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MUNICH, GERMANY—Audi is having a bit of an SUV renaissance lately. Over the past 18 months, it has brought out a new electric Q6 and replaced the midsize Q5, and later this summer we’ll get to see the Q9, a full-size leviathan with the Escalade in its sights. But today it’s the turn of an all-new version of the Q7, and the North America-only SQ7, both of which go on sale later this year for model year 2027.
The standard Q7 will come to the US with a twin-turbo 2.9 L V6 that generates 429 hp (320 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm). Meanwhile, the SQ7 borrows the 591 hp (441 kW), 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) V8 as found under the hood of the RS7. But there’s no plug-in hybrid version slated as far as we know.
Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission (ZF’s very capable 8HP) and all-wheel drive. Audi says these are the quickest-accelerating Q7 and SQ7s it has made, and it also says they should be much better to drive, too. Standard Q7s will ride on steel springs or can option the adaptive air suspension that’s standard on the SQ7—this gets an optional third mode that lowers the car by more than an inch (30 mm).
The new Q7’s body has more curves and more subtle creases than before.
Audi
The new Q7’s body has more curves and more subtle creases than before. Audi
The D pillar is taller than before.
Audi
The D pillar is taller than before. Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, presumably thanks to our weaker emissions laws.
Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, presumably thanks to our weaker emissions laws. Audi
The D pillar is taller than before. Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, presumably thanks to our weaker emissions laws. Audi
The SQ7’s grille illuminates.
Audi
Rear OLED taillights on the SQ7 are also an option on the Q7.
Audi
Last month we wrote about the digital matrix LED headlights that Audi finally got permission to use on US roads with the Q9. Since the Q9 and Q7 quite a lot, those same 25,600-pixel headlights are fitted to the smaller three row as well, as are the OLED rear lights that can display hazard icons. US-spec Q7s, though, will only do that when parked, unin Europe where the feature can communicate warnings to other road users while on the move.
However, US-spec Q7s will get another advanced new lighting feature. If fitted with dynamic turn signals, the car can also project turn signals onto the road surface at night (as seen in the image) to better warn other road users pedestrians and cyclists.
The new Q7 has a more upright design than the SUV it replaces, with a silhouette that reminded me more of a station wagon. The big wheels almost certainly contribute to that impression, fooling you into thinking it’s a smaller car that’s a bit closer. Standard Q7s ride on 20-inch wheels, with 23-inch wheels—once the preserve of lowriders and docks—for the SQ7.
The Q7 interior doesn’t have to be somber.
The Q7 interior doesn’t have to be somber.
The Q7 can project its turn signals onto the ground.
Audi
The Q7 can project its turn signals onto the ground. Audi
The SQ7 interior can be specced in slightly wilder colors.
Audi
The SQ7 interior can be specced in slightly wilder colors. Audi
The Q7 can project its turn signals onto the ground. Audi
The SQ7 interior can be specced in slightly wilder colors. Audi
There are two wireless charging stations and also 100 w USB-C ports.
The main instrument display and infotainment screen.
CarPlay is present.
Audi
Here’s the cargo area.
Audi
The drive selector is behind the steering wheel.
Audi
Rear passengers get more USB-C.
Audi
The vista from the driver’s seat is rather similar to the larger Q9. The main instrument and infotainment displays wrap around the driver and run the same OS as other new Audis, and there’s an optional passenger screen as well. Happily, Audi included some photos of the olive wood interior that I was raving about for the Q9 interior but couldn’t show you then. It’s a nice alternative to the more somber interiors we’re used to in previous Q7s, although if you want something in black or brown Audi will be happy to oblige. Go for the SQ7 and there are some sportier options, including a carbon-fiber trim and blue leather for the seats.
The Q7’s third row is less capacious than the bigger Q7—most three-row SUVs, it’s more for occasional use or smaller children. The second row is available with either a three-seat bench or a pair of captains chairs. Either way, all the seats are power-adjusted, and you can lower all the seats in both rows with one touch if you’re in a hurry. Cargo capacity goes from not bad to voluminous: 15.1 cubic feet (428 L) with all three rows in use, up to 43.9 cubic feet (1,243 L) with the third row flat, or 78.1 cubic feet (2,212 L) with both rows flat.
Pricing, as well as EPA fuel efficiency estimates, should be available closer to the Q7’s arrival in the US later this year.
Jonathan M. Gitlin Automotive Editor
Jonathan is the Automotive Editor at Ars Technica. He has a BSc and PhD in Pharmacology. In 2014 he decided to indulge his lifelong passion for the car by leaving the National Human Genome Research Institute and launching Ars Technica’s automotive coverage. He lives in Washington, DC.
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Arstechnica.com
