Audi Q7 50 TDI 2021 Review

The 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro is a large and luxurious seven-seat SUV that sits mid-range in the Q7 line-up.

The 50 TDI shares the same 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel powerplant and mild 48-volt electric hybrid technology with the entry-level 45 TDI, which albeit has less power and torque.

The big step up in specification comes with the top-of-line SQ7 which boasts eight cylinders, three turbochargers and a dragster-like 900Nm of torque – a full 300Nm increase over the already impressive 600Nm of the 50 TDI.

It wasn’t that long ago that ‘diesel’ was a dirty word but Audi has always been at the forefront of diesel engine technology, aided by its successful Le Mans-winning sports prototype programs, and the Volkswagen Group has entrusted Audi to continue the development push across its network.

The negative stigma surrounding diesel seems to have passed and we’re free to enjoy the fuel efficiency benefits it has to offer.

The Audi Q7 goes head-to-head with the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE, but seems to win out over its most obvious rivals in ‘standard’ inclusions and has a slight edge in some key areas.

As the name suggests, the 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro is four-wheel drive and comes equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine that produces 210kW and 600Nm.

All Q7s have ‘quattro’ drivelines as standard and share an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.

The $115,300 sticker price – which doesn’t include on-road costs – will get you the 50 TDI, while the slower 45 TDI is priced at just over $104K.

Both examples are well equipped, headlined by Audi’s ‘Connect plus’ infotainment pack with 4G data connection for fuel prices, online radio and satellite navigation.

They both also receive wireless phone charging plus wireless smartphone connection for Apple CarPlay as well as heated leather front seats, tri-zone climate control and an electronic-deploying third row.

Safety technology on hand includes rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control as well as a 360-degree parking camera.

Unique to the 50 TDI are larger 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather trim, quad-zone climate control and electronic steering column adjustment.

Audi also offers an ‘S line’ variant (from $122,500) of the 50 TDI which is half a step higher and features 21-inch wheels, privacy glass, black headlining, a Bang & Olufsen 3D stereo and super-premium Valcona leather seats.  

So, if you have to keep up with the Joneses and just have to have an SUV, then you may as well get one that is well-equipped, super-safe and offers plenty of space.

The 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro ticks all those boxes and does it all in luxurious style. The substantial facelift introduced last year makes it attractive to look at, with a slightly more complex and muscular front-end look and the dash getting a total overhaul with the Q8-inspired interior.

If you love touch-screens then this is the car for you! Gone is the minimalistic dash with its small 8.3-inch screen, replaced with a pair of stacked central touch-screens. The top unit measures 10.1 inches and the lower 8.6. The top display handles Audi’s latest-generation multimedia system and the lower is now responsible for the climate controls.

The practicality of seven seats that adults can actually fit into has appeal and the grunty 600Nm of torque ensures towing is a breeze.

Our test vehicle was fitted with the $1500 tow bar and wiring option, and if towing the caravan is on your radar, then the case for getting more power and torque from the 50 TDI over the similar 45 TDI (170kW/500Nm) is solved right there.  

Appeal for the 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro lies in its nicely-appointed seven-seat practicality. If you’re regularly hauling a large crew it’s a no-brainer, and for large families that’s especially true.

The seating options are seemingly endless with every conceivable folding option achievable. There’s almost 2000 litres of space available with the second and third rows stowed, 770L with the third row stowed in five-seater mode and a pretty decent 295L in play when in seven-seater mode. That’s about all the space a new hatchback has these days.

The third row is a genuine ‘adult-sized’ alternative, with my six-foot frame easily accommodated and the second row can actually fit three full-sized humans across it.

What may also find appeal are the five – yes, five – ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points – three across the second row and two across the third row.

Whether it be its 3500kg towing capacity, its fuel efficiency achieved through ‘Mild Hybrid Tech’ that incorporates engine ‘shut-off’, big torque and big space, the Q7 50 TDI appeals to pretty much everyone.

Anyone that can afford $115K, that is…

There’s lots to like about the 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro, with really only one compromising feature I can think of and that’s its turbo lag.

It could do with the electronic turbo from the Audi SQ7 to spool the engine up a little faster as it can catch you out on the odd occasion. It forces you into a slightly defensive driving mindset, with planning ahead the name of the game.

I found using ‘Dynamic’ mode on the drive select a little better for performance, and although it puts the SUV into a warmly aggressive attitude, the air suspension still soaks up the bumps like they’re not even there. Sitting on 20-inch tyres, one could expect the ride to be compromised, but not so.

You can feel its 2000kg-plus mass but it manages it well. Its handling is super-safe, neutral and tending to slight understeer when pushed hard.

The engine may lack a little initial response, but once past 2250rpm all 600Nm are available through to 3250, with peak power then taking over at 3500-4000rpm.

The smooth-as-silk eight-speed transmission ensures it operates within those peak parameters and it scoots along alright for a heavy people-mover.

That being said, the racer in me tells me to save my pennies for the 900Nm of the SQ7!

Disclaimer: Luke Youlden is a Bathurst 1000 champion, 2021 Porsche Carrera Cup series competitor, Tekworkx Motorsport mentor and chief driving coach, deputy chief instructor for the Porsche Experience and also works for Pilota Sportiva, whose clients include Audi Driving Experience and Volkswagen Group Australia.

How much does the 2021 Audi Q7 50 TDI cost?
Price: $115,300 (plus on road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel
Output: 210kW/600Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.8L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 180g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2019)