Any owners of Q7 e-tron here

[FortyPlus]

Hi all. I'm new here, considering a Q7 e-tron. Did a test drive today and found it quite impressive. I don't need the extra seats, but need a super-comfortable load lugger around town (on battery) and something to cruise on motorway trips. I know the V6 tdi from my current car, a VW Phaeton that has served fantastically well but now owes me nothing @165,000 miles! I see well speced ex-demo e-tron around £50 to £55k which is ok for me.
I am in Ireland, and our weird car-taxation system makes this quite attractive.

What is the view on the e-tron. Any happy/ unhappy owners on here.

Many thanks
Hugh/ Dublin

[Thavipah]

I have an e-tron for 5 months now and drove around 10.000 kms with it. Almost all short trips can be done on the battery. For the longer trips the long range of the diesel engine is perfect. I had a Volvo XC90 T8 (hybrid) for 18 months before I switched to the Audi. I never looked back. The Audi is the far superior car to the Volvo. You won't regret it!

[FortyPlus]

I have an e-tron for 5 months now and drove around 10.000 kms with it. Almost all short trips can be done on the battery. For the longer trips the long range of the diesel engine is perfect. I had a Volvo XC90 T8 (hybrid) for 18 months before I switched to the Audi. I never looked back. The Audi is the far superior car to the Volvo. You won't regret it!

Many thanks for that. I am in Ireland: I checked, there are 3 Q7 e-tron registered in Ireland, and I believe 2 are in dealers showrooms! I took a test-drive this week and I knew more than the salesman, just from reading the brochure. So in Ireland I would be an "early adopter" :-/ I see you are in Germany: what is uptake like in Europe. But on paper this car looks perfect for me as I live 18km from Dublin city centre, and most days are short city trips, and a few days a week on the motorway. Audi in Ireland just do not appear that interested in the Q7 e-tron.
Do you get close to the 50Km electric range?
Approximately what range do you see on a long trip on the diesel engine.
I have an older version of that V6 engine (VW Phaeton with 250,000Km, and like new) and on a 130kph motorway trip will see up to 7.0l/100km. It's a super-smooth engine.

Do you know of any Q7 e-tron discussion forum: I am keen to know more before making a commitment.

Many thanks from Ireland
Hugh

[Thavipah]

I'm located in The Netherlands. Electric and hybrid vehicles are more common over here since the government tax advantages are big on these cars. On an average I get around 40km's of electric range with the Q7. This is without trying hard to drive economical. The haptic acceleratorpedal helps driving solely on the electric motor.

On the motorway I get around 8.0l/100km. The past 800 km's my average consumption is around 2.0l/100km. Almost all short trips can be done on the battery and that's a big plus for me.

I'm not aware of a dedicated e-tron discussion forum. On the German Motor-Talk forum is one other guy with an e-tron but he hardly ever posts any messages.

My experience with the e-tron are extremely positive. The car is very quiet, can drive up to 130km/h on the electric motor. And is super, super, super comfortable. Because the electric motor is combined with the gearbox the car is also 4WD when driving on the battery. That's a big plus since I also use the car several times a year in Austria.

Based on my experience a partner in one of my company's also switched to an e-tron. Today we went for lunch together in his car. His experience is the same. It's the best car he ever had, he enjoyes the quietness and comfort of the car a lot.
He charges the car with the supplied 220V charger and it takes around 8 hours for him to charge his car. I have a dedicated charger at my house and it charges the car under 2,5 hours. So on an average day it is possible for me to drive 60 to 80 km's on the battery.

I do have to say that my car has the airsuspension and a lot of bells and wistles (massage seats, B&O, heated steeringwheel and the pano roof) that makes the car extra comfortable.

If you go for the e-tron I'm sure you won't regret it.

[FortyPlus]

Many thanks!
I also like my comfort, good stereo, etc. For strange (CO2) tax reasons, the efficient way to get one is Ireland is to buy in UK with 4,000km (demo from Audi) and import to Ireland. The low CO2 makes it good value. Some UK Audi garages have high spec launch versions with air suspension, B&O sound, touring pack, matrix LED, etc ++. with a large discount from list. None with Pano roof, and all in black :-(
Hugh

[Davgta10]

Hi...sorry for the late reply, not been on the site for afew months. I picked up my etron in April this year.... the primary reason for purchase being its low company car tax bracket for a 4x4 (in the UK). I was also interested in the electric range for my short commute to work of 6 miles (each way) daily.

I could say I'm getting this mpg and this battery range but I feel any person in any car when discussing this subject needs to add qualifying information.

1. I do between 800 and 1000 miles a month.....mainly short to medium journeys.

2. I did start by using the battery only for my commute but although the journey is quite short 75% of it is on a dual carriage way so I started to question is that an efficient use of it??? Since then I've started to use the hybrid setting more and let the car decide...subsequently I can return 50-60mpg on my commute while using around 10th of the battery per journey. Not bad from a cold start too if you ask me. I was getting around 2 1/2 return journeys out of a full charge but again I'm sure you realise this is specific to me and the roads I drive on.

Ultimately, I've returned 48mpg since I've had the car which seems good to be....my last car...an evoque did 28pmg for the same usage.

[fronty]

I looked at the e-tron but was a bit disappointed when I discovered there's no 3rd row of seats. I understand that's where the battery is but the XC90 hybrid still as a 3rd row so it was kind of a deal breaker for me, so I put my hybrid aspirations on hold and plumped for the 3.0 diesel. On a run yesterday I averaged 45mpg, so I think the battery range would have to increase and the average mpg improve before I seriously considered a hybrid. Maybe when my PCP runs out in 3 years time I'll consider it then depending on how the battery technology has improved.

[FortyPlus]

Gents (assumption!)
thanks for that useful input.
My reasons for considering the e-tron are a bit mixed:
1) I could do lots of my running around Dublin on electric (live about 10 miles from city centre), so that's appealing.
2) I can pickup a high spec ex-demo UK e-tron with decent spec (maybe even B&O sound) for around 50k, and through the silliness of our (CO2 based) import taxes in Ireland, pay a fraction of the import tax on the e-tron than I would on an equivalent Q7 tdi.

Fronty: quite stunned to hear 45mpg on a run, did that take exceptional driving style, or readily achievable??

I don't need the 3rd row & seats ( 2 teenage kids) but do need a luxury car that doubles as an occasional high volume load hauler/ tow car, thus ruling out A8/ 730, etc

So a UK ex demo Q7, moved to Dublin, ticks all the boxes and saves ££££. Only problem none available have the panoramic roof combined with the other nice launch spec goodies ( touring pack/ ACC/ HUD/ Bose or B&O/ air suspension) : 1st world problem...:-)

Thanks for feedback.
Hugh

[fronty]

Yep I was quite surprised too! I did a 70 mile run along the M4/M25/A1M with ACC enabled all the way and mostly running in "efficiency" mode. I think I only touched the accelerator and brake at the start and end of the journey. As the traffic was heavy I was only going at between 50-60 mph the entire way but it was constant, and the journey still took the same amount of time as it usually did.

