The Q7 is Audi’s largest crossover seating up to seven passengers with three rows of seats. It was first introduced in 2005 for the 2006 model year and has only had one major overhaul in 2015. New for 2025, the Q7 receives a freshened exterior including new front and rear fascias, with a reworked lower spoiler up front, and a reshaped diffuser at the back punctuated by new functional exhaust tips. The Q7 features the brand's new badging strategy with the model, derivative, and technology identifier laser etched into the B pillar, and a new metallic exterior color is available known as Sakhir Gold metallic. Wheel options for 2025 include three new designs that range in size from 20 to 21 inches. Inside, the Q7 offers new upholstery and trim options, along with an updated MMI infotainment system that supports popular third-party apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Additionally, the 2025 model introduces next-generation digital OLED lighting, offering customizable signatures and enhancing the vehicle's modern aesthetic.
The Q7 is available in three trims (Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige) with three different powertrains. The Premium 45 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic is a 2.0L 4-cylinder that delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft of torque. There is also a Premium 55 TFSI Quattro Tiptronic with a 3.0L 6-cylinder that delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque. Beyond these models, Audi also offers an amped up version known as the SQ7 which comes with a 4.0 L V8 that pushes out 500 horsepower and 568 lb.-ft of torque getting from 0-60 MPH in 4 seconds. I spent time in the V6 model which offered plenty of performance fun and power for daily driving.
Q7 prices start at $60,500 for the 45, $65,800 for the 55, and $90,800 for the SQ7. A fully optioned out SQ7 can get as high as $115k+. Competition includes other midsize luxury crossovers such as the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, Cadillac XT6, Lexus TX, Genesis GV80, and Volvo XC90. I spent a week in the Q7 55 TFSI Quattro that checked in at $88,790 and here’s what stood out…
Exterior:
The Q7 maintains its muscular stance with sculpted door panels and a strong character line along the sides. The Q7's front features a redesigned Single frame octagonal grille with vertical inlays, enhancing its visual height. The grille's contours have been updated to integrate more seamlessly with the headlights, which are now mounted higher on the vehicle. The front end is anchored by new color-framed air intakes, contributing to a cleaner and more cohesive appearance. Further distinguishing 2025 models, elements of the front bumper, door attachment trim, and diffuser can be configured in various finishes. Standard matrix-design LED headlights with a new digital daytime running light signature are now included. Higher trims offer HD Matrix LED headlights with laser light, enhancing high-beam range at speeds above 43 mph. The rear features OLED taillights with selectable light signatures, allowing for customizable lighting displays. The rear bumper has been subtly revised, featuring a reshaped diffuser and new functional exhaust tips.
Five new wheel designs ranging from 20 to 22 inches are available, with finishes