Whether you sway towards the audiuk Q7's diesel engine or the lexusuk RX 450h's hybrid setup, you can't ignore the luxury these SUVs offer. We've brought together six-year-old versions of each to find a victor... 👇👇
So, can the RX outdo the plushness and space of the Q7, all the while proving its hybrid set-up to be superior? We've brought along six-year-old versions of each – making them half priced heroes – to find out.The hybrid Lexus combines a V6 petrol engine with electric motors to give a combined 308bhp. That makes the 215bhp on offer from the V6 diesel Audi seem rather tame, but the Q7 is actually the quicker car – and by a fair margin.
In contrast, anything other than gentle acceleration in the RX causes the revs of its petrol engine to soar suddenly and stay high until you’re up to speed. The drone is never unbearable, but it means the RX is considerably less refined than the whisper-quiet Q7. The Q7 also isolates you much better from road and wind noise at motorway speeds.down a winding country lane won’t find anything to get excited about here.
The Q7 also came with optional air suspension, on which it delivers a properly cushioned ride, particularly at motorway speeds, where it lopes along in a relaxed fashion, making long journeys positively fly by. Hit a pothole around town and there’s an occasional thud from the suspension, but the Q7 is otherwise more settled and composed than the RX at low speeds too.
Wider experience of the Q7 line-up suggests the air suspension is worth paying for, although the standard suspension still provides a perfectly comfortable ride.