'19 Q7 Vorsprung TDI vs '20 Q7 Black edition TDI vs '22 XC90
Discussion
Hi folks,
In a GLC for the last 6 yrs. Our family has grown and we're in need of a larger boot space and a larger middle rear seat. It'll be the Mrs car mainly as I have 3 other cars to tinker around with. We've test driven the Q7 and the XC90. The Mrs has wanted an Audi for the longest but won't dismiss a good XC90. I know her heart is on the Q7.
Both of us prefer the way the Q7 (we drove the black edition) felt in the cabin and the flat bottom steering did make it feel sportier (yes I know its an SUV, we're not expecting cornering prowess from it!) but I'm torn between a 2019 Vorsprung 3L diesel and a facelift (2020) Black Edition Diesel. Throw in to the mix the ever so classy XC90 and it's a complete sh*t show of a decision making path, lol!
We have enjoyed 6 years of trouble free motoring in our GLC 250D. I am also a hands on guy and have maintained the car over and above the usual servicing. Most of her driving will be to and fro school + station + our go to car for long family trips that we do fairly often. The need for a larger middle seat stems from her sitting in between the two kids (child seats) in the back as currently, the GLC is a not at all spacious and she is fairly petite!
All 3 options are similarly priced and specc'd so coming to fellow enthusiasts for a bit of a discussion on which and why.
Thanks!
In a GLC for the last 6 yrs. Our family has grown and we're in need of a larger boot space and a larger middle rear seat. It'll be the Mrs car mainly as I have 3 other cars to tinker around with. We've test driven the Q7 and the XC90. The Mrs has wanted an Audi for the longest but won't dismiss a good XC90. I know her heart is on the Q7.
Both of us prefer the way the Q7 (we drove the black edition) felt in the cabin and the flat bottom steering did make it feel sportier (yes I know its an SUV, we're not expecting cornering prowess from it!) but I'm torn between a 2019 Vorsprung 3L diesel and a facelift (2020) Black Edition Diesel. Throw in to the mix the ever so classy XC90 and it's a complete sh*t show of a decision making path, lol!
We have enjoyed 6 years of trouble free motoring in our GLC 250D. I am also a hands on guy and have maintained the car over and above the usual servicing. Most of her driving will be to and fro school + station + our go to car for long family trips that we do fairly often. The need for a larger middle seat stems from her sitting in between the two kids (child seats) in the back as currently, the GLC is a not at all spacious and she is fairly petite!
All 3 options are similarly priced and specc'd so coming to fellow enthusiasts for a bit of a discussion on which and why.
Thanks!
Awbimmer said:
Hi folks,
In a GLC for the last 6 yrs. Our family has grown and we're in need of a larger boot space and a larger middle rear seat. It'll be the Mrs car mainly as I have 3 other cars to tinker around with. We've test driven the Q7 and the XC90. The Mrs has wanted an Audi for the longest but won't dismiss a good XC90. I know her heart is on the Q7.
Both of us prefer the way the Q7 (we drove the black edition) felt in the cabin and the flat bottom steering did make it feel sportier (yes I know its an SUV, we're not expecting cornering prowess from it!) but I'm torn between a 2019 Vorsprung 3L diesel and a facelift (2020) Black Edition Diesel. Throw in to the mix the ever so classy XC90 and it's a complete sh*t show of a decision making path, lol!
We have enjoyed 6 years of trouble free motoring in our GLC 250D. I am also a hands on guy and have maintained the car over and above the usual servicing. Most of her driving will be to and fro school + station + our go to car for long family trips that we do fairly often. The need for a larger middle seat stems from her sitting in between the two kids (child seats) in the back as currently, the GLC is a not at all spacious and she is fairly petite!
All 3 options are similarly priced and specc'd so coming to fellow enthusiasts for a bit of a discussion on which and why.
Thanks!
I hope your wife doesn't sit in the middle seat in the back whilst she's driving...In a GLC for the last 6 yrs. Our family has grown and we're in need of a larger boot space and a larger middle rear seat. It'll be the Mrs car mainly as I have 3 other cars to tinker around with. We've test driven the Q7 and the XC90. The Mrs has wanted an Audi for the longest but won't dismiss a good XC90. I know her heart is on the Q7.
