Audi unveils third generation Q7 with advanced features and new powertrains

Audi has revealed the third-generation Q7, positioned between the Q5 and the upcoming Q9 in its SUV lineup. The new Q7 replaces the second-generation model after 11 years and introduces significant upgrades in design, technology, and powertrains.

Order books for Europe open this month, with deliveries scheduled for September 2026. Prices start at €87,900 (Rs 96.90 lakh) for the base 245 HP Q7 V6 TDI, while the 299 HP variant costs €90,500 (Rs 99.76 lakh). Petrol variant pricing is yet to be announced.

Key Highlights

• Audi launches third-generation Q7 with new design and technology
• Available in 5, 6, and 7-seat configurations with up to 2,075 liters of luggage space
• Offers petrol and diesel V6 engines and a high-performance SQ7 V8 variant
• European prices start at €87,900 with deliveries from September 2026

Design and Interior Updates

The third-generation Q7 features a more muscular and upright design, drawing inspiration from newer Audi SUVs like the Q3. The front end showcases split headlamps, slim DRLs with pixel lighting, and vertically oriented Matrix LED units in gloss black housings. A large grille, a wide air dam with honeycomb patterns, and a satin silver shroud add to the bold look.

The side profile includes a clean design, an upswept window line with a chrome surround, pull-type door handles, slim roof rails, and body-colored cladding in the S-Line package. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels can be upgraded to 23 inches. The Q7 also offers soft-close doors, with fully powered operation as an optional feature.

At the rear, the Q7 sports a split taillamp setup with smoked lower units connected by a slim light bar. Other elements include a roof spoiler, illuminated Audi motif, chunky bumper with gloss black and satin silver trim, and dual exhaust tips.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by a triple-screen layout, with the infotainment display angled towards the driver. A new 4-spoke steering wheel, wood and leather trim, and a wood-finished center console are present. The center console houses dual wireless charging pads, an engine start/stop button, an electronic parking brake, a rotary volume knob, a storage cubby, and controls for hazard lights, drive modes, and the 360-degree camera view. Ambient lighting is integrated into the door liners and headrest bases. Front seats feature actuators and headrest speakers for phone calls.

Seating, Boot Space, and Features

The new Q7 is available as a 5-seater by default, with optional 6-seat (second-row captain chairs) and 7-seat configurations. Boot space stands at 581 litres for the 7-seat version with all rows up and 670 litres for the 5-seat version. Maximum luggage capacity is 1,980 litres for the 7-seat and 2,075 litres for the 5-seat Q7.

Key features include a panoramic sunroof with optional switchable transparency and illumination, an ADAS suite, a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system, connected car technology, and electrically adjustable seats.

Powertrains and Performance

The Q7 is built on Volkswagen Group's Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. Standard variants offer a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 or a 3.0-liter mild hybrid diesel V6 TDI, depending on the market. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic gearbox and Quattro all-wheel drive.

The petrol V6 produces 429 HP and 599 Nm, achieving 0-100 kph in a claimed 4.8 seconds. The V6 TDI is available in two outputs: 245 HP and 500 Nm in base spec and 299 HP and 630 Nm in higher variants.

The mild hybrid system adds up to 24 HP and 370 Nm for quick acceleration. The diesel engine can run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), reducing CO2 emissions by up to 95 percent compared to regular diesel.

Steel spring suspension is standard, with air suspension available as an option. Select markets will receive a sporty SQ7 variant, powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 delivering 59 HP and 800 Nm.

Market Launch and Pricing

European deliveries for the third-generation Q7 begin in September 2026. Prices start at €87,900 for the base diesel variant. The Q7 is expected to launch in India, though the timeline remains unconfirmed.

CarBike 360 Says

The third-generation Audi Q7 brings a well-rounded upgrade with its refined design, advanced technology, and improved powertrain lineup. It continues to balance luxury, performance, and practicality, making it a strong contender in the premium SUV space. With these updates, Audi aims to reinforce the Q7’s appeal among modern buyers seeking sophistication and versatility in one package.