There are more Bugatti Veyrons in the UK than this V12 Audi Q7
Cadillac
Published on Jul 23, 2025 at 12:03 AM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Jul 22, 2025 at 1:53 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
The V12 Audi Q7 is one of the rarest SUVs that has ever been built – even Bugatti Veyrons are more common.
It was the first – and only – production vehicle ever fitted with a V12 diesel engine.
It is estimated that only 50 such V12 Audi Q7 models were ever sold in the UK.
And it is such a low number that there are actually more Bugatti Veyrons in the UK than Q7s.
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V12 Audi Q7 borne from Le Mans success
For four years, from 2008-2012, the V12 Audi Q7 existed as a truly bonkers SUV.
Admittedly, releasing a V12 Audi Q7 at the same time as a global financial collapse is unfortunate to say the least.
Regardless, the brand wanted to show America the power of the diesel engine in production cars.
Interestingly, the V12 Audi Q7 owes its existence to the marque’s success in motorsport.
Its performance in the American Le Mans series piqued quite a lot of interest.
Back in 2006, Audi became the first manufacturer to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a diesel engine.
The brand’s R10 LMP utilised a 5.5-liter, V12 diesel engine – and it dominated.
Audi decided to use its success in the American Le Mans series to push the interest of its diesel engine.
So it decided to fit its Q7 range with a monstrous 6.0-liter, V12 diesel engine producing 500hp stock.
It also delivered an absolutely mammoth 738lb-ft of torque from its R10-inspired powerplant.
Only 50 units of this extreme V12 Audi Q7 were sold in the UK during its four years of production.
And it is this number that makes for an even more remarkable statistic.
Bugatti Veyrons are more popular than a Q7?
Darkside Developments is a UK-based, diesel-only aftermarket company.
It specialises in Volkswagen Group TDI cars, as well as BMW, Porsche, and Mini diesels.
And it is a post from Darkside Developments that has quickly started going viral.
In a post published yesterday on Facebook, the company revealed a startling statistic.
It turns out that there are actually more Bugatti Veyrons in the UK than the V12 Audi Q7.
As of 2024, only 21 units remain active on UK roads.
Another eight are currently off-road and out of action.
This makes the V12 Q7 one of the rarest vehicles in the entirety of the UK.
By contrast, it is estimated that around 65 Bugatti Veyrons reside in the UK.
Imagine Bugatti Veyrons being three times more popular than a Q7.
Bet you never thought you’d see that, did you?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
