700 Miles in the Audi Q7 TFSI e: The Ultimate Long-Distance Cruiser

What truly defines the perfect long-distance car? This question can evoke many responses, as various vehicles vie for the title. To answer this, we need to consider several essential qualities that ensure a vehicle is well-suited for extensive journeys. A spacious interior is foundation, while comfort, advanced technology, and a powertrain that delivers both performance and efficiency are equally critical.

However, there exists one final and often overlooked aspect that can define true excellence in long-haul travel: the ability for all passengers to arrive at their destination as refreshed as they were when they departed. The question remains: which vehicle collates all these diverse attributes into one remarkable package? For us, the answer is clear: the Audi Q7 TFSI e plug-in hybrid.

To substantiate our confidence, we put this remarkable vehicle to the ultimate long-distance test by covering over 700 miles from London to Audi’s headquarters in Ingolstadt. Here's how the Q7 showcased its capabilities.

Ample Space for Every Adventure

At just past 6:30 AM, we gathered outside Autocar HQ on a foggy February morning, staring at a considerable heap of bulky camera and lighting equipment intended for our road trip. We exchanged nervous glances as we assessed how we could fit everything into the trunk of the Q7 TFSI e.

A grand journey through five countries awaited, aiming to interview Audi's top designers and engineers about their iconic phrase, Vorsprung durch Technik. Our apprehensions were alleviated upon discovering that the Q7 offers a generous 563 liters of loading space, complemented by a split-rear ski-hatch that conveniently accommodates our longer gear.

The loading area is not only spacious but also designed with a flat load lip and a hands-free tailgate that makes the loading experience seamless, especially for times where all three of us need to retrieve items simultaneously.

Once all our gear was stowed, we settled into the spacious cabin of the Q7 TFSI e. The sheer expanse of the cabin mirrored the exterior's grand dimensions. The three full-size seats in the rear cabin offer ample legroom, enhanced by both sliding and reclining abilities, ensuring comfort for everyone onboard. In the front, our tall videographer was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable, adjustable Valcona leather seats that offered a first-class experience.

First-Class Comfort on the Open Road

Like many passengers, I often find it cumbersome to focus on my phone or work on a laptop for extended periods. Surprisingly, the back seat of the Q7 made it comfortable enough to do both. This was partly due to the early hour, which meant traffic was still manageable, but the plush ride of the Q7's Adaptive Air Suspension played a significant role in making the entire experience enjoyable.

The air suspension effectively dampens disruptions from even the roughest surfaces, providing a buttery-smooth ride. The famously rough sections of the M25 felt perfectly smooth, creating a tranquil environment within the cabin. Nearly 85 miles into our drive, we breezed through customs, and the Audi's 360-degree overhead camera ensured we navigated the tight Eurotunnel train without a single scratch.

Upon emerging in Calais, we continued our voyage through France. The cabin's aesthetic adds to the luxury feel with a minimalist dashboard, ambient LED lighting, and high-quality materials that define premium vehicles. The double-glazing technique used in the Q7 enhances sound insulation, creating a serene interior that allows passengers to zone out or catch up on work while on the road.

Intelligent Technology that Enhances the Journey

As we cruised over the flat landscapes of northern France, the Q7 demonstrated its impressive pacing and efficiency. The onboard navigation system worked seamlessly, optimizing the transition between its electric motor and 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine, ensuring everything operated at peak efficiency.

This included switching into all-electric mode during traffic, allowing us to glide silently while conserving fuel. The Q7 offers up to 52 miles of electric range on a full charge, placing it among the best in its class. The regeneration feature further enhances efficiency by recapturing energy during braking to recharge the battery, ensuring we maximize our travel time on a long haul.

During our expedition, elaborate driver assistance systems and technology kept everyone alert and safe. The adaptive cruise control maintained a safe distance from other vehicles, and lane assist ensured we stayed centered in our lane, removing the stress of constant maneuvering. All these features worked in tandem to take the edge off long drives, transforming what could be exhausting into a more relaxed experience.

Performance That Defies Expectations

With about four hours remaining before reaching Ingolstadt, we switched drivers at a service station, ready for the final leg. As I took the wheel and felt the robust power of the Q7, it was time to test its dynamic capability. Upon entering the autobahn, I shifted mode from 'Auto' to 'Dynamic'. This activated the adaptive air suspension, giving the Q7 a sporty yet comfortable feel.

As we reached the derestricted zone, the car's 3.0-liter V6 truly roared to life, delivering rapid acceleration that belied its size. With 394PS and 600Nm of torque, the Q7 showcased thrilling performance, quickly leaving slower cars in our dust.

Conclusion: A Remarkable Journey

After an uninterrupted journey of twelve hours across five countries and over 700 miles, we arrived at our destination without any discomfort. The Audi Q7 TFSI e proved to be not only comfortable and spacious but also surprisingly speedy and efficient when needed, making long-distance travel enjoyable rather than a chore.

In conclusion, we can truly say that it’s a vehicle that turns long journeys into memorable experiences, leaving you eager to embark on the next adventure. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your driving experience or upgrade your vehicle, you can also explore our fast AI car diagnostic software, which could be an invaluable tool for keeping your vehicle running smoothly at all times. Check it out here.