It wasn’t that long ago that SUVs were considered noisy, uncomfortable, and clunky vehicles that were usually good off-road, but no so much on the road. A lot has changed since then, and manufacturers now market their SUVs as top-of-the-line luxury vehicles of utmost comfort.
Audi introduced its first SUV, the Q7, in 2005, and it has been soon joined by a number of other offroad-focused models. As of now, Audi offers six SUV models throughout all segments, and they account for a significant number of sales.
Not only that, but the number of SUVs sold is increasing every year, and it is to be expected that Audi will introduce even more models in this segment. In fact, a Q6 and Q6 e-tron Audi SUVs are scheduled to join the line-up next year. Whether you are looking at the smallest Audi Q2 or the largest Q8 model, they each have something to offer. But which ones are the best for offroad use?
Audi Q7 First Generation (2005 – 2015)
The first generation Q7 can’t be left out when talking about the best Audi SUVs. It was the first ever Audi SUV and one of the cars that made the segment so popular. The first Q7 was built on the same platform as its siblings Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.
Contrary to what many think, this vehicle had very good predispositions for off-roading. Customers were also given a choice of equipping the Audi SUV with air suspension, which featured adjustable ground clearance. Of course, there is also the Quattro. The famous all-wheel drive system was engineered by Audi and is still one of the most advanced 4×4 systems to this day.
In regular conditions, the Quattro sent most of the power to the rear wheels, and precisely adjusted the ratio based on current traction. When put to the test off the beaten path, the Quattro system quickly adapted to give the Q7 an optimal traction solution, no matter the scenario.
In order to provide good comfort and low noise, the Q7 came standard with an 8-speed automatic, which ensured optimal RPMs in all conditions. Frankly, it is quite impressive how well the first-generation Audi Q7 was able to match great luxury with good off-road features.
With regards to drivetrains, this Audi SUV was available with a wide variety of engines throughout the years, including a number of gasoline options. However, it was Audi’s turbo diesel selection that really made the Q7 stand out off-road.
The best in terms of reliability and service costs have proven to be the 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engines. It is true that on highways, the Q7 did not feel particularly nimble with the base engines, which it borrowed from the Audi A6. Therefore, for the best power and comfort, the 4.2 TDI eight-cylinder was the ideal choice and a proper large displacement engine. Unfortunately, this engine never reached the US shores.
The Q7 was also available with a V12 TDI engine! The power numbers of this behemoth drivetrain achieved 500 horsepower and a stunning 738 lb.-ft of torque. To this day, it is the only production V12 diesel ever released. Back then, Audi even played with the idea of fitting this engine into the Audi R8. Unfortunately, only a concept model was ever released. Unfortunately, like the 4.2 TDI, the 12-cylinder Q7 was only offered in Europe, making the existence of this unique car slightly bitter for US drivers.
Audi Q7 Second Generation (2015 – present)
The first ever Audi SUV has set the bar quite high, and so, the second generation of the Q7 had quite large shoes to fill. The current generation has recently received a facelift and is as popular as ever.
After almost ten years on the market, the Q7 needed a redesign. It still shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, which are all manufactured at the same assembly line in Bratislava, Slovakia. With a fresh interior that introduced a brand-new layout, the car feels as premium as a Porsche Cayenne.
The exterior, on the other hand, has been made sharper and more aggressive, which suggests how the car behaves in comparison to the old model. In fact, the current Q7 feels much better in the corners and is not as clunky as the older model. With more powerful engines, a faster transmission, and a reduced curb weight by over 700 pounds, the Q7 handles much better than one would expect based on its dimensions.
The Audi engineers have even decided to make a sports dedicated version of the model called the SQ7, which maintained all of Q7s off-road abilities and comfort and added a little bit of spice, with a 0-62 mph in just 4.9 seconds. Isn’t this impressive for a full-size SUV that is also a capable off-roader?
That’s all good, but what about this SUV’s performance off the road? For those that want to explore the limits of their Audi SUV, the vehicle can also be configured with an off-road package and adaptive air suspension that can provide a maximum ground clearance of 9.4 inches (+1.3 inches in comparison with the first generation) and an approach angle of 23.6 degrees. The Audi Q7 can also be often seen towing. With its powerful engines and a towing capacity of 7,700 pounds, there is nothing that this Audi SUV could not do!