Both of us prefer the way the Q7 (we drove the black edition) felt in the cabin and the flat bottom steering did make it feel sportier (yes I know its an SUV, we're not expecting cornering prowess from it!) but I'm torn between a 2019 Vorsprung 3L diesel and a facelift (2020) Black Edition Diesel. Throw in to the mix the ever so classy XC90 and it's a complete sh*t show of a decision making path, lol!
We have enjoyed 6 years of trouble free motoring in our GLC 250D. I am also a hands on guy and have maintained the car over and above the usual servicing. Most of her driving will be to and fro school + station + our go to car for long family trips that we do fairly often. The need for a larger middle seat stems from her sitting in between the two kids (child seats) in the back as currently, the GLC is a not at all spacious and she is fairly petite!
All 3 options are similarly priced and specc'd so coming to fellow enthusiasts for a bit of a discussion on which and why.
Thanks!
We had a similar issue when our three children were younger with three under 5, at the time we ended up going with a Disco 4 - we were living in the Cotswolds then and they were the default car of choice, and so much easier having 3 individual seats, and with the option of two more proper size seats in the boot.
We kept the Disco for 4 years, longest time I've ever owned a car and we got lucky with just general maintenance costs...
My one take is to go with a car with 3 full size seats rather than a squashed middle seat.
Edited by 66HFM on Tuesday 2nd December 13:28
Thanks for the tuppence. Hah, I too hope the wife won't be driving whilst sitting in the back but you never know with those species! 
We have 1 x 8 month old and 1 x 4 yr old, plus we have a bootful usually. I know as they get older there'll be less to carry but even then, it's nice to have the extra space inside.
I keep being told in a whatsapp group I'm in with mostly BMW owners that the Audi is a problem child, so go with the Volvo, but I don't see many Audis or Volvos on the back of a flat bed! What could they be referring to other than "its all pete tong with the Audis"?
Additionally, what would be the better choice between a 2019 Vorsprung with all the bells and whistles (£45k) vs. 2020 Black edition (£40k), assuming both have pan roofs, similar miles (say 30k) and matrix headlights which is a must!
We have 1 x 8 month old and 1 x 4 yr old, plus we have a bootful usually. I know as they get older there'll be less to carry but even then, it's nice to have the extra space inside.
I keep being told in a whatsapp group I'm in with mostly BMW owners that the Audi is a problem child, so go with the Volvo, but I don't see many Audis or Volvos on the back of a flat bed! What could they be referring to other than "its all pete tong with the Audis"?
Additionally, what would be the better choice between a 2019 Vorsprung with all the bells and whistles (£45k) vs. 2020 Black edition (£40k), assuming both have pan roofs, similar miles (say 30k) and matrix headlights which is a must!
Can't really speak for the Audi as we just looked at it rather than test drive but we had a similar requirement start of this year. Test drove a few (X5 - felt too harsh), Kia Sorrento (cheap interior) and LR Defender (just too chunky). In the end we went for a 24 plate XC90 T8. Really glad we did as it's incredibly comfy, specious, every gadget you'd ever need and just a lovely place to be.
The only minor annoyance is that for some reason Volvo, on their top of the range car, still have wired connection for Carplay and Android Auto rather than wireless.
The only minor annoyance is that for some reason Volvo, on their top of the range car, still have wired connection for Carplay and Android Auto rather than wireless.
TTB said:
Can't really speak for the Audi as we just looked at it rather than test drive but we had a similar requirement start of this year. Test drove a few (X5 - felt too harsh), Kia Sorrento (cheap interior) and LR Defender (just too chunky). In the end we went for a 24 plate XC90 T8. Really glad we did as it's incredibly comfy, specious, every gadget you'd ever need and just a lovely place to be.
The only minor annoyance is that for some reason Volvo, on their top of the range car, still have wired connection for Carplay and Android Auto rather than wireless.
Thanks mate. That's useful to know. One thing I should have pointed out is that I'm ideally only looking for a diesel or diesel hybrid (NON-PLUG IN), esp with these big old SUVs. The only minor annoyance is that for some reason Volvo, on their top of the range car, still have wired connection for Carplay and Android Auto rather than wireless.
Have you tried an X5, usually a much better steer than the Audi equivalent
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511177...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511177...
Q7 is a lovely car but can’t help but think prefacelift is starting to feel its age and the facelift model doesn’t stand out enough or feel it’s cost unless heavily optioned. If you do go Q7 I would seek out a Vorsprung trim and a car with the extended leather package, as that does make it feel a lot more premium. You can tell if a car has this package by leather door tops which doesn’t sound important but absolutely improves the feel of the interior as IIRC the dash is also leather.
