Excitement is brewing in the automotive world as the legendary Audi Q7 is poised for a significant transformation. As the oldest member of Audi's dynamic lineup, the Q7 is about to shake off its old skin, and our insiders have recently spotted it in action, shedding some of its camouflage to reveal tantalizing glimpses of what’s to come. Early this year, we caught a first look at the third-generation Q7 testing, but this latest iteration offers even more to feast our eyes on, hinting at the future of this beloved SUV.
Launched in 2006, the Q7 was Audi’s inaugural leap into the SUV market, arriving a tad late when compared to its formidable siblings in the Volkswagen Group like the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, which hit the streets a couple of years prior. The second-generation Q7 received a refresh in early 2024, although we saw a more substantial facelift back in 2020. This year's updates showcase mild adjustments aimed at keeping the Q7's presence strong amidst fierce competition, including the freshly updated Touareg and its sleeker counterpart, the Q8.
As Audi’s grandest SUV (if we exclude the market-specific Q6 in China), the new Q7 is set to incorporate the stylish design elements that characterize the latest Audi models powered by internal combustion engines. Expect a revamped grille shape, new separate headlight clusters, and a bold, commanding front profile. While the overall body shape maintains familiarity with the existing Q7, the changes are evident: the rear window appears less raked, creating a more spacious side profile that distinctly differentiates it from the sportier Q8.
Up front, the innovative headlight design features a slender upper cluster equipped with indicators, pairing nicely with a brawnier lower light. Fans of the iconic Audi aesthetic will be pleased to note that the already prominent grille seems even wider on the new model. The lower grille includes a radar sensor, marking the Q7’s advanced technological integration.
Moving along the side, our spies have uncovered a unique transformation in the door handles, which have morphed into sleek winglets integrated into the window line—reminiscent of the daring design found on the Ford Mustang Mach-E. Yet, some elements hint at the possibility of traditional handles, keeping us on our toes regarding Audi's final decision. Previous spy shots of earlier Q7 test vehicles showcased striking diamond-cut wheels, but this latest model is decked out with bold black alloys, giving it a sportier edge.
The rear design is equally captivating, showcasing updated light clusters that flow elegantly down the bodywork, all connected by an eye-catching full-width light bar—a feature traditionally reserved for Audi’s all-electric e-tron lineup. However, the dual-exit exhaust offers a nod to the performance pedigree, indicating that this particular test vehicle is the sporty SQ7 variant. This model promises a unique front bumper, an exclusive grille insert, and custom alloy wheels, setting it apart even further with a distinctly styled rear that features quad-exit exhaust tips.
While we have yet to discover the interior details of the new Q7, expectations are high for cutting-edge technology sourced from the Volkswagen Group's latest innovations. Anticipate a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen paired with an additional 10.9-inch display for passengers, alongside Audi’s state-of-the-art Virtual Cockpit—which mirrors the impressive setup found in the upcoming Q6 e-tron.
As Audi invests heavily in its new PPE architecture designed for electric vehicles—integrated into models like the Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron—the development of new platforms for traditional internal combustion engines could take a backseat. Therefore, the new Q7 is expected to utilize a revamped version of the current MLB Evo architecture.
As we eagerly await more news, we can speculate on the engine lineup for the new Q7. Prospects point to a selection of powerful petrol and diesel V6 engines, especially since Audi has previously mentioned that its final internal combustion vehicles will launch by 2026. Moreover, just as in the current range, we expect a plug-in hybrid variant to be part of the new Q7’s offerings, allowing performance enthusiasts to have the best of both worlds.