New Models New Audi Q7 Benefits from the Q9

The third generation of the Q7 benefits technically and in terms of quality from the shared platform with the flagship Q9. This new self-confidence of the brand is particularly evident in the interior.

When the third generation of the Q7 rolls out this fall, it will remain the junior executive in the Audi family despite its length of over five meters (approx. 16.4 ft). The role of flagship will be taken on a few weeks later by the new Q9, which shares the same platform but adds a few more centimeters, measuring around 5.20 meters (approx. 17.1 ft). However, envy is unlikely between the two siblings. On the contrary, without the Q9 project, there might not have been a new Q7 at all. Shared development processes and extensive synergies in technology, electronics, and production likely made both SUVs economically viable in the first place.

And the Q7 benefits tremendously from this, not just under the hood, but also in areas where customers look and touch every day.

New Standard in Material Quality

You notice it right when getting in. For years, the Ingolstadt-based (Germany) company had to hear that they had lost their once-leading edge in material quality and craftsmanship. With the new Q7, this chapter seems to be over. Finally, the interior feels the way Audi customers have long missed. 

Although the upper sections of the doors could use a bit more padding, high-quality materials, soft surfaces, and well-finished trims dominate. Rotary switches click with confidence again. In addition, immense body rigidity conveys the sense of quality that once elevated the brand to the ranks of Mercedes and BMW.

With Attention to Detail

This commitment is particularly evident in fine details that some competitors pay less attention to. For example, the steering wheel airbag cover is once again upholstered in leather, air vents hum quietly with electric operation, and even the two inductive MagSafe charging cradles for smartphones are fully lined with microfiber and ventilated. This prevents rattling noises and conveys the love for the product that one expects from a premium manufacturer.

The fact that the Q7 benefits massively from the upcoming Q9 on a technical level is evident in other areas as well. For example, in the cockpit architecture. Both share the new three-part panoramic display, including a passenger screen. The infotainment system operates significantly faster and more intuitively than before, and various backgrounds can be integrated (for an additional cost) via QR code, with ChatGPT supporting the voice assistant. Optionally, doors open electrically and close via "soft close"—thanks to the Q9.

Record-Sized Panoramic Roof

We also note the largest glass sliding roof Audi has ever offered, including PDLC shading of the nine elements—ranging from transparent to opaque—and 78 LEDs for customizable interior lighting. Matrix LED headlights with micro-LED technology are available as an optional extra, projecting information directly onto the road, and the OLED taillights can even communicate with other road users.

All these appealing features show that the Q7 was never primarily developed for Europe. Its most important market lies across the Atlantic. Since the introduction of the first generation in 2005, around 46 percent of all Q7 units produced have been sold in North America, another 22 percent in China, and only 18 percent in Europe. It’s no surprise, then, that space, comfort, luxury, and long-distance suitability remain the key qualities the new Q7 aims to deliver.

Impressive Space Provision

Here, the Seven from Ingolstadt (Germany) plays to its greatest strengths. It comes standard with five seats, but Audi can transform it into either a six-seater with two comfortable individual seats in the rear or a classic seven-seater for families. Thanks to the three-meter (approx. 9.8 ft) wheelbase, even taller passengers travel exceptionally comfortably in the second row, although the outer seats are noticeably narrow because the middle seat is wider. At the push of a button, all five rear seats fold down electrically. The cargo volume ranges from 670 liters to over two cubic meters (approx. 23.7 to over 70.6 cubic feet).

Just as impressive as the space is the way the Q7 moves. With confidence and the utmost ease. Not as softly rolling as a Mercedes GLE, but slightly sportier, more ambitious, yet still never demanding—always relaxing. Even when equipped with the massive 23-inch wheels. This is thanks in part to two different air suspension systems that Audi offers as standard. One is more comfort-oriented, while the other leans slightly more dynamic.

Those who prefer a more active driving style can opt for the sporty suspension, which lowers the body by three centimeters (approx. 1.2 in)  and provides a firmer connection to the road without sacrificing long-distance comfort. At the same time, the body remains surprisingly stable even during quick direction changes. This is further enhanced, if desired, by an all-wheel steering system, where the rear wheels steer counter to the front wheels by up to five degrees. This not only reduces the turning circle but also makes the five-meter (approx. 16.4 ft)  giant feel noticeably more agile than its dimensions would suggest.

In comfort mode, it will surely appeal most to comfort-loving Americans, though we find it too soft and less precise here. In dynamic mode, it is much more convincing with its more direct character.

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Two Diesels, One Petrol Engine, and Possibly a Plug-In Hybrid

The Q7 is never short on power. At market launch, two three-liter six-cylinder TDIs are initially available. Later, a three-liter V6 gasoline engine with probably 270 kW/367 hp will follow, likely serving as the basis for the planned plug-in hybrid. Even stronger gasoline engines, such as the SQ7, are reserved for the US market for now due to emissions regulations.

With the TDIs, each paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic and permanent all-wheel drive, the Q7 forms a harmonious relationship. The more powerful variant delivers 220 kW/299 PS and 630 newton meters (approx. 465 lb-ft) of torque, while the base model achieves 180 kW/245 PS and 500 newton meters (approx. 369 lb-ft). Both engines feature the new MHEV-plus technology (Mild Hybrid), an advanced starter generator that primarily supports the drivetrain with 18 kW/24 PS during acceleration and helps reduce diesel consumption.

Smooth Running and No Turbo Lag

Even more remarkable, however, is the new electrically driven compressor. This component fundamentally changes the character of the diesel engines by eliminating turbo lag, as it generates boost pressure within milliseconds. The result is an unusually smooth torque delivery. The thrust kicks in virtually without delay and develops almost linearly—almost as seamlessly as in an electric car. The transition between electric boost and combustion engine feels nearly seamless. 

Added to this is an impressive running refinement. Even under load, the six-cylinder engines remain astoundingly quiet. Only a sonorous hum penetrates the interior, and combined with excellent noise insulation, this creates long-distance comfort that can certainly compete with luxury sedans.

Of course, all of this comes at a price. Audi charges at least 87,900 euros (approx. 95,000 USD) for the base TDI, with the more powerful version starting at 90,500 euros (approx. 98,000 USD).