What Makes a Truly Great Long-Distance SUV?
If you’ve ever planned a cross-country road trip, you know the wish list: space for everyone and everything, comfort that doesn’t fade after a few hours, tech that actually helps, and a powertrain that’s both punchy and efficient. But here’s the kicker—none of it matters if you arrive feeling like you’ve been through the wringer. The best long-distance cruisers leave you fresh, not frazzled.
So, which SUV nails it? After a 700-mile trek from London to Ingolstadt, the Audi Q7 TFSI e plug-in hybrid made a pretty compelling case. Let’s break down why this big Audi stands out for the long haul.
Is There Really Enough Space for Everything (and Everyone)?
Early morning, fog hanging in the air, and a mountain of camera gear staring us down. Three people, all their luggage, and enough filming equipment to shoot a documentary—would it fit? Honestly, we had our doubts.
But the Q7’s 563-liter boot swallowed the lot, with room to spare for snacks and last-minute essentials. The clever 40:20:40 split rear seats and ski hatch made it easy to slot in tripods and odd-shaped bags. Loading was a breeze, thanks to the flat load lip and hands-free tailgate—no more juggling boxes and keys.
Inside, it’s just as roomy. Even our tallest passenger (a lanky 6’2”) stretched out comfortably in the front, while the back seats felt almost limo-like. Sliding and reclining seats meant everyone found their sweet spot. For families, road-trippers, or anyone who hates feeling cramped, this is a game-changer.
How Does the Q7 Keep You Comfortable Hour After Hour?
Let’s be honest: most cars start out comfy, but after a few hours, you’re shifting around and counting down the miles. Not here. The Q7’s optional Adaptive Air Suspension is the unsung hero. Potholes, ruts, and even the notorious concrete stretches of the M25 just melt away. The ride is so smooth, you barely notice the road.
Double-glazed windows hush outside noise, turning the cabin into a quiet retreat. The seats—wrapped in soft Valcona leather—are supportive without being stiff. Even after hours on the road, we felt relaxed, not restless.
The interior design deserves a nod too. The minimalist dashboard, ambient LED lighting (purple, if you’re feeling fancy), and high-quality materials make it feel more like a high-end lounge than a typical SUV. And with plenty of charging ports and storage cubbies, everyone’s devices and snacks stay within easy reach.
What Tech Features Actually Make a Difference on Long Drives?
In-car tech can be hit or miss. Sometimes it’s just flashy; other times, it genuinely makes the journey easier. The Q7 falls into the latter camp.
The twin 10.1-inch touchscreens are angled toward the driver, keeping controls intuitive and within reach. The upper screen handles navigation and infotainment, while the lower one manages climate and seat settings. Haptic feedback gives each tap a reassuring click—no more second-guessing if you’ve pressed the right button.
But it’s the driver assistance features that really shine on a marathon drive. Adaptive cruise control maintains a safe gap in traffic and can even bring the car to a full stop. Lane assist keeps you centered, and traffic sign recognition helps you avoid surprise speed limits (especially handy when crossing borders).
When we hit traffic around Brussels, the Q7 seamlessly switched to full electric mode—quiet, smooth, and efficient. The 26kWh battery offers up to 52 miles of electric-only range, and regenerative braking helps top up the battery as you go. Charging from a 7.4kW wallbox takes under four hours, so even longer stops can be productive.
How Does the Q7 Perform When You Need Power?
Long-distance comfort is great, but sometimes you want a little excitement—especially when you hit the open autobahn. Here, the Q7 TFSI e transforms. Switch to Dynamic mode, and the air suspension firms up. The 3.0-liter V6 and electric motor combine for 394PS and 600Nm of torque, launching the big SUV from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds.
Despite its size, the Q7 feels agile and composed. The high seating position gives you a commanding view, while quattro all-wheel drive keeps everything planted. Passing slower traffic is effortless, and when the road opens up, the acceleration is genuinely surprising. It’s the kind of performance that makes you forget you’re driving a family SUV.
What’s the Real-World Experience Like on a 700-Mile Journey?
After twelve hours, five countries, and more than 700 miles, we stepped out of the Q7 feeling—shockingly—refreshed. No sore backs, no ringing ears, no road fatigue. The combination of space, comfort, tech, and performance turned what could have been a slog into an experience we’d happily repeat.
It’s not just about ticking boxes. The Q7 TFSI e blends all the essentials with a sense of ease and refinement that’s rare, even among premium SUVs. Whether you’re hauling gear for a work trip, packing up the family for a holiday, or just want a car that makes every mile enjoyable, it’s hard to think of a better companion.
The Takeaway: Does the Audi Q7 TFSI e Set a New Standard for Long-Distance SUVs?
After putting it through one of the toughest real-world tests, it’s clear the Audi Q7 TFSI e isn’t just about luxury or tech for tech’s sake. It’s about making long journeys something to look forward to, not dread. From the cavernous interior to the whisper-quiet ride, from clever hybrid efficiency to surprising autobahn pace, it delivers on every front.
If you’re searching for an SUV that turns the grind of travel into a pleasure—and leaves you ready to do it all again tomorrow—the Q7 TFSI e deserves a spot at the top of your list. Sometimes, the journey really is as good as the destination.