Audi Q8 (2019 – present)
This Audi SUV has a lot in common with the Q7 model. Essentially, the Q8 is a more stylish model, and puts a larger emphasis on sportiness. Nonetheless, the Audi Q8 is still a capable vehicle in terms of off-roading and practicality. The offering range starts with a base 3.0L V6 that outputs 335 horsepower, and alongside it, two sports focused versions are also available – SQ8 and RS Q8
The Audi SQ8 elevates the vehicle with a twin-turbo V8 that generates 500 hp and 568 lb.-ft of torque, which gets it from zero to sixty miles per hour in 4.3 seconds. The RS Q8 brings this even further and catapults the large SUV to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. This Audi SUV is often labeled as the more affordable Lamborghini Urus, which uses a similar design with a sloping roof and coupe-like styling.
As with every other capable Audi SUV vehicle, even the Q8 is equipped with a class-leading Quattro all-wheel drive system, which can make the vehicle quite fun around the corners. With an adjustable front/rear power ratio, up to 85 percent of the generated power can be sent to the rear wheels.
The optional adaptive air suspension is also crucial for the best performance of the vehicle, as it can move the ground clearance from 3.5 to 10 inches. For reference, the standard ground clearance of one of the best off-road vehicles, the Land Rover Defender, is 8.6 inches. Despite the Q8’s frameless doors, the structural rigidity of the chassis is perfect and there are no signs of weakness even when crossing axles in rough terrain.
There is no doubt that the Q8 is an extremely luxurious vehicle. At the same time, based on its 0-60 mph numbers and sporty handling, one would not guess how well it can handle the terrain and adventurous drives. Naturally, trailer towing is no issue at all either.
Audi Q5 (2008 – present)
The Audi Q5 was the second model to join the lineup of Audi SUVs in 2008 and is currently sold in its second generation. Since the beginning of its production, the Q5 offered unique solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The most appealing model of them all was the SQ5, which made this Audi SUV model not only a capable off-roader but also an extremely fast and sporty vehicle. It featured a EA839 3.0TFSI engine generating 349 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque.
The Q5’s short overhangs excel in terrain, where the vehicle can use an approach angle of up to 25 degrees, which is identical for both generations. Driving through a mass of water is not an issue either, as it can wade up to 20 inches. In addition, this Audi SUV can be optionally equipped with one of the best all-wheel drive systems, the Audi Quattro.
Audi e-tron (2018 – present)
When the Audi e-tron was first introduced in 2018, it was in a difficult position. The first fully electric vehicle by Audi, and at the same time SUV, which should be able to keep pace even on unpaved roads? For sure, there are electric SUVs that are sportier, some offer better practicality, and others have better off-road features. On the other hand, only a few can offer such a flexible package as this Audi SUV, let alone in a fully electric edition.
Already on paper, the e-tron appears to be a great choice. With two electric motors generating up to 402 horsepower and 490 lb.-ft of torque, the e-tron won’t get into an offroad situation where it would not have enough steam. To help with power distribution, the vehicle is equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive, a necessity for proper off-roading, and a single-speed automatic.
Thanks to its adaptive air suspension, this Audi SUV can clear up even large obstacles in tough terrain, as it can be raised by 1.4 inches when in the off-roading drive mode. Naturally, the air suspension works wonders on the road as well, where it covers up bumps extremely well.
In the cabin, the e-tron is full of surprises. Its modern interior design pairs well with the overall modern stance of the vehicle. It is filled with advanced technology and digitalization. Various features of the e-tron can be configured using the large screens that are abundant.
The driver is presented with a large 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, called the Audi virtual cockpit, which is supplemented by two other screens on the central console. Not only that, but the mirrors are digital, meaning that two additional screens are located on the front doors. With regards to space, the e-tron is very roomy thanks to its MLB platform, which is specially dedicated to EV vehicles.
What more could you ask for?
Whether old, new, conventional, or electric, Audi SUVs are very capable on unpaved roads. Sure, there are rivals that can do better in certain categories, but few offer exclusive all-in-one solutions like Audi does.
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