Other options I would consider non negotiable are the Tour Pack (ACC) and Bang & Olufsen 3D system as again, without these options it doesn’t feel expensive enough.
For a bit of a change, why not the Q8 (sorry if you must seat 7 and I have missed that part). The Q8 comes loaded with a lot more options than the Q7 as standard , and Vorsprung/Black Ed trims come with alcantara headliner and extended leather as well as B&O. Again make sure you find a car for Tour Pack. The boot is still vast on a Q8 and they are a more desirable model.
The Volvo is much safer bet. If you get a car with all the bells and whistles like the Ultimate/Ultra then you won’t be wanting for anything. Leather everything and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system which is easily the best reasonably commonly found sound system on a used car this side of Naim for Bentley. The later cars have a Google infotainment which is far better than the early Sensus systems. They come with 22”s that look good but ride not very nice so make sure you’re happy with that. I personally would go down to 19s (Petrol/diesel models) or 20s (T8) because the ride is soooooo much better.
For a wildcard, why not the Lexus RX450hL Takumi? These feel as luxurious inside as the XC90 and arguably smoother to drive than any of the other cars with a 3.5L V6 hybrid. Real world MPG will be better in town. Having had a Volvo V90, the 4 cylinder petrol and diesel are both extremely agricultural while the rest of the car is sublime. The Audi is better but still won’t be as anywhere near as smooth as the Lexus. The Mercedes GLE with the 2 litre diesel is rank, the 400d is better but not as smooth at low speeds.
Also the RX can easily set seven and with 5 seats it has a enormous boot.
Otherwise a Range Rover Sport Autobiography or the FFRR is cheapish now and still a sublime thing. Better value than any of these cars for sure especially in SDV6/D300/D350 trim and Autobiography spec is an event inside.
Other options I would consider non negotiable are the Tour Pack (ACC) and Bang & Olufsen 3D system as again, without these options it doesn’t feel expensive enough.
For a bit of a change, why not the Q8 (sorry if you must seat 7 and I have missed that part). The Q8 comes loaded with a lot more options than the Q7 as standard , and Vorsprung/Black Ed trims come with alcantara headliner and extended leather as well as B&O. Again make sure you find a car for Tour Pack. The boot is still vast on a Q8 and they are a more desirable model.
The Volvo is much safer bet. If you get a car with all the bells and whistles like the Ultimate/Ultra then you won’t be wanting for anything. Leather everything and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system which is easily the best reasonably commonly found sound system on a used car this side of Naim for Bentley. The later cars have a Google infotainment which is far better than the early Sensus systems. They come with 22”s that look good but ride not very nice so make sure you’re happy with that. I personally would go down to 19s (Petrol/diesel models) or 20s (T8) because the ride is soooooo much better.
For a wildcard, why not the Lexus RX450hL Takumi? These feel as luxurious inside as the XC90 and arguably smoother to drive than any of the other cars with a 3.5L V6 hybrid. Real world MPG will be better in town. Having had a Volvo V90, the 4 cylinder petrol and diesel are both extremely agricultural while the rest of the car is sublime. The Audi is better but still won’t be as anywhere near as smooth as the Lexus. The Mercedes GLE with the 2 litre diesel is rank, the 400d is better but not as smooth at low speeds.
Also the RX can easily set seven and with 5 seats it has a enormous boot.
Otherwise a Range Rover Sport Autobiography or the FFRR is cheapish now and still a sublime thing. Better value than any of these cars for sure especially in SDV6/D300/D350 trim and Autobiography spec is an event inside.
Uncle Meat said:
Have you tried an X5, usually a much better steer than the Audi equivalent
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511177...
I've got 3 BMWs myself (E28 M535i dogleg, E63 M6 V10 supercharged and E91 330i N52) so I was thinking about a change of scenery away from more BMWs to an Audi or Volvo hence the ask. I do like the X5s but I genuinely think I prefer the Q7 over it - and that's saying something coming from me.https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202511177...
macron said:
What are they saying is wrong with this ancient Audi engine on a well known platform?
There were some steering shaft inspections and the usual risk of suspension faults or oil (gearbox more than engine) leaks, but nothing major is there?
Nothing concrete, just vague statements, scare mongering tactics haha!There were some steering shaft inspections and the usual risk of suspension faults or oil (gearbox more than engine) leaks, but nothing major is there?
