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AUDI SQ7 4.0 V8 Tdi Owner driver review after 20,000 miles. On road & mild off road.

A review of my experiences of the 2020 model year Audi SQ7 4.0L Tdi after 20,000 miles of driving over 9 months. It's a very nice car, but (as with many modern vehicles) not without its annoyances! Is this the last of the large high performance diesels we'll ever see from VW group?! The SQ7 engine was switched to a petrol V8 a few months after I bought the car - I'm very glad I got in there before the Tdi was axed! Video is shot in northern Scottish Highlands.
Link to JayEmm's latest review, where he revisits this vehicle and updates on the original first review:
• Why Have Audi Killed T...
and the original video I reference:
• There's Something VERY...
It's also worth looking at some of JayEmm's other videos as it's a varied mix of interesting stuff. I was especially interested in his review of the old D2 Audi S8, as I used to own one of these.
Swansway Garages, who sold me the car through Crewe Audi:
www.swanswaygarages.com/audi/
and Hawco group, Highland Audi, who have serviced it:
www.hawcogroup.co.uk/audi/

Пікірлер: 111

  • @J.M_270
    @J.M_2702 жыл бұрын

    An honest, no frills, non-biased car review! Impressive!

  • @wyattoutlaw2370
    @wyattoutlaw2370 Жыл бұрын

    Great review … good to hear the cons from an actual owner.

  • @dougie9071
    @dougie90713 жыл бұрын

    That was a great review. Very honest. It’s confirmed that I need an Audi SQ7!

  • @parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601
    @parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601 Жыл бұрын

    Just wanted to say thank you for a great review of a real persons experience with the sq7. I have had mine for almost 2 years and it’s always a joy to drive. You made some excellent point. Have the an 2018 so with the older lay out. Like you I can’t think why they changed it but for the fact that everyone else is. It’s so dangerous. Have you still got it. Thank you very much take care all the best Steve 👍

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    Жыл бұрын

    Still have it, it's a great car is so many ways, but the dash and key still annoy me intensely - it's just terrible design, but also not exclusive to Audi. Went in a Mercedes taxi the other day and driver almost crashed fiddling around with the screen. I'm on 47k miles now in the Sq7. I would not entertain a regular Q7 - the V8 Tdi is required to make me put up with the design failings!

  • @parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601

    @parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601

    Жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 excellent. Yes your right it like one of those automotive treads. And I would be the same with buttons and switch’s you know that they are for. I do hope they go back to the older set up. Glad to know you will have it and thank you for the review 👍👍🤗

  • @msun8423
    @msun84233 жыл бұрын

    Totally agree with your opinion on the dashboard. And as an SQ7 owner in North America, I am really jealous of your lacquered cupholder lid!

  • @Howsdahman
    @Howsdahman Жыл бұрын

    Great review! Amusing and informative. My sq7 arrives in January 😁

  • @shane6115
    @shane61152 жыл бұрын

    Good honest review, no bullshit. Better than journalists trying to blind us with science. Beautiful car dude.

  • @Elliottcam
    @Elliottcam3 жыл бұрын

    Useful review, love the scenery

  • @MrBulletpoint
    @MrBulletpoint Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great review. Completely agree about the touchscreens. Your rant about them is hilarious!

  • @tarmonkeyenginecollection6152
    @tarmonkeyenginecollection61522 жыл бұрын

    Great honest review, thank you

  • @chesterboy9661
    @chesterboy96612 жыл бұрын

    This review is a Get it off your chest review! Nothing at all wrong with a bit of cyber therapy and unloading on your friends ! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 loved every minute of it ! Great review!

  • @fi.ja.8657
    @fi.ja.8657 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this review!

  • @Dtp2296
    @Dtp2296 Жыл бұрын

    The pre face lift sq7 interior was amazing. I couldn't own this one

  • @EvilElmo81395
    @EvilElmo81395 Жыл бұрын

    It's a real shame Audi is so against bringing more diesels to the USA. I'd buy this in a heartbeat!

  • @jayman2631
    @jayman26318 ай бұрын

    Really great from an actual owner video. I too also hate some of the redesign if the dash layers and the headrest, to the point of considering the pre-face lift version. I think you have convinced me with the diesel SQ7, it's very likely my final car in my lifetime and to keep. Thanks and keep up the good reviews.