So when I saw the consumption figure was just under 45mpg I was quite stunned (I barely got 30 out of my old car). On the way back the traffic was more stop/start and I did a bit more "manual" driving, I still achieved over 40mpg though.

I did consider a Passat GTE Estate but I'd already fallen for a Q7 in my local Audi showroom by then. Maybe next time. First world problems indeed! :-)

[FortyPlus]

Hi all
just purchased a demo Q7 e-tron today, collecting next Friday. It's a launch version, Touring pack, Matrix Led, Air Suspension, Phone box, Keyless, etc

A significant change from my elegant but aged Phaeton, so time will tell. I think I will have only the 3 or 4th Q7 e-tron in Ireland :-(

Many thanks to the useful comments here, a significant part of the decision.

Regards
Hugh

[andyhud007]

Hi all
just purchased a demo Q7 e-tron today, collecting next Friday. It's a launch version, Touring pack, Matrix Led, Air Suspension, Phone box, Keyless, etc

A significant change from my elegant but aged Phaeton, so time will tell. I think I will have only the 3 or 4th Q7 e-tron in Ireland :-(

Many thanks to the useful comments here, a significant part of the decision.

Regards
HughHugh,

Many congrats on your purchase and I'm sure your going to enjoy it immensely.

Keep us posted when you get it and feel free to share any pics!

Congrats!

Andy

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[Thavipah]

Hi all
just purchased a demo Q7 e-tron today, collecting next Friday.


Congrats! I'm sure you will enjoy the car for many, many miles to come. I still do, over the past 2.200 kms I have an avarage of 2,3 liters of fuel per 100km. I almost never visit a petrol station with the e-tron.

[FortyPlus]

Congrats! I'm sure you will enjoy the car for many, many miles to come. I still do, over the past 2.200 kms I have an avarage of 2,3 liters of fuel per 100km. I almost never visit a petrol station with the e-tron.


Hi Thavipah

was it your comparison of Q7 e-tron Vs XC90 hybrid ownership I saw on another forum. If so it was a huge benefit to me: exactly what you hope for.

I have ended 12 years of VW Phaeton ownership ( 2 cars) and the Phaeton forum was a paragon of civility, expertise & helpfulness, and the first feeling here is the same :-)

Looking forward to collection on Friday, new toys,etc.

I purchased the car sight unseen from Aberdeen Audi, so the first trip is 220 miles to the ferry home:-/

Hugh

[andyhud007]

Great choices guys!!!!

If they can make an Etron q7 with 7 seats then I'd make the swap I think...

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[j0hnner5]

Picked up my e-Tron a week ago. Like others, it was a low-mileage launch version, with matrix lights, tour pack, air suspension, rear seat entertainment, phone box, etc.

Loving it so far - is a massive upgrade on my 2.5 year old X3.

Only a few niggles...
1. Still haven’t got my Vehicle Code yet though, to be able to make proper use of Audi Connect.

2. Anyone else have issues with the heating not working, when on full electric or hybrid modes? My commute is only around 30 mins / 10 miles (hence getting the e-Tron), but this week it’s been in the freezing cold! If the engine’s running, the heating works without a problem...

This forum has been a great read since I started looking at the Q7 - thanks all for the informative and entertaining posts :)


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[FortyPlus]

Picked up my e-Tron a week ago. Like others, it was a low-mileage launch version, with matrix lights, tour pack, air suspension, rear seat entertainment, phone box, etc.

Loving it so far - is a massive upgrade on my 2.5 year old X3.

Only a few niggles...
1. Still haven’t got my Vehicle Code yet though, to be able to make proper use of Audi Connect.

2. Anyone else have issues with the heating not working, when on full electric or hybrid modes? My commute is only around 30 mins / 10 miles (hence getting the e-Tron), but this week it’s been in the freezing cold! If the engine’s running, the heating works without a problem...

This forum has been a great read since I started looking at the Q7 - thanks all for the informative and entertaining posts :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


EEEKK!

The last thing I want is teething issues, as when I drive away Friday morning there is no going back to the supplying garage. I am making a list of things to check on the day, and "EV Mode" heating is one of these! Sounds like a chilly commute :-/

Good heads up on the Audi Connect Code also

Thanks
Hugh

[eiw]

Picking up my new Q7 e-tron sometime next week, really looking forward to it. As winter is approaching here I am curious about the performance in low temperatures. Really hope the heating works properly in EV mode, otherwise I will be in deep trouble :)

[Thavipah]

I have no problems with my heating. My car has the auxiliary heating option. I do preheat the car in the morning before going to work. With the auxiliary heating option I can choose to pre-heat the car electrically, on diesel or let the car choose the best option automatically.

I have no idea if the auxiliary heating also works during my commute to heat the cabin quicker then normal?

[j0hnner5]

Picked up my e-Tron a week ago. Like others, it was a low-mileage launch version, with matrix lights, tour pack, air suspension, rear seat entertainment, phone box, etc.

Loving it so far - is a massive upgrade on my 2.5 year old X3.

Only a few niggles...
1. Still haven’t got my Vehicle Code yet though, to be able to make proper use of Audi Connect.

2. Anyone else have issues with the heating not working, when on full electric or hybrid modes? My commute is only around 30 mins / 10 miles (hence getting the e-Tron), but this week it’s been in the freezing cold! If the engine’s running, the heating works without a problem...

This forum has been a great read since I started looking at the Q7 - thanks all for the informative and entertaining posts :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk


Catalogue of errors, but finally got the correct Vehicle Code yesterday. Had to wait a week after dealer ordered it for it to arrive with them (only after me chasing through Audi UK, who found it was with their service department - I had to tell my salesman!). They then sent me the code by email (but with a typo, so didn't work), and put the actual key in the post, but without enough postage, so was sent 2nd class!! Anyway, I'm now fully working with Audi Connect....!!

However, took it to the garage today (different one to where bought it) to look at why the heating wasn't working in Electric / Hybrid mode. Turns out the Thermal Management ECU needs to be replaced, along with a belt change. Probably going to be without it for a couple of weeks while they get the replacement parts in and fitted. :(

Haven't had it for 2 weeks yet, so will be looking to see what I can get by way of compensation. Surely they should have picked this up before selling it / handing it over to me... any tips/experiences of similar cases appreciated.

[FortyPlus]

Hi all
collected my e-tron from Audi Aberdeen on Friday Dec 1st (Launch spec/ Air suspension/ Tour Pack/ Bose/ Ambient lighting/ Matrix LED/Sports seats/ Orca Black). So far 10/10 Aberdeen Audi. I had a few queries over the weekend and they were right back to me.

It was a bit of a shot in the dark as the test drive I did was not totally convincing, but now after a long drive home to Dublin on Friday and another 800Km of mixed city/ motorway over the weekend and a long drive to the west & back today, I am smitten. This is a seriously clever piece of engineering, eeking every bit of energy from the fuel, and delivering a turbine-like torque when requested. I just love the amount of engine off coasting it does on motorways when running on Predictive drive & ACC. First impressions on a 280 mile/ 450km trip is a range of >1,000km of a fuel tank on a long run. That's leaving aside that many days will be all-electric.

I am surprised Audi do not promote this e-tron more aggressively. It's a gem of engineering, smoothness and well implemented technology.

In an ideal world I would have the noise insulating glass, but in the context of the deal, it was easy to overlook.

I plan to fit a hitch for light dingy towing. All indications are it's a standard Westfalia- removable hitch arrangement: Has anyone done this yet? I did it DIY on my previous (VW Phaeton) and it was a morning's work.

Regards
Hugh
Dublin

[Jondoyle]

Hi Hugh,

Aug 2020 and I’m reading your message with great interest. I’m looking for an E-tron like yourself at the moment but very interested to see how you got on with yours for the past couple of years. Indeed if anyone else can assist I would be very grateful. Many thanks in advance. Jon





Hi all
collected my e-tron from Audi Aberdeen on Friday Dec 1st (Launch spec/ Air suspension/ Tour Pack/ Bose/ Ambient lighting/ Matrix LED/Sports seats/ Orca Black). So far 10/10 Aberdeen Audi. I had a few queries over the weekend and they were right back to me.

It was a bit of a shot in the dark as the test drive I did was not totally convincing, but now after a long drive home to Dublin on Friday and another 800Km of mixed city/ motorway over the weekend and a long drive to the west & back today, I am smitten. This is a seriously clever piece of engineering, eeking every bit of energy from the fuel, and delivering a turbine-like torque when requested. I just love the amount of engine off coasting it does on motorways when running on Predictive drive & ACC. First impressions on a 280 mile/ 450km trip is a range of >1,000km of a fuel tank on a long run. That's leaving aside that many days will be all-electric.

I am surprised Audi do not promote this e-tron more aggressively. It's a gem of engineering, smoothness and well implemented technology.

In an ideal world I would have the noise insulating glass, but in the context of the deal, it was easy to overlook.

I plan to fit a hitch for light dingy towing. All indications are it's a standard Westfalia- removable hitch arrangement: Has anyone done this yet? I did it DIY on my previous (VW Phaeton) and it was a morning's work.

Regards
Hugh
Dublin

[Crasher]

Confusingly there are two e-trons, the one the chap in 2017 was talking about is the Diesel hybrid but now there is the fully electric e-tron, which one and age are you interested in?

[Jondoyle]

Hi there and many thanks for your help,
The older Q7 e-tron 2017 is the one which I'm looking for feedback on please.
I've heard that they could be a tad troublesome...
Best Rgds J 😊

[FortyPlus]

Hi there and many thanks for your help,
The older Q7 e-tron 2017 is the one which I'm looking for feedback on please.
I've heard that they could be a tad troublesome...
Best Rgds J 😊

In theory there are two Q7 e-tron models: the original, with the 3.0 diesel hybrid drive-train made from around mid 2016 to around mid 2018 (but for some production related reasons no RHD were delivered until end 2016-early 2017) , and in theory a current model with a similar but petrol-hybrid electric system, but I don't believe that is offered in UK or Ireland.

The all-electric e-tron is a different model, more Q5 size than Q7 sized, and quite a different animal. But the naming is certainly confusing.

I got my Q7 diesel-e-tron hybrid in Dec 2017 with around 2,000 miles, and now have 78,000Km: around 48,000 miles covered. I had one failure: the inverter failed close to the end of warranty. A €10k repair, fortunately covered by warranty. No doubt it could have been sorted for less if warranty was not available. Otherwise the car runs like clockwork, and I am well satisfied.

On average I get around 1200Km per refill: so for the past 30,000km it's showing an average 52mpg/ 5.4l/100Km . It all depends how you use it. That's mostly suburban, with one round trip of 300km every week, all ICE. Thus the stats typically indicate 50% Electric, 50% ICE.

I am well aware of all the arguments of hauling 2 engines around, increased complexity, etc etc and have no interest in going down that rabbit hole:D.

For us the car does many jobs well. 2 x lanky teenagers love the LWB legroom and reclining rear seats for long trips (Q7 e-tron is 5 seat only). Wife likes the luxury-car type ride comfort. I often use it as a load-lugger for work related stuff, and have used a 2500kg trailer without issue. And if required, the combined ~380bhp give it an indecent turn of speed for overtaking:o.
I like the silence @ 120kph on the motorway, excellent seats, matrix lights, adaptive cruise control and the silence around town in electric mode.

Integration of electric & ICE is excellent. To get the best from it some manual intervention is recommended: i.e. save the electricity for around town. Overall low cost of ownership, smooth & silent.
For certain there is potential for something expensive to go wrong, but most new Porsche Panamera and Cayenne I see around are hybrids, using very similar drive-train, but with the 3.0 petrol engine.

So it's horses for courses. If you do mostly urban/ suburban, but still need a long distance cruiser, then this is relevant. If it's all urban, get the all-electric e-tron. If it's all long distance, then this Q7-hybrid brings little benefit. For me it works, and so far, so good.

[Crasher]

Well when it is 9 years old and needs a new high voltage traction battery (it actually has 3 batteries 12v, 48v and 396v) the £15592.72 (at today's prices) plus fitting would upset me.

[Jondoyle]

Good evening Hugh,


Many many thanks for your extremely comprehensive reply. It is hugely informative and helpful.


Like yourself I don't really have the need for the 7 seats as I also now have two teenagers and and a 9-year old, so I'm just thinking of getting rid of the E-Class Estate which has served me very well. I'm amazed really that they haven't proved to be more popular especially given the much lower rates of VRT on the imports.
I see three or four for sale on the Irish market at the moment and the prices seem strong which is good news for you.
I guess the scary part would be the potential for a pricey hybrid type repair which in my case would not be covered under warranty. (I'm looking at 2017 price range)
Likewise Crasher makes a pertinent point about potential battery costs down the line.


As much as I'd love to purchase one, and I think it would be perfect for me because I would even be doing less of the longer journeys than yourself, I'm starting to lean back towards the diesel.
I don't think I'm quite ready for the fuel anxiety issues of an all Electric, and and in terms of the phevs I'm not so sure that the Germans are quite as far down the road as the Japs just yet.
Once again many thanks to both yourself and Crasher for making the time and the effort for your extremely informative responses.


Best Rgds J ��

[Crasher]

When I told a customer about the HV battery worry he said he would just use it as a normal car. Unfortunately I had to inform him that when I went on the VAG introductory training course for the Q7 etron I posed this to the lecturer and he said unfortunately if the HV battery fails, the engine will not start... how correct that is only time will tell.

[mikael]

I thought I would revive this thread as I have recently bought a 2017 Q7-Etron and thought I would share my experiences so far. I had been keeping a lookout for one for a long time, but hoped that a significant number would reach the market during mid to end of last year when many 3 year leases would expire and a significant number would appear on the market all at once. This strategy did pay off as the numbers on autotrader were around 1 to 2 before mid last year, when the numbers then ballooned to between 20 and 30 cars listed at one time.

The thing that surprised me most was just how many of these listed actually had a fairly standard spec with very few extra options. Given the price of these cars new, I thought a few more owners would have splashed out more on options!

A car with a high enough spec for my liking did come on the market in late November which I bought via an independent dealer. It was a car registered in May 2017 and had done 27,000 miles. It was an ex lease car and it had been used as pool car for the HQ of a large UK company. It felt like a new car and still does.

In addition to the standard spec, it has the following options: Tour pack (Air Suspension, Adaptive Cruise, Lane Assist), Comfort Pack (Comfort heated and ventilated front seats with passenger and driver memories and self dimming heated mirrors), Matrix Headlights, Panoramic Sunroof, Privacy Glass, Rear airbags, Trailer pack with trailer assist and electrically retractable towbar, rear blinds and Bose sound system. I would have liked to find one with the rare heated windscreen and heated steering wheel too, along with side assist, head-up display and TV but you cannot have everything. Perhaps I shall retrofit a small number sometime.

I wanted to find the combination of Air Suspension with the factory tow-bar as the car is then capable of towing 3.5 tons, the only hybrid of that age capable of doing so. Even now, I think only the Q7 TFSie and the Mercedes GLE hybrid are capable of this.

I had hoped to find one registered before April 2017 as they have no road tax, but with the exception of the initial demo cars bought by Audi dealers, there are only 17 in the UK which fall into that group, and hoping that one of these comes up with the spec I would want is like finding a needle in a haystack. There only appear to be just over 500 in the UK in total anyway.

I have only had Audi cars for nearly the last 20 years, and I have been very happy with all of them. This one has been a more mixed experience so far. The car is a great quiet and refined vehicle which will suit my requirements. However it has already had to have one expensive repair. Within three weeks of owning it, the high voltage charging unit in the car developed a fault whereby it would not recognise the charging lead being disconnected from it on my driveway. The car will not drive anywhere if it thinks the charging cable is still connected. It ended up being recovered to one of the local Audi dealers where it was diagnosed with needing a new high voltage charger at a cost of £3,400. Over £2700 for the part and the rest labour.

I checked this part out on the Audi parts catalogue and found that the charging module was modified in June 2017 and any replacements must be made with the new part. I could only assume that the part was modified for a reason. On that basis I was hopeful that Audi would provide some goodwill for the repair if I asked, especially given that the part in question had failed way before its expected design life.

The dealer was initially unhelpful telling me that the car had never been serviced at an Audi centre and they could therefore not provide any goodwill. Thankfully I had received paper records with the car that confirmed it had had its first (and only) service carried out at an Audi main dealer. I was surprised that they could see no record of it, as the car has an electronic service record which all Audi dealers can see. I contacted the dealer that had carried out the service and they confirmed that they had serviced the car, and told me that any dealer could see that if they use the system known as ELSA pro. I told the dealer my car was at and they still wanted a paper invoice. I complained and they finally accepted it had been serviced at Audi. They then did secure the full part replacement cost from Audi UK, and they told me they had also secured a 50% contribution for the labour. I initially thought this was a good and fair outcome, given the car was now outside its warranty.

However they then informed me that the labour was then going to be £2500, with me having to pay £1250. I asked them how come the labour had increased so much from the price quoted without goodwill. They told me they had made an error with the quote. I asked them to give me the recommended repair times for the job and they were adamant it was a 10 hour job. I told them I cannot believe anyone would make such a bad mistake, so they reduced the labour charge to £960. I reluctantly accepted that, but in the meanwhile made a complaint to Audi UK. They were not particularly helpful, but they did get and provide the labour operations codes from the dealer carrying out the repair. I asked them to provide me with the recommended times to carry out the labour operations, but they refused. Thankfully I was able to get the times from another dealer and they informed me that the time would amount to around 3 hours. After I obtained this information, I emailed the dealer copying in Audi UK and the dealer then backtracked saying the price had been arrived at through confusion and Audi UK were not now paying for half the labour, but only providing the part. The dealer then offered a further £250 reduction in the labour, which I accepted and settled at.

I am hoping that the failure of the charger was a one off event which might have happened much earlier if the car had actually been charged regularly, but I get the impression the previous company only had it for BIK reasons. I am now using as it was designed to be, regularly charging it, which probably induced the failure in any parts which might have failed earlier in its life.

Since the charger has been replaced the car has been good and I have been trying to get familiar with all the features of it.

There is one particular feature that I cannot get to work, which I would like to hear from other owners about. The feature in question is the one that optimises the use of the hybrid battery (if charged) if you set your destination in the sat-nav before you make your journey. If you set a destination which is further than the predicted electric-only range, the car should set itself into hybrid mode (from the default electric drive mode) and then use the battery and engine in the most optimal way during the journey so you arrive at the destination with a depleted battery, ready for fully re-charging. I cannot get this feature to work. Using the sat-nav does not seem to influence any of the hybrid control. Any feedback would be appreciated. I may otherwise have to get a different dealer to check the issue out.

[papadelta]

Hi Mikhail

I have 2018 e-tron, first registered in March 2018. Apart from a cable shorting out on the gearbox, cutting out EV mode, I have had no problems. I have most options and have only done 22,500 miles. Covid kept me at home!!

Most of my journeys are local in EV mode, which is the default. As soon as I set a destination in the satnav, it switches to hybrid mode. I am not convinced that the algorithm is that good so I generally switch to battery save mode, switching to EV mode when I get off the motorway onto local roads. I have got quite good at judging the range so that I arrive home with a fully depleted battery.

Even in battery safe mode, the car will switch to EV to use any regenerated power.

Brilliant car. Enjoy it.

Cheers
Philip

[seph234]

I have just put a deposit down on a 67 plate Q7 E-tron with 24k miles. hopefully it will be a good one. its got a years audi warranty with it, hopefully i wont need to use it.

[mikael]

Hi Mikhail

I have 2018 e-tron, first registered in March 2018. Apart from a cable shorting out on the gearbox, cutting out EV mode, I have had no problems. I have most options and have only done 22,500 miles. Covid kept me at home!!

Most of my journeys are local in EV mode, which is the default. As soon as I set a destination in the satnav, it switches to hybrid mode. I am not convinced that the algorithm is that good so I generally switch to battery save mode, switching to EV mode when I get off the motorway onto local roads. I have got quite good at judging the range so that I arrive home with a fully depleted battery.

Even in battery safe mode, the car will switch to EV to use any regenerated power.

Brilliant car. Enjoy it.

Cheers
Philip

Thanks for your feedback Philip. Bizarrely enough, after a week of not getting the feature with the sat-nav working, it suddenly started working today after I had switched the virtual cockpit to show the sat-nav screen! I have no idea if it was coincidence or some other weird glitch/bug that had stopped it working.

I know what you mean about using battery save more on motorways and then use the EV on the slower country roads. I have also owned an A3 e-tron for 18 months and have got quite good at judging the battery in that. I have come to the conclusion that if you are going to drive further than the electric range allows, especially in winter, it is best to use the engine as soon as you can drive at decent speed. That way any residual heat can be used to heat the car, rather than letting the car use more battery power to heat the car, and then let more residual heat go to waste at the end of the journey when the car is parked.

[mikael]

I have just put a deposit down on a 67 plate Q7 E-tron with 24k miles. hopefully it will be a good one. its got a years audi warranty with it, hopefully i wont need to use it.

I hope you enjoy the car and don't need to use the warranty. However whatever you do, don't be tempted to buy a warrantywise warranty in future. I had bought one to cover my car, but they refused to pay out for the charger problem, telling me it must have been developing slowly over time, before I had bought the vehicle. Thankfully as it happened so soon after buying the car, I was able to cancel the warranty and get my money back, which I then used for the repair.

[seph234]

I hope you enjoy the car and don't need to use the warranty. However whatever you do, don't be tempted to by a warrantywise warranty in future. I had bought one to cover my car, but they refused to pay out for the charger problem, telling me it must have been developing slowly over time, before I had bought the vehicle. Thankfully as it happened so soon after buying the car, I was able to cancel the warranty and get my money back, which I then used for the repair.


Thanks for letting me know, il steer well clear of them.

I don't normally buy second hand cars from dealers, Im pretty good with mechanics and have a good look over them before buying privately. But with the Hybrids im a little out of my depth so thats why i have stuck with an audi approved used car. Fingers crossed it gives me no problems. Hopefully i hear today, when i can pick it up. :D

[FortyPlus]

Hi All
I started this thread originally back in 2017, so now have 85K Km ( 50K miles) on the Q7 e-tron that I got with 2k miles. One warranty issue, otherwise perfect reliability. Multitasking device, smooth, etc. An average consumption of about 60mpg the last time I checked: typically 1200-1300 Km on a 65L tank.
The one thing I wish I had to complete the package would be the acoustic side windows that I had in previous car.
As per others earlier posts, that way to optimise the operation is some manual intervention in the ICE-Diesel selection on longer runs. Start on electric, switch to ICE for the main part of the run on motorway and than back to ICE for the (often) urban final stretch. Obviously a car not suited to everyone, so it's a case by case selection, but for me it works perfectly.

[seph234]

Hi All
I started this thread originally back in 2017, so now have 85K Km ( 50K miles) on the Q7 e-tron that I got with 2k miles. One warranty issue, otherwise perfect reliability. Multitasking device, smooth, etc. An average consumption of about 60mpg the last time I checked: typically 1200-1300 Km on a 65L tank.
The one thing I wish I had to complete the package would be the acoustic side windows that I had in previous car.
As per others earlier posts, that way to optimise the operation is some manual intervention in the ICE-Diesel selection on longer runs. Start on electric, switch to ICE for the main part of the run on motorway and than back to ICE for the (often) urban final stretch. Obviously a car not suited to everyone, so it's a case by case selection, but for me it works perfectly.

Glad you still have the car and giving you minimal problems.

I went to pick the car up today and i have rejected it.
Due to restrictions because of the pandemic i had only had a video chat around the car and many pictures. but once i see it in the flesh i couldn't of taken it home. it had scratches up the back door as if the previous owner had let a large dog scratch to get into the boot before it was even open. and 2 large scrapes on the passenger doors where doors had been flung open on it. and a large deep scrape on the bottom skirt under the passenger door. scuff on the roof spoiler. and it had been advertised with air suspension but it didnt have it. so the search continues!!

[Crasher]

As a VAG mechanic I am fascinated to know how the owners of Q7 e-tron’s will feel when the 48v Lithium Ion battery fails at a cost of £1196.44 or the 396v Lithium Ion battery fails at £13785.49, all plus fitting?

[seph234]

Im hoping that i do not have the car when it falls past 8 years old. the battery's are warranted for 8 years by audi.

[Crasher]

8 years or 100k miles, whichever comes first. The thing is, when the Meerkat works this out, a battery electric car will be worthless when the battery is out of warranty.

[AT.]

OFF:

I don't want to hurt the feelings of our fellow E-tron members, but even if their battery will be all right, their inverter could fail, and it could cost about Ł8.000 and - at least in Hungary, and as far as I know - this unit's failure is not covered by the battery warranty.

IMHO to own a brand new E-tron for up to four years, yes, that could be a real fun. To keep it up to 6-7yrs it could be risky, but that's life, we all own a prestige car and not a budget car. However if you don't let your pride go away at that age, then it could lead to a nightmare or a bankrupt.

Just for the record: it's a real hard thing to get an expensive second hand engine or gearbox unit for a regular Q7, however it's still a plausible thing. But let me think. Even if you will have luck, and you will find all the above mentioned second hand parts for an E-tron - will you pay without warranty a huge money for these items, while your car will worth not more then the parts you have just purchased?

[Crasher]

Or the Power controller at £6732 (a multiply revised part due to repeated failure), the battery charger at £2836.02 (again highly unreliable) or the traction motor at £14495.76, mind you if you have the version where the traction motor cannot be bought, that means £17647.20 for a full new gearbox as there is no exchange due to the number of design revisions. Mind you, I think there will be a lot of eight year old Q7 e-trons in breakers though so plenty of used parts to kill yourself installing...

[mazerati]

Goodness me!,

After reading this thread, I'm sure glad I opted for a good old fashioned Diesel.

[Crasher]

Unless we get rid of this communist prime minister we will all have this forced on us in the next decade or so with no choice about the matter!

[Crasher]

Goodness me!,

After reading this thread, I'm sure glad I opted for a good old fashioned Diesel.

Why the dislike ;) I am beginning to think Will Self was right, There’s no other explanation for Boris Johnson – he must be a Russian spy (https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2016/10/there-s-no-other-explanation-boris-johnson-he-must-be-russian-spy)

[mazerati]

I agree with most of what you say, and have signed the petition.
But don't think this is a place for politics.

[Crasher]

But don't think this is a place for politics.

Hmm, possibly. The thing is I am a staunch life long Conservative and voted for Boris willingly but this ban was not in the manifesto so it has really upset me, I feel deceived. We will need to discuss it though as it is going to become a very big part of all our lives.

[FrenchAudi]

Hmm, possibly. The thing is I am a staunch life long Conservative and voted for Boris willingly but this ban was not in the manifesto so it has really upset me, I feel deceived. We will need to discuss it though as it is going to become a very big part of all our lives.

It will be good for your business, though, if a lot of people keep driving what will become older and older cars with IC engines.

Provided they don't ban the sale of fuel:aargh4:

[Crasher]

Provided they don't ban the sale of fuel:aargh4:

That is a very real danger in around 20 years time but by then I will be nearing 80 and less bovered...

[mikael]

Or the Power controller at £6732 (a multiply revised part due to repeated failure), the battery charger at £2836.02 (again highly unreliable) or the traction motor at £14495.76, mind you if you have the version where the traction motor cannot be bought, that means £17647.20 for a full new gearbox as there is no exchange due to the number of design revisions. Mind you, I think there will be a lot of eight year old Q7 e-trons in breakers though so plenty of used parts to kill yourself installing...

I take your points, but there will be more of these components on the secondhand market in due course. Whilst I had the charger fail and pushed for Audi to replace it, had that failed, I could have purchased a secondhand unit for around 400 Euros from Germany or Holland.