V 02 said:
Q7 is a lovely car but can t help but think prefacelift is starting to feel its age and the facelift model doesn t stand out enough or feel it s cost unless heavily optioned. If you do go Q7 I would seek out a Vorsprung trim and a car with the extended leather package, as that does make it feel a lot more premium. You can tell if a car has this package by leather door tops which doesn t sound important but absolutely improves the feel of the interior as IIRC the dash is also leather.
Other options I would consider non negotiable are the Tour Pack (ACC) and Bang & Olufsen 3D system as again, without these options it doesn t feel expensive enough.
For a bit of a change, why not the Q8 (sorry if you must seat 7 and I have missed that part). The Q8 comes loaded with a lot more options than the Q7 as standard , and Vorsprung/Black Ed trims come with alcantara headliner and extended leather as well as B&O. Again make sure you find a car for Tour Pack. The boot is still vast on a Q8 and they are a more desirable model.
The Volvo is much safer bet. If you get a car with all the bells and whistles like the Ultimate/Ultra then you won t be wanting for anything. Leather everything and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system which is easily the best reasonably commonly found sound system on a used car this side of Naim for Bentley. The later cars have a Google infotainment which is far better than the early Sensus systems. They come with 22 s that look good but ride not very nice so make sure you re happy with that. I personally would go down to 19s (Petrol/diesel models) or 20s (T8) because the ride is soooooo much better.
For a wildcard, why not the Lexus RX450hL Takumi? These feel as luxurious inside as the XC90 and arguably smoother to drive than any of the other cars with a 3.5L V6 hybrid. Real world MPG will be better in town. Having had a Volvo V90, the 4 cylinder petrol and diesel are both extremely agricultural while the rest of the car is sublime. The Audi is better but still won t be as anywhere near as smooth as the Lexus. The Mercedes GLE with the 2 litre diesel is rank, the 400d is better but not as smooth at low speeds.
Also the RX can easily set seven and with 5 seats it has a enormous boot.
Otherwise a Range Rover Sport Autobiography or the FFRR is cheapish now and still a sublime thing. Better value than any of these cars for sure especially in SDV6/D300/D350 trim and Autobiography spec is an event inside.
Very very useful context, thank you! We also looked at the Q8 but the Q7 rear middle seat was the standout feature which we value a lot at the moment. I do really, really like the Q8 and it comes in cheaper than the Q7 however I think for the next 5-7 years we can use the bigger boot space so that's why not the Q8. We are a family of 4, but often travel with my elderly parents, so with the 7 seater it would make things easier for me to have the 7 seater. Other options I would consider non negotiable are the Tour Pack (ACC) and Bang & Olufsen 3D system as again, without these options it doesn t feel expensive enough.
For a bit of a change, why not the Q8 (sorry if you must seat 7 and I have missed that part). The Q8 comes loaded with a lot more options than the Q7 as standard , and Vorsprung/Black Ed trims come with alcantara headliner and extended leather as well as B&O. Again make sure you find a car for Tour Pack. The boot is still vast on a Q8 and they are a more desirable model.
The Volvo is much safer bet. If you get a car with all the bells and whistles like the Ultimate/Ultra then you won t be wanting for anything. Leather everything and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system which is easily the best reasonably commonly found sound system on a used car this side of Naim for Bentley. The later cars have a Google infotainment which is far better than the early Sensus systems. They come with 22 s that look good but ride not very nice so make sure you re happy with that. I personally would go down to 19s (Petrol/diesel models) or 20s (T8) because the ride is soooooo much better.
For a wildcard, why not the Lexus RX450hL Takumi? These feel as luxurious inside as the XC90 and arguably smoother to drive than any of the other cars with a 3.5L V6 hybrid. Real world MPG will be better in town. Having had a Volvo V90, the 4 cylinder petrol and diesel are both extremely agricultural while the rest of the car is sublime. The Audi is better but still won t be as anywhere near as smooth as the Lexus. The Mercedes GLE with the 2 litre diesel is rank, the 400d is better but not as smooth at low speeds.
Also the RX can easily set seven and with 5 seats it has a enormous boot.
Otherwise a Range Rover Sport Autobiography or the FFRR is cheapish now and still a sublime thing. Better value than any of these cars for sure especially in SDV6/D300/D350 trim and Autobiography spec is an event inside.
Lexus - great choice, I had not even thought of it! Thank you I'll look into that shortly. I am steering well away from RRs. Insurance prices, theft and so on just deters me - but then again I appreciate anything can be subject to theft if they want it bad enough!
Awbimmer said:
Very very useful context, thank you! We also looked at the Q8 but the Q7 rear middle seat was the standout feature which we value a lot at the moment. I do really, really like the Q8 and it comes in cheaper than the Q7 however I think for the next 5-7 years we can use the bigger boot space so that's why not the Q8. We are a family of 4, but often travel with my elderly parents, so with the 7 seater it would make things easier for me to have the 7 seater.
Lexus - great choice, I had not even thought of it! Thank you I'll look into that shortly. I am steering well away from RRs. Insurance prices, theft and so on just deters me - but then again I appreciate anything can be subject to theft if they want it bad enough!
The lexus is stolen more in London than RR fyi Lexus - great choice, I had not even thought of it! Thank you I'll look into that shortly. I am steering well away from RRs. Insurance prices, theft and so on just deters me - but then again I appreciate anything can be subject to theft if they want it bad enough!
Think this was from the Chris Harris podcast
Awbimmer said:
paul_c123 said:
I guess you don't like the Merc GLE or GLS?
I do, but the rear middle seat is probably just as big as the Volvo's, in which case, we may as well consider a different car having owned a Merc for so long. The big Mercs feel bigger, heavier and less sporty than the Audis though. I have an older GL but for a nice drive, the Audis are probably better although apparently they go through front tyres quickly (anecdotal evidence from people at work). The GL is amazingly competent off-road and (with correct tyres) in the snow. The later Audis have rear steering which is incredibly useful in tight spaces for a car that's over 5m. I always grinned when my friend drove away from my house in his - the exit of my old house's drive was tight/tricky in my GL but he always navigated it like he was in a hatchback.
The Disco5 mid row seating is horrible - flat and unsupportive. I've not tried the third row seating in those.
As you are finding out there are very few 7 seat cars that can actually get 2 car seats in plus another passenger. Even fewer that can get 2 cars seats next to each other and an adult passenger on the end. This set up is what is needed when you have use of the back seats as you simply fold one outer one down and grandparent etc climbs into the back.
Also as you may find as your kids grow up, with 2 car seats next to each other you can fold flat the other outer seat. That means you can fit an adult sized bike inside the car too. Yes it's not the safest method but this sort of flexibility really helps.
Also as you may find as your kids grow up, with 2 car seats next to each other you can fold flat the other outer seat. That means you can fit an adult sized bike inside the car too. Yes it's not the safest method but this sort of flexibility really helps.
If looking at the XC90, just be aware of the ERAD faults on the T8 model which are unfortunately relatively common.
The T8 still remains the pick of the XC90 range.
Also have a look at the Mercedes GLS which feels much more expensive than the smaller GLE. Just be aware it is absolutely vast so while will definitely be able to seat seven in real comfort you do pay the price practically in this country, it is truly enormous and makes my old Volvo V90 look mini.
Also, another wildcard, why not the Tesla Model X in 6/7 seat spec, very much a used bargain nowadays and most have had the niggles sorted. Also guaranteed to excite your children with the silly toys and the falcon doors and put a smile on your face because its mentally fast especially in Ludicrous trim. Will cost about 2p to run and you can expect an easy 250+ mi range, Tesla Superchargers are also the most convenient charger for a skeptic.
You can t not consider a family bus that does 0-60 in 2.6 seconds!
I ve driven one of these, diabolically fast and even today it still feels like a spaceship
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025102674...
The T8 still remains the pick of the XC90 range.
Also have a look at the Mercedes GLS which feels much more expensive than the smaller GLE. Just be aware it is absolutely vast so while will definitely be able to seat seven in real comfort you do pay the price practically in this country, it is truly enormous and makes my old Volvo V90 look mini.
Also, another wildcard, why not the Tesla Model X in 6/7 seat spec, very much a used bargain nowadays and most have had the niggles sorted. Also guaranteed to excite your children with the silly toys and the falcon doors and put a smile on your face because its mentally fast especially in Ludicrous trim. Will cost about 2p to run and you can expect an easy 250+ mi range, Tesla Superchargers are also the most convenient charger for a skeptic.
You can t not consider a family bus that does 0-60 in 2.6 seconds!
I ve driven one of these, diabolically fast and even today it still feels like a spaceship
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025102674...
Edited by V 02 on Wednesday 3rd December 00:09
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