  • @sw16don91
    @sw16don913 жыл бұрын

    🤣🤣🤣 Loved your review. Laughed all the way through!!! Top man

  • @Alan-xk9rk
    @Alan-xk9rk2 жыл бұрын

    I’ve just bought one 2019 sq7 Bloody hell it’s quick !!! I’m prepared to live with them issues that you briefly mentioned 🤣🤣

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    It is insanely quick, a great engine - like you, I can put up with those issues because of it. But, I wouldn't if it was a regular Q7.

  • @Alan-xk9rk

    @Alan-xk9rk

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 i got the vorsprung I’m picking it up this week from an Audi dealership Absolutely crazy expensive I’ve never spent or even dreamed of spending this kind of money before but as they say you can’t take your money with you when we end up in the box ⚰️ 🤣 Your video still makes me laugh I think you should review more cars and other things actually 🤣🤣 real classic 👌

  • @Alan-xk9rk

    @Alan-xk9rk

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 it’s just happened to me 🤬 Came to the car on a busy street people walking past bloody boot wide open 🤬🤬🤬🤬 Have you ask Audi about this serious security issue? 😳

  • @goredknight3017
    @goredknight30172 жыл бұрын

    VW & Audi would never rush out item’s until they had been tested. Even if the competition has added a item that has not been tested on a long term testing, VAG didn’t put a item onto a vehicle until it was bulletproof. The two screens was definitely a bad design. Audi RS6 is not as popular as past models, and they really do not need all this messing around with when driving.

  • @lialbrown1116
    @lialbrown11162 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much for your review, it helped me a lot to decide between your car and a Bentayga V8 diesel, and your car clearly won

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    The problem with the Bentley is it's very obviously a Q7 underneath, and I don't think that's good enough.

  • @lialbrown1116

    @lialbrown1116

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 True, not worth the almost 100k premium for that

  • @shane6115

    @shane6115

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’d love to have your problem on which car to choose…👍

  • @CETGRG
    @CETGRG11 ай бұрын

    I thought your were going to sell the car after the complaints at the beginning but obviously everything seems settled when you ignite the engine :) . Thanks for the useful review. ( i also hate these new screens they are huge distractions)

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    11 ай бұрын

    On 70,000 miles now and I still hate the screens. But it's been extremely reliable, no faults whatsoever, and considering the dreadful conditions for vehicles we experience here in the winter (loads of salt on the roads) the underside and other exposed areas have worn the miles very well. The interior has worn well too.

  • @25mondraker
    @25mondraker5 ай бұрын

    Great review well done👍

  • @rutwlf
    @rutwlf4 ай бұрын

    You should do more reviews, I had a good laugh about the negative points 😂 spot on!!

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    4 ай бұрын

    Many thanks- it's just time. I still have the car, on 76k miles now so I could do a follow up.

  • @richardsimms251
    @richardsimms25110 ай бұрын

    Very helpful review. RS. Canada

  • @Pavel71442
    @Pavel714423 жыл бұрын

    Thank ! Excellent car of our time! I want this !!!

  • @Pavel71442

    @Pavel71442

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@Kwatshivo This is a super car, I can see it !!!

  • @johnspencer3193
    @johnspencer31933 жыл бұрын

    Nice moter good review

  • @GlennsYouTube
    @GlennsYouTube11 ай бұрын

    Honest review. I found myself laughing around the Auto Selector section. VERY TRUE they seem way over engineered...probably correct about the bored office staff needing something to do 😅

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    11 ай бұрын

    I've now decided it's the marketing teams who are designing these cars now, not designers or engineers..

  • @thedoble
    @thedoble10 ай бұрын

    Nice review thanks. I am looking at a 2017-ish SQ7. After a test drive I had many of the same thoughts as you. The previous gen interior is superior as you mentioned -- too many touchscreens in the new model.

  • @tigertanks1154
    @tigertanks11543 жыл бұрын

    Best diesel V8 ever made

  • @Birmingham_racing
    @Birmingham_racing6 ай бұрын

    Jayemm on cars is a awesome channel

  • @dutoitm1
    @dutoitm12 жыл бұрын

    You raise some valid points but also some seriously strange ones. I have never had the issue you bring up with the gearbox lever in my A4 (functions the same as yours). I have had plenty of automatic cars, all different. The Audi setup works just fine. There clearly is not space for a spare wheel in this 7 seater. If you wanted one you'd need something like a discovery 5 where the spare is actually kept under the car. This has its own issues! A spacesaver is pretty pointless nowadays anyway. Recovery is always the safer, better option.

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm at 50,000 miles now, and the gear selector is still as poor as it was 30k miles ago!! I just think it's a stupid redesign of something that didn't require redesign. But, if you like it, no problem, maybe it's just me! Not having a full size spare can cost half a day. The vehicle isn't packed very well. But I'll put up with all this because of the engine!

  • @Birmingham_racing
    @Birmingham_racing6 ай бұрын

    I've always been in love with the styling since I first seen one. I completely agree with changing things for the sake of changing things sometimes make it worse

  • @adammcelhatton6427
    @adammcelhatton64272 жыл бұрын

    Same in our a4 with the screen situation, I cant tap on letters to enter a postcode for sat nav while driving, but I can draw them with my finger on the screen whole driving in my eyes a lot more dangerous

  • @marcinflorek3105
    @marcinflorek31053 жыл бұрын

    Great review with great views from Scotland! It is the first review I found that is from the point of view of a person who uses this car daily. I’m the owner of the 2017 SQ7. Do have anyone a problem with an increasing engine oil level?

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    3 жыл бұрын

    I've not noticed anything on the oil level. But I would always recommend checking oil level with engine cold and on a flat surface.

  • @honza2755

    @honza2755

    3 жыл бұрын

    We have that on our 2018 sq7 too, they told us that it is oversensitive sensor. I must admit that our sq7 is really terribly unreliable car, we had few big problems with her

  • @anonymous4201

    @anonymous4201

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@honza2755 what issues did you have? I’m considering purchasing one although it goes against my three principles of car ownership… don’t buy anything non Japanese, don’t buy diesel and don’t buy anything with a turbo. This is all 3 lol.

  • @rakeshnahar4092
    @rakeshnahar409211 ай бұрын

    Sounds good for a diesel

  • @Alan-xk9rk
    @Alan-xk9rk2 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic very honest owner review 👌 I want to get one of these But like you the centre console digital display would DRIVE me mad What’s this version got that the 2017 hasn’t ? Thanks 😊

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think it's essentially the same car, facelifted and with different dash. Mechanically the same, I believe. So if someone was buying used there would be some sense in looking at the pre-facelift. I find it hard to really like this car, good as it is at many things.

  • @Alan-xk9rk

    @Alan-xk9rk

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 that’s what I’ve been thinking of the preface lift version 👌

  • @jayman2631

    @jayman2631

    8 ай бұрын

    Late to the party. Not sure if the pre face-lift one has mild hybrid and air suspension?

  • @Alan-xk9rk

    @Alan-xk9rk

    8 ай бұрын

    @@jayman2631 I had the 2020 sq7 vorsprung version in the end brilliant car but I sadly sold it as I only really used it weekends and the insurance shot up to over £1,500 I had it 16 months but really miss it 😢

  • @akeene30
    @akeene302 жыл бұрын

    The ranting…brilliant! 😂😂👍

  • @nyc863
    @nyc8632 жыл бұрын

    it seems like the immediate previous version is the best it has same engine and virtual cockpit and features but last gen audi climate controls etc?

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes, you could definitely say that.

  • @iliakirov3158
    @iliakirov31582 жыл бұрын

    I've coded my tailgate button to work only if pressed for 4 seconds...

  • @martinhoare77
    @martinhoare773 ай бұрын

    Hello , looking to buy a 2020 sq7 v8 diesel , found one used approved with about 20k on the clock would you still recommend buying one even now in 2024 ,great review aswell i have watched loads this was the best

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    3 ай бұрын

    Hi - I still have the car, it's on almost 80k now. To be fair, it's had virtually no faults. I have given it more oil changes than Audi say, on average around 6k intervals - these modern engines can end up with huge rebuild bills due to worn and stretched timing chains, worn guides, worn cam shafts etc, all down to oil issues. I have negotiated down to around £250 at Highland Audi main dealer for oil and filter service, which isn't bad considering the oil and bits will cost ~£130 just to buy. It suffered a NOX sensor fail, which is very common. It blew the fuse and I paid Highland to do a very thorough diagnosis for me identifying which sensor, which I bought from Autodoc for £160 rather than £900 from Audi. The other thing to look at is having an oil pressure remap - I know they reduced the oil pressure on the 3.0L V6 tdi from around 2015 onwards (emissions related) but I don't know about this V8, worth investigating because increasing the pressure slightly improves lubrication. Speak to Darkside Developments. Worth doing at 20K. All in all, if you can live with the stupid design of the dash etc. it's a superb car, exceptionally refined and beautiful ride quality in comfort mode.

  • @martinhoare77

    @martinhoare77

    3 ай бұрын

    @highlandmalt6368 thanks for the prompt reply, very helpful . Off to see this car tomorrow . I have read about the oil pressure I won't get it mapped until out of warranty ino that can be funny if you have mapping done .

  • @Elliottcam
    @Elliottcam5 ай бұрын

    Come on malt man, how’s your winter going.

  • @joshuakerstein9573
    @joshuakerstein95734 ай бұрын

    I wish Ram would buy this motor design and put it in the 1500.

  • @davidgardner4727
    @davidgardner4727 Жыл бұрын

    Hi just watched your videos on the sq7 and the vw amarok. I’m thinking of getting a vw but seen the sq7. It would be used as a family car camping and all that kind of thing.

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    Жыл бұрын

    Depends on how much space and off road performance you need. Amarok is quite capable off road, has pretty good on road performance, but would be completely destroyed on road by the SQ7. Amarok has enormous space in back, very practical. Both vehicles are well made, but I think they need more oil changes than scheduled if you want to achieve trouble free high mileage 100k+, in my view. I'm now on over 60k in the SQ7 and Amarok, no problems.

  • @davidgardner4727

    @davidgardner4727

    Жыл бұрын

    Sq7 is my choice at the moment. Don’t do a lot of shooting anymore so not off road anymore. Video on sq7 what spot on I wouldn’t have thought about extra services. How is it on the roads up here I’m local to the area also. Iv been told they can be quit harsh on rough roads on 22” wheels . But I’m finding that had to believe.

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    Жыл бұрын

    @@davidgardner4727 In comfort setting the ride is extremely good, it glides along, it's very impressive. However it's a heavy SUV and there is quite a lit of body roll as the weight shifts around. In dynamic it lowers the ride height and stiffens it up considerably, but the ride becomes pretty hard. I very often drive twisty B roads in dynamic to cut the body roll and it actually handles extremely well for what it is. The key thing us checking sufficient oil changes because you really don't want to be stripping and engine like that down at 100k to replace timing chain guides or valve guides etc.

  • @callumhollinger5416
    @callumhollinger54167 ай бұрын

    Hi what mpg do achieve when driving locally around town

  • @Elliottcam
    @Elliottcam2 жыл бұрын

    Any chance of an update video, how’s the dashboard….

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    The dash is still annoying.

  • @taranekofficial
    @taranekofficial2 жыл бұрын

    Hi, what size wheel and tire do you have?

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi - they are 285 40 21

  • @linZuk-eo7vn
    @linZuk-eo7vn Жыл бұрын

    But in general is great review 🫡

  • @Peter-gi3re
    @Peter-gi3re2 жыл бұрын

    I have a 2021 US version with the gas engine. Wish we had the diesel version here. Can’t believe you can get 40 mpg …….. I am lucky if I can average 17/18 mpg here on local roads. Maybe i can hit 21/22 mpg on a long highway ride. The gas engine is not much faster than the diesel ….. and definitely not enough to offset the amazing economy of the diesel. If I was in your shoes I would also hold on to what you have as long as possible. I am not crazy about the touch screens either but I am getting used to them and tend to be a bit more tolerant because I like driving the car so much. I don’t have a problem with the gear shift (its my 3rd Q7/SQ7 so i am used to it). The key fob in your pocket opening the tailgate is definitely annoying……… I have had it happen a few times. Very embarrassing when you come out of the supermarket and find it wide open

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the comment. Just to be clear, I only managed 40mpg driving extremely carefully on a 500 mile run made up mainly of steady cruising. 34 is more normal for this run - still very good though, considering the type of vehicle. Also these figures are miles per British gallon, which is a bit larger than a US gallon. Despite that, there is still a big disparity between the diesel and gas versions - we now only get the gas version in the UK now, so I got in there just in time!

  • @spacer567
    @spacer5678 ай бұрын

    do u still have it am thinking of buying one

  • @doxydoxdelamanca9902
    @doxydoxdelamanca99028 ай бұрын

    And how is it now?

  • @kostapapageorgakis45
    @kostapapageorgakis457 ай бұрын

    would love an update video if you still have the car.

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    7 ай бұрын

    Yes, I still have the car, it's now on 75,000 miles - I'll try and do an update soon!

