The new Q7 rides on Volkswagen Group's PPC platform and offers 5-seat, 6-seat, and 7-seat layouts
Powertrains include a mild hybrid diesel V6, a twin-turbo petrol V6, and a 591hp V8 for the SQ7
After 11 years in production, the second-generation Audi Q7 has made way for a thoroughly new successor. Audi has officially unveiled the third-generation Q7, which slots between the Q5 and the upcoming Q9 in the brand's SUV line-up.
The new model is underpinned by the Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Combustion architecture and takes on rivals such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE with a substantially upgraded package across design, technology, and powertrain options.
Sharper Exterior Styling With Split Lamps All Around
Muscular proportions borrow cues from newer Audi SUVs
The visual step forward is hard to miss. Up front, the new Q7 features slim DRLs with pixel lighting elements sitting above vertically oriented Matrix LED main units housed in gloss black surrounds.
A large grille and a wide air dam with a honeycomb pattern complete the assertive nose. The profile is clean and upright, with a mildly upswept window line, pull-type door handles, slim roof rails, and body-coloured cladding on S-Line variants.
Standard 20-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to as large as 23 inches, and soft-close doors are fitted as standard, with full power operation available as an option.
At the rear, split tail-lamps with a smoked finish on the lower units are connected by a slim light bar, while an illuminated Audi badge, a roof spoiler, and dual exhaust tips round off the new look.
A Tech-Forward Cabin Across All Three Row Counts
Triple-screen dashboard paired with a 22-speaker audio system
Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen arrangement, with the central infotainment display angled towards the driver.
A new four-spoke steering wheel, generous wood and leather trim, a centre console featuring dual wireless charging pads, a rotary volume knob, electronic parking brake, drive mode controls, and a 360-degree camera shortcut reflect the Q7's upmarket brief.
The door liners and front headrest bases incorporate ambient lighting, and the front seats come with actuators and headrest speakers that allow occupants to take calls directly through the seat.
A panoramic sunroof with optional switchable transparency, a 22-speaker Bang and Olufsen 4D sound system, ADAS, connected car technology, and electrically adjustable seats are all on the features list.
Where the outgoing Q7 was a standard 7-seater, the new model comes as a 5-seater by default, with an optional 6-seat layout featuring second-row captain chairs and a 7-seat configuration also available.
Boot space for the 7-seat variant stands at 581 litres with all rows in use, rising to 670 litres in the 5-seat version. Total luggage capacity reaches 1,980 litres for the 7-seat and 2,075 litres for the 5-seat Q7.
Multiple Powertrain Options Including a V8 SQ7
Diesel and petrol V6s cover the standard range; V8 tops it off
The standard Q7 is available with either a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 or a 3.0-litre mild hybrid diesel V6 TDI, depending on market.
Both are paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive. The petrol V6 produces 429hp and 599Nm, enabling a 0-100kph sprint in a claimed 4.8 seconds.
The diesel V6 is offered in two states of tune, producing either 245hp with 500Nm or 299hp with 630Nm.
A mild hybrid system supplements the diesel with up to 24hp and 370Nm for overtaking. Notably, the diesel engine is compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil, which Audi claims can cut CO2 emissions by up to 95 percent over conventional diesel.
Steel springs are standard, with air suspension as an optional upgrade. In select markets, a sporty SQ7 variant is also available, powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 that develops 591hp and 800Nm, with a claimed 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds.
European Orders Open This Month, India Timing Unclear
Base diesel pricing starts at €87,900 for Europe
Order books for European markets open this month, with deliveries scheduled to begin in September 2026. The base 245hp diesel Q7 is priced from €87,900 (approximately Rs 96.90 lakh), while the 299hp diesel variant carries a starting price of €90,500 (approximately Rs 99.76 lakh).
Petrol variant pricing is yet to be announced. An India launch is anticipated, though no timeline has been confirmed as of now.
Also read: