Audi Q7 4.2 TDi Quattro S-line Tiptronic

Practical Caravan's tow car expert hitches the 2008 Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro S-line Tiptronic to a family caravan for the definitive towing test

Verdict

This is a superbly fast, strong tow car that keeps the caravan stable. If you can afford it, go for it!

Pros

Incredibly fast and stable

Cons

Win the lottery, and this is the car

The words ‘Towing’ and ‘quick’ don’t usually sit well together, but the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro S-line Tiptronic changes that. Even compared with other 4x4s like the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5, the Q7 is staggeringly swift.

The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro S-line Tiptronic bullied the lane-change test into submission

Towing

The 30-60mph sprint took 8.7 seconds, even with two tonnes of caravan in tow. Many cars wouldn’t match that solo.

The Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro S-line Tiptronic bullied the lane-change test into submission.

At higher speeds the Audi was every bit as stable, and while the ride was firm, it wasn’t harsh. You could happily tow all day and driver and passengers would arrive feeling fresh.

Space

As a seven-seater, it’s not as family-friendly as a Discovery. There isn’t as much legroom in the third row and the boot isn’t as spacious: it couldn’t quite manage our full load of luggage.