De-energising the car is in itself not a difficult process to do, so there is no huge risk of killing yourself if you know what you are doing.

[Crasher]

De-energising the car is in itself not a difficult process to there is no huge risk of killing yourself if you know what you are doing.

True, but that is not taking into account how stupid many people (I feel a depressingly large proportion of the population) are and the appalling things some people will do to keep a car running. Some of the awful things I have seen over the last 40 years would have been instantly fatal on a 396v car, electrikery is very unforgiving of mistakes; as I say “you can spill a drop of petrol, but you can’t spill a little electricity”. I am mystified though why you cannot work on the embedded 240v electrics in your home kitchen or bathroom but you can do anything you like to a 396v electric car including taking all the internals and stuffing them in something else. Of course this will change once people start dying but then again should we prevent the “natural selection” process?

[artheb]

Interesting thread here! I am looking at changing my current C7 2015 for Q7 etron 2017. I’m in Ireland and what I find bizarre is that there is only few of them available but none of them through the main dealer approved used car. All of them are through the independent garages. Hearing about some issues, especially the charging point, makes me wonder if the independent dealer will provide the actual warranty repair for those expensive electrical items?
I am looking forward to more feedback from the owners!

Could someone also confirm if 2017 has a native CarPlay support? If not has anyone retrofitted the CarPlay and if yes, which module did you use? I retrofitted CarPlay into my C7 RMC and works great so I am looking at the same for Q7.


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[AT.]

If not has anyone retrofitted the CarPlay and if yes, which module did you use? I retrofitted CarPlay into my C7 RMC and works great so I am looking at the same for Q7.

I went to my local Audi service, and they fitted this module (if they fit anything and not simply allowed to use this feature) in my Q7/2015 (not E-Tron), and it was remarkably cheap, approx ~€300. Therefore I'm wondering why Audi wants to charge me about €200/year for the Audi connect, which has far less feautre then this solution. Mostly, this way I have a Google Earth skin, while I can't have it even I pay for them this huge money.

[papadelta]

My E-tron first registered March 2018 in UK has CarPlay.
Cheers

[mikael]

Interesting thread here! I am looking at changing my current C7 2015 for Q7 etron 2017. I’m in Ireland and what I find bizarre is that there is only few of them available but none of them through the main dealer approved used car. All of them are through the independent garages. Hearing about some issues, especially the charging point, makes me wonder if the independent dealer will provide the actual warranty repair for those expensive electrical items?
I am looking forward to more feedback from the owners!

Could someone also confirm if 2017 has a native CarPlay support? If not has anyone retrofitted the CarPlay and if yes, which module did you use? I retrofitted CarPlay into my C7 RMC and works great so I am looking at the same for Q7.


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I now own two Q7 E-tons, one for myself and one for my wife. I did not let the charger issue I had on my first put me off, as the car as a whole fits our needs perfectly. They are very refined, and comfortable when specified with comfort seats and air suspension. We use ours for shorter journeys using mainly electricity. The diesel engine is powerful and economical for the occasional longer journeys. They can also tow 3.5 tons when fitted with air suspension.

Both of our cars had the Audi Smartphone Interface as standard. I believe it became standard in 2017, and the retrofit option was only needed for earlier models. There are very few right hand drive Q7 E-tons around registered before 2017 as there were only 80, mainly demo cars registered before Audi ran into production problems. Later orders were all delayed until 2017.

Having looked into many Q7 E-trons advertised online I found that most of the cars on the market in Ireland are imports from the UK. Very few new ones seemed to have been sold there. The Irish taxation system seems to make it worthwhile. It is my understanding therefore that only the independent dealers go through the process of importing UK cars. I have seen this discussed online and also spoken to a couple of dealers in Ireland that were selling them. The Irish Audi dealers don't go down that route.

I suspect nearly 50 have left the UK in the last twelve months as a year ago the howmanyleft website had around 500 registered in the UK. Now there are only around 450. I am sure they have not all been crashed or dismantled!

One other interesting issue I have seen between my two cars is that one holds about 25% more charge than the other. The original owner of the one with the lower capacity said it had always had the same electric range from new (it was a one owner car before I bought it). I shall be having the battery checked by Audi and try and get the issue resolved. If there is a battery problem then the 8 year warranty is available to myself.

[artheb]

I now own two Q7 E-tons, one for myself and one for my wife. I did not let the charger issue I had on my first put me off, as the car as a whole fits our needs perfectly.

Thanks for the thorough review! Was the charger issue resolved under Audi or independent dealer warranty?


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[mikael]

Thanks for the thorough review! Was the charger issue resolved under Audi or independent dealer warranty?


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It was resolved by Audi Goodwill and myself paying for the labour. I did a full write-up in post 28 of this thread. You can take a look here:

Any owners of Q7 e-tron here - Page 3 (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php/184899-Any-owners-of-Q7-e-tron-here?p=1128957#post1128957)

[Joe2.0E]

Im also in Ireland have a may 2017 built Q7 TDI which also has carplay from the factory. (e-Tron wasn’t an option for me as I needed 7 seats)
I would be very slow to spend €45K approx on an e-Tron here without an approved used Audi warranty. Independent dealers here will usually include 12mths of Mapfre or similar aftermarket warranty cover which usually isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
It might be worth checking if your local Audi dealer would supply one from the UK for you ?
Audi North Dublin/Limerick/Drogheda regularly bring in Q7 3.0TDI’s from UK for stock as Approved Used cars. (They are all part of the Joe Duffy Group). The other option is Agnews in the North but if you are looking to offload a trade in, that might not be an option.

[artheb]

Im also in Ireland have a may 2017 built Q7 TDI which also has carplay from the factory. (e-Tron wasn’t an option for me as I needed 7 seats)
I would be very slow to spend €45K approx on an e-Tron here without an approved used Audi warranty. Independent dealers here will usually include 12mths of Mapfre or similar aftermarket warranty cover which usually isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
It might be worth checking if your local Audi dealer would supply one from the UK for you ?
Audi North Dublin/Limerick/Drogheda regularly bring in Q7 3.0TDI’s from UK for stock as Approved Used cars. (They are all part of the Joe Duffy Group). The other option is Agnews in the North but if you are looking to offload a trade in, that might not be an option.

That could be an option. I may give them a call. Audi’s approved+ warrant is also only 12 month but their goodwill is pretty good if you have some service history with them.


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[FortyPlus]

Could someone also confirm if 2017 has a native CarPlay support? If not has anyone retrofitted the CarPlay and if yes, which module did you use? I retrofitted CarPlay into my C7 RMC and works great so I am looking at the same for Q7.


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I have a 2016 registered Q7 e-tron here in Dublin ( picked up almost new in UK in 2017) , it has both android Auto & Apple car play fitted as standard. But it is the launch spec with a good number of options, so can't be certain all are standard. It also has the audi "Smartphone" interface, but that's somewhat undecipherable.

[artheb]

Thank you everyone for all the info. I ended up getting 2018 A6 C8 Sline Avant. Got a deal which I couldn’t resist. I might join this forum in couple of years...


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[DarekR.]

Hi, I have an Q7 e-tron for 8 months now and drove around 5000 miles with it. Almost all short trips can be done on the battery. Done one long trip (1300 miles each way, 37mpg average including some unrestricted Autobahn) the long range of the diesel engine is perfect. Doses anyone know to switch off public charging point notification? Car would display notification on the screen with loud bong as well, waking up kids when driving at night. It not so bad in UK but driving in Netherlands and Germany it's every few miles. I've asked local Audi dealer but I think it may be first Q7 e-tron they ever seen, so no help there. Any suggestion would be appreciated greatly.

[Crasher]

The first step would be the usual fault code read with VCDS and save the results before deleting them. Then the car needs to be driven for a few days for the problem to re-occur and the caodes read again, these should be compared with the first read and then whatever they are, dealt with. IF nothing of interest is found it may be a software issue so it would need to go to the dealer or a VAG specialist with ODIS and registered for GEKO access to perform aSVM or Software Version Management check to see if there are any software updates. By the way, lovely part of the country, we often rent a cottage at Chatham Farm near the white tower down near the end of Pant Road but this stupid virus has meant not this year.

[DarekR.]

In case anyone wonders how original Q7 e-tron alloys looks like after painting gloss black and diamond cut. Wasn't sure initialy but now rather pleased with the result.

38186

[papadelta]

The wheels look very good. Where did you have them done?

cheers

[DarekR.]

Hi,
Clear Cut Wheels (https://clearcutwheels.co.uk/) based in Gaerwen on Anglesey.
cheers

[Crasher]

Lovely part of the world, pop into Waitrose get something for tea and a tipple then sit on the beach.

https://live.staticflickr.com/4581/23930712517_432430fb65_o.jpg

[DarekR.]

Hi, dose anyone know what is the battery usable capacity for Q7 e-tron? I know that total capacity claimed by Audi is 17.3 kWh but can't find any information about working range. When charged from empty to full I usually get between 11.5 and 11.7 kWh. I assume there is 15% buffer on top and bottom so around 12 kWh per cycle would be about right. Dose anyone have similar experience? 15% buffer seems large when compared to BEV but as PHEV potentially could run 2 full cycles (or more) a day, I suppose it's a way of protecting battery.

[FortyPlus]

Hi, dose anyone know what is the working capacity for Q7 e-tron. I know that total capacity claimed by Audi is 17.4 kWh but can't find any information about working range. When charged from empty to full I usually get between 11.5 and 11.7 kWh. I assume there is 15% buffer on top and bottom so around 12 kWh per cycle would be about right. Dose anyone have similar experience? 15% buffer seems large when compared to BEV but as PHEV potentially could run 2 full cycles (or more) a day I suppose it's a way of protecting battery.

I did ask this question of Audi (or a version of it) but got no meaningful answer. My dealer is super helpful, and they referred it to the factory, but factory were useless in how they responded despite supplementary questions !

So I plan to have Audi warned well in advance before my next service visit so they can take whatever measurements they require to give a sensible answer.

That being said, I have covered 100,000Km in my e-tron: it's like new, the best car I have ever owned and is showing 4.7l/100km for the past 50,000km of mostly city - suburban driving, with one long motorway trip most weeks.. ( >60MPG in old money...).

And with perfect reliability:biglaugh::biglaugh: says he, tempting fate...

[mikael]

Hi, dose anyone know what is the battery usable capacity for Q7 e-tron? I know that total capacity claimed by Audi is 17.3 kWh but can't find any information about working range. When charged from empty to full I usually get between 11.5 and 11.7 kWh. I assume there is 15% buffer on top and bottom so around 12 kWh per cycle would be about right. Dose anyone have similar experience? 15% buffer seems large when compared to BEV but as PHEV potentially could run 2 full cycles (or more) a day, I suppose it's a way of protecting battery.

I have read the Q7 E-tron SSP and it says in that , that the usable capacity is 14 kWh. I have also found that the car seems to be able to use around 12kWh of battery power after being fully charged and running out of charge.

[Flyons]

This thread is great, appreciate all the comments as I am very close to purchasing a late 2017 Q7 e-tron. Test drove it and it was a joy to drive with serious comfort and spec. As the previous comments mention Audi dealer didn’t have much to say about them or have any in stock so it looks like I’ll be going through an independent dealer with my due diligence completed ✅ Audi dealership did agree that it was a clever combination of EV and diesel rather than petrol but likely discontinued as diesel not the best option for US market (the bigger picture). I’m based in Ireland and not many to choose from here or in the UK so easiest to go with an independent dealer who have already imported it. Was totally sold on the Q7 etron as it suits us with 3 kids plenty of urban driving and the odd motorway family trips but getting a little worried about the battery so need to check that out as I have no idea how previous owners charged etc but nice to hear about the 8yr warranty on the battery. Guess I need the original Audi dealership it was bought from in the UK which it has. Still quite expensive despite being 5yrs old so holding value 👌

[FortyPlus]

This thread is great, appreciate all the comments as I am very close to purchasing a late 2017 Q7 e-tron. Test drove it and it was a joy to drive with serious comfort and spec. As the previous comments mention Audi dealer didn’t have much to say about them or have any in stock so it looks like I’ll be going through an independent dealer with my due diligence completed ✅ Audi dealership did agree that it was a clever combination of EV and diesel rather than petrol but likely discontinued as diesel not the best option for US market (the bigger picture). I’m based in Ireland and not many to choose from here or in the UK so easiest to go with an independent dealer who have already imported it. Was totally sold on the Q7 etron as it suits us with 3 kids plenty of urban driving and the odd motorway family trips but getting a little worried about the battery so need to check that out as I have no idea how previous owners charged etc but nice to hear about the 8yr warranty on the battery. Guess I need the original Audi dealership it was bought from in the UK which it has. Still quite expensive despite being 5yrs old so holding value 
I have sent you a PM

[Dessieg]

Hi all ,
I'm new to this forum and have a 2017 Audi Q7 E tron and have had a Fault in the Air conditioning system and brought it to my main Audi dealer in Cork Ireland. Their Workshop findings are as follows: The air conditioning is not working correctly due to the fact there is a fault with the high voltage heater. This is also preventing the air conditioning system from cooling the high voltage battery. There is also a fault with the high voltage charger and charger door flap.
Solution: The high voltage heater should be replaced as a first step to correcting this issue. The high voltage system would have to be shut down in order to install a new heater. A minimum of 4 workshop hours would need to be assigned for this. As a result of the high voltage charger being faulty it may not be possible to restart the high voltage system after installing a new heater. It would be highly likely that the second step in getting this vehicle back to a full and safe operation is to replace the high voltage charger and its door flap. A minimum of 3 workshop hours would need to be assigned to this.
The cost of the first step (high voltage heater replacement) is €1850.
The cost of the second step (high voltage charger and door flap replacement) is €3867.

The audi Battery warranty is 8 years but they tell me this is not covered and help would be gratefully received as could do with out a €5717 bill!!??
Thanks,
des

[papadelta]

Dessie. Ouch!!

