of any seven seater I've looked at.

Looks aren't to everyone's tastes, but it's the most competent car I've ever driven. The 320CDi is fine for most people as well.

[seawise]

puntograle said:

The Disco3 seems to be very competant as a people carrier and as an off roader. How does it perform as a road car (where it will spend most of its life)?Incidentally it has the same acceleration as a Volvo XC90 D5. However, whereas the Volvo gets put down for being slow, I do not see the same comments about the Disco3...plus the Volvo comes in below 225 g/km

Thanks to all.

we have one in the fleet, and i was sceptical before i first drove it. much, much better than you'd expect, really relaxing to drive, ride, handling, steering, brakes all very good. it's not swift i accept, but the engine is smooth and feels a lot more spritely than the Volvo off the mark. the need d4 addresses the lack of umph issue, and frankly that car has to be a contender for best allrounder in the world. my wife loves hers, prefers it to my rs 6.....