Spent a couple of hours with a Q7 4.2 yesterday, here are my first impressions:

Dynamics: The cars are reasonably similar in the way they handle themselves, although the Q7 CoG feels a lot lower. You feel this particularly when switching direction from on a set of mid speed corners 50-60mph. The tyres fitted (Eagle F1) might be contributing to the feeling that the Q7 is simply a little more modern, in fact initial turn in is far more precise.

Engine: Speed on paper is reasonably similar, although at the top end the S/C aerodynamics mean that there is a 15mph difference between the two. In gear the S/C always feels faster, but both have a nice engine sound and don't sound stressed when pushed hard.

Ergonomics: Personally find the S/C more comfortable, but my wife thinks the exact contrary. Rest is reasonably personal, adjustment is similar. Accelerator is less sensitive but that is just semantics, the steering wheel can be adjusted to a more car like position than the S/C.

Instruments: Here is the main difference between the two cars, the RRS looks and feels (from the control perspective) like a car designed in the 90s'. Granted pretty avant guard for the 90s, but still the 90s. The Q7 controls work a lot better. Major downside, the maddening indicator...as you touch it it will flash three times in one direction...if you forget about this you end up looking like a lunatic going up the motorway indicating 3 times left...then....3 times right....then....3 times left etc etc....until you realise you just let it be...I would spend a lot of money to have that removed!

Personal Conclusion: I still prefer the S/C, I think it looks better and it feels more dignified inside. The Q7 "is" a better car, however its just too bland inside, just too boring. Its like comparing an Alfa 159 and a BMW 3-series, wallet says the 3-series, heart soul and taste say the 159.

We priced one with a good specification and the S/C was still a bit more expensive, which I think in these markets is reasonably unjustifiable. This was in fact my only real gripe, how can Audi build such a good car and charge so much less than Land Rover. Also, real life consumption of the Audi is half of the S/C, I usually do between 9-11mpg and my wife between 11-14, the Audi managed 22mpg on our run. 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 FSI Grey/Black Int.
2005 Quattroporte Grey/Black Int.

Think we are forgetting one huge point here - it is without doubt the ugliest car on the road. I had one as a hire car for 3 weeks in the US not long back....and I hated it - nice interior granted, but from behind, it just looks wrong wrong wrong! The RRS has far greater street presence and a much more agressive stance..... 2007 RRS TDV6 HSE JAVA/EBONY SIDE STEPS, REAR GUARDS. 22'' STORMER WHEELS. FULL COLOUR CODE. SMOKED SIDE LIGHTS

I agree with you both...

Phew..!  Range Rover Sport SC - Java / Tasmods / Skirts
Morgan Plus 8

I disagree the Q7 is one of the ugliest cars on the road

I think it looks very imposing and I like it - not keen on the side profile as much, but thats mainly due to its size. I drove the 4.2tdi Q7 and liked it, plus I agree with your wife that its more comfortable than the RRS - that plus its bigger inside. On long journeys my wife sits with her legs crossed on the seat however in the RRS she could never do that as it was too small - all other cars (Touareg, BMW 5 and now Allroad) she can do this.

Another advantage of the Q7 is its a good residuals performer - on par with the RRS

My only beef with the RRS is the seats are too narrow - and kaine you're right mate, my wife can't get comfortable - and I think the seats need extensions to pull out for longer journeys to rest under the thighs.....like on BMW's and Audi's...... 2007 RRS TDV6 HSE JAVA/EBONY SIDE STEPS, REAR GUARDS. 22'' STORMER WHEELS. FULL COLOUR CODE. SMOKED SIDE LIGHTS

Quote:

I usually do between 9-11mpg and my wife between 11-14, the Audi managed 22mpg on our run.

lemm wrote:

Quote:

I usually do between 9-11mpg and my wife between 11-14, the Audi managed 22mpg on our run.

ekkk... i get around 15mpg and i'm not exactly slow. managed 17 on a trip down to Devon/Cornwall...

Indeed, our S/C's consumption is pretty spectacular...I did Vezelay to Ferrara in 9hours with the Quattroporte, and we averaged 11mpg.... 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 FSI Grey/Black Int.
2005 Quattroporte Grey/Black Int.

My friend has a Q7 inside is very nice but I have to say that the Porshe Cayenne looks nice next to the Q7!  RRS TDV6 HSE BUCKINGHAM BLUE BLACK LEATHER INTERIOR RHODIUM TASMOD SILLS CHROME GRILLE CHROME VENTS CHROME LETTERING PARROT 3000 EVOLUTION WHITE SIDE REPEATERS RRPORT.CO.UK BROLLY & STICKER
HOW GOOD IS THIS CAR!!!!
3 YEARS AND STILL GETTING LOOKS

Still think the Q7 looks better than a Cayenne really... although they're both an acquired taste  

Well I have owned one and i liked it, I liked it alot. But now I own a RRS TDV8, enough said!

Would i have another one? maybe this one.

http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/experienc...2_tdi.html Speed Limits! not where I live!

2008.5MY RRS TDV8, Stornoway Grey with Ebony & Rhodium. Stornoway mirror covers, Smoked side repeaters, Supercharger centre caps, chrome boot opener, Stanless steel exhaust ends, and of course RRSPORT.CO.UK rear window sticker.

Did have: Q7 3.0TDi S-Line/Tech/Comms pack
Did Have: Disco3 HSE

Q7 is a great car with the 12 TDI.......would prefer it in a R8 though.....speaking of which, even though I decided not to get an R8, I have an offer from Audi for a 7 day test drive in one to see what I think.......am scared of saying yes in case I like it more than the Maser I'm getting and then have a doubt in my mind......if I can arrange it, anyone else fancy it for the week??? 2007 RRS TDV6 HSE JAVA/EBONY SIDE STEPS, REAR GUARDS. 22'' STORMER WHEELS. FULL COLOUR CODE. SMOKED SIDE LIGHTS

Of course!!! I am the most worthy substitute as I've had to give up good cars due to an "improved" family situation!  

...and I responded first!!! And I'm a mod  

S are you getting a bit excited , the guy next to where I work has one, he always goes past our place with it running in first gear, it makes quite a noise!! Speed Limits! not where I live!

2008.5MY RRS TDV8, Stornoway Grey with Ebony & Rhodium. Stornoway mirror covers, Smoked side repeaters, Supercharger centre caps, chrome boot opener, Stanless steel exhaust ends, and of course RRSPORT.CO.UK rear window sticker.

Did have: Q7 3.0TDi S-Line/Tech/Comms pack
Did Have: Disco3 HSE