Audi Q7 V12 TDI - the Ultimate Q7!

As those who read here know, I do have a fondness for the Audi Q7. It does so much right (and so little wrong) and even though I drive a Cayenne most days, I feel the Q7 is the best of the modern 4×4s. And now we have the ultimate version - The Audi Q7 V12 TDI for sale from the summer (ish) in the UK.

From a complete distaste of diesels to a convert (well, not quite a convert, but certainly I consider diesels an option these days) thanks almost completely to what Audi have achieved with their diesel engines. From the 3.0 in the Q7 & A6 (the best car in its sector), through the 4.2 that goes in the A8 and Q7 and now this, the absolutely unbelievable V12 TDI. Where next? The figures are already astonishing- 500bhp and 750lb ft of torque - but I am sure Audi have more tricks up their sleeve.

Audi have chosen Geneva (starts 6/3/08) to confirm what we already knew - that the concept Q7 V12 TDI would become a full production model. And probably quicker than most thought - but why wait?

But Audi haven’t just brought along a pre-production version of the V12. Oh, no! They’ve brought along something they call the Q7 Coastline, which is sort of a cross between a 4×4 and a racing yacht (did they employ the guy who did the Drophead Coupe?) with a wood floor in the boot and white leather. Actually it sounds a bit Swedish. And a bit naff. But, somewhat surprisingly it does work. But I wouldn’t suggest you opt for this particular colour scheme if you have a gaggle of kids. Chocolate and white leather. Not a good combination!

There will be a real demand for this. You get almost Cayenne Turbo performance (although, to be fair, not quite the handling) in a package you can put the wife and kids and luggage in and drive up a mountain or across a desert. And all from around £70k. It’s a car that’s hard to dislike (unless you’re a card carrying tree-hugger, and even then it’s a damn site greener than any other 4×4 with this sort of performance) and very easy to enjoy.

The queue starts here!