That sounds painful. Don’t you have extended warranty?

I have a 2018 E-tron and am also having problems with the charger door flap. It will not lock unless I press really hard and then I can’t get it to pop out. Manual release does not work either. Fortunately if I gently close it so that it does not lock, I can open it later using a credit card. What is your problem with it?

I am waiting for a call back from my local Audi dealer. Hopefully it will be covered by my Audi extended warranty. I have already had a new engine out of them in just 27,000 miles!

Good luck getting sorted.

[aferreiraz]

Hi Mikael, hope you doing fine.
Do you keep the q7 etron?
I had same similar problem with mine, I have it stoped at Audi service and I'm waiting for the parts to have it run, for 4 months already. It's a long story, there are no parts, then there was a date for the parts to arrived, now no date again... Is there any chance that you have the reference for the parts? Any invoice, or something would help.
Thank you a lot.I

[FortyPlus]

That door flap is an easy fix. I don't have the PN to hand, but it's a €30 euro park from Audi for the lock mechanism and a 10 minute DIY job to replace. The reason it fails quickly on the e-tron is that the flap is open for charging and rainwater gets into the push-pull mechanism. Google Youtube for Audi door flap mechanosn and you will get lots of videos showing the fix. Happens normal fuel Audi VW also, but quicker on the e-tron. Fixed mine last week.
Easier that this chap makes it look.

How to replace the Fuel Door Actuator without any Holes or Puncturing | C7 Chassis / Audi A6 and A7 - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjswZ4j1z4g)

[champakpopat]

Hi All,

Does it make much sense at all to buy a 7yr old Q7 etron with batteries warranty almost over and the inverter not covered? I was looking to test drive one but following this review, it feels like best to stick with a petrol engine (i only do about 8k miles a year... short trips around town mostly, some 70 mile round trips to london, and 2/3 the trips to cornwall, scotland and/or the continent)

What do you guys think.. either buy a 5 year old q7 etron or just get a 7/8 yr old petrol/diesel one

[FortyPlus]

Hi All,

Does it make much sense at all to buy a 7yr old Q7 etron with batteries warranty almost over and the inverter not covered? I was looking to test drive one but following this review, it feels like best to stick with a petrol engine (i only do about 8k miles a year... short trips around town mostly, some 70 mile round trips to london, and 2/3 the trips to cornwall, scotland and/or the continent)

What do you guys think.. either buy a 5 year old q7 etron or just get a 7/8 yr old petrol/diesel one

Every owner case is different but as the original poster, I still have my 2016 reg 4M hybrid. 140,000Km, (90k miles) and it's like new. Display suggests an averge of > 50mpg for past 20,000 miles. It was generally average 60mpg for the previous 50k miles when I did a lot of short runs but now I do a longer commute every few weeks. Super economical to run, super smooth, still difficult to select a replacement. Still the original pads/ disc @ 90k miles. Routine oil changes and recently some suspension bushings, zero relaibility issues other than one warranty issue when new.

Hybrid makes a lot of sense if you do lots of short / suburban hops and have private charging in your driveway. Probably irrelevant if you are on the motorway every day and doing longer trips. In ireland, annual road tax €150 Vs maybe €1,000 for any V6 non-hybrid

Any complex, original-high-price car ( hybrid or non) comes with risks. Any can fail any time and give you a big bill.
I am OK to live with that risk, some may not be. I am aware of some around with >> 250,000 km and running perfectly.

It's my view that the Audi-Porsche hybrid system is generally relaible. In Dublin there are lots of hybrid Panamera/ Cayenne and these use the same system and I don't hear scare stories. Re the electronics, its likely there is a new generation of techs out there that can component-level repair, if that is needed.

[Crasher]

It is too early in the game to tell but buying a very expensive big EV such as an e-tron when they get to seven years old or near 100k miles is going to test peoples nerves when they find out a new battery is currently :rolleyes: £32119.14 plus installation and coding.

[champakpopat]

Every owner case is different but as the original poster, I still have my 2016 reg 4M hybrid. 140,000Km, (90k miles) and it's like new. Display suggests an averge of > 50mpg for past 20,000 miles. It was generally average 60mpg for the previous 50k miles when I did a lot of short runs but now I do a longer commute every few weeks. Super economical to run, super smooth, still difficult to select a replacement. Still the original pads/ disc @ 90k miles. Routine oil changes and recently some suspension bushings, zero relaibility issues other than one warranty issue when new.

Hybrid makes a lot of sense if you do lots of short / suburban hops and have private charging in your driveway. Probably irrelevant if you are on the motorway every day and doing longer trips. In ireland, annual road tax €150 Vs maybe €1,000 for any V6 non-hybrid

Any complex, original-high-price car ( hybrid or non) comes with risks. Any can fail any time and give you a big bill.
I am OK to live with that risk, some may not be. I am aware of some around with >> 250,000 km and running perfectly.

It's my view that the Audi-Porsche hybrid system is generally relaible. In Dublin there are lots of hybrid Panamera/ Cayenne and these use the same system and I don't hear scare stories. Re the electronics, its likely there is a new generation of techs out there that can component-level repair, if that is needed.

Hi Forty Plus,

Thanks for taking time to share that info. I couldnt log into the forum from my mobile so couldnt reply over the weekend but this sort of info is useful. I had similiar sort of worries when i bought my first original high price car a 4yr old nearly fully loaded audi a6 and then a 4yr old nearly fully loaded e-class later on. Although moving from an e class to q7 is then moving up another price bracket and that much more risk (or feels like it anyways).


Thanks again for sharing

[champakpopat]

Thanks Crasher,

Are you seeing any 7-8yr old q7 etrons coming through for getting their batteries replaced or other battery related issues?

[Crasher]

I am not licensed to work on EV’s and refuse to do the course, it is a dead end doomed to failure and I am not joining in.

[FortyPlus]

Hi Forty Plus,

Thanks for taking time to share that info. I couldnt log into the forum from my mobile so couldnt reply over the weekend but this sort of info is useful. I had similiar sort of worries when i bought my first original high price car a 4yr old nearly fully loaded audi a6 and then a 4yr old nearly fully loaded e-class later on. Although moving from an e class to q7 is then moving up another price bracket and that much more risk (or feels like it anyways).


Thanks again for sharing

I think a lot of common sense should apply to any car (or complex asset) ownership. I have had a series of complicated cars over the years and : for the 10 years before the Q7 I had 2 x VW Phaeton, and these were both fabulously complex, well engineered cars and highly reliable. A few things here and there but several I was able to resolve perfectly myself with the aid of disgnostic software and the user forum. The second one had almost 200k miles when I finished and I see it locally and it still looks perfect.

I believe how you treat things has a significant bearing on reliability. Do the routine maintenance and fix anything that breaks. And do not not abuse the thing. A little bit of TLC will be well repaid. My experience of the Q7 is that it's well put together, proven technology and very reliable. No reason it should not be as relaible as your mercedes or A6. But is is a bigger car, and of course could come with bigger bills.