  • @kostapapageorgakis45

    @kostapapageorgakis45

    7 ай бұрын

    @highlandmalt6368 thank you in advance from all in Australia 🇦🇺 🇦🇺 🇦🇺

  • @pmtilbury6596
    @pmtilbury659610 ай бұрын

    What’s the insurance like?

  • @daman11328
    @daman113282 жыл бұрын

    good review you are right but that's the way everything going unfortunately.

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    I wonder if they have taken note of some customer feedback because I notice the etron electric coupe had reverted to proper controls for the likes of the heating aircon etc.

  • @daman11328

    @daman11328

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 does take it while for common sense to get applied. here's hoping Audi applies some. personally haven't seen if they have on e Tron

  • @SergiuBudaianu
    @SergiuBudaianu Жыл бұрын

    hi. Why do not you do more videos about your cars? it will be awesome ...

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm going to try - it's just finding the time..

  • @SergiuBudaianu

    @SergiuBudaianu

    Жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 that will be nice. also do some movies about your business, live, how you get the money and staff. Thank you!

  • @mazza999
    @mazza9992 жыл бұрын

    How much does a full tank cost in these please

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    It has an 85L tank, so, at the moment (May 2022) a typical fill up from Zero could be up to around £150 depending on how much is left in the tank and the price.

  • @DH-sm7sw
    @DH-sm7sw3 жыл бұрын

    Agree re the dash; put me off the Q7 and A6. Got a Touareg; still digital but far more user friendly, and not as much of a hulk as the Q7.

  • @smallk6453
    @smallk64533 жыл бұрын

    Dual touch screen dash board is just way too much, think Audi realised and Is changing back to physical bottoms like in the new e-tron GT.

  • @chintetshing1668
    @chintetshing1668 Жыл бұрын

    👏👏👏👏👏

  • @Elliottcam
    @Elliottcam Жыл бұрын

    How about that video update…

  • @ttd4082
    @ttd40822 жыл бұрын

    Kakahow does the gearbox work in general?

  • @ttd4082

    @ttd4082

    2 жыл бұрын

    does it lag when accelerating

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    The functionality of the box is excellent, very smooth and pretty much instant manual changes. It's just the design of the selector which is very stupid and a case of someone trying to redesign something that was fine before.

  • @ttd4082

    @ttd4082

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@highlandmalt6368 thank you !!

  • @user-lp8pl3yr1u
    @user-lp8pl3yr1u Жыл бұрын

    Can't wait to get my hands on that fat diesel on SQ8 in next week. Too sad diesel is now disappearing even for proper purpose

  • @mikew742
    @mikew7423 жыл бұрын

    The dash board is the way the automotive industry is going, look at the new S class

  • @dudao4163
    @dudao41633 жыл бұрын

    German's over-engineering is absurd. Trying to be advanced ends up going backward.

  • @consultingconsulting3420
    @consultingconsulting342010 ай бұрын

    with 7 seats , no spare possible

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    10 ай бұрын

    Yes, it's one of the problems with this car. I have an aftermarket space-saving spare, especially for long journeys.

  • @juskonig
    @juskonig2 жыл бұрын

    Hahaha, tell us how you really feel..what a rant lol

  • @raystephenson9598
    @raystephenson95982 жыл бұрын

    The lack of full size spare puts me off

  • @ingorasselnberg562
    @ingorasselnberg5623 жыл бұрын

    So what the issue, drive something else, maybe something more british, Bentley? Rolls Royce? Jaguar? Aston Martin?

  • @linZuk-eo7vn
    @linZuk-eo7vn Жыл бұрын

    Sir, my opinion you have issues not car, if you can’t adopt newest technologies, buy old Land Rover…

  • @Jassman3536
    @Jassman35363 жыл бұрын

    Man all you do is Complain...the only thing annoying was your review. We own the same vehicle and love it. Perfect, no.... but better as a everyday driver vs our BMW X5

  • @a627246

    @a627246

    2 жыл бұрын

    :)

  • @highlandmalt6368

    @highlandmalt6368

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm very pleased for you, fantastic you love it. I give credit where credit's due, it's a decent all rounder, but after, now, 40,000 miles the dash is still total garbage. As is the key which still keeps triggering accidentally. I note Audi has reverted to m include a higher percentage of proper switches and buttons on the latest etron coupe, particularly for the HVAC.

  • @stuartm6011
    @stuartm60114 ай бұрын

    Probably the worst car review I’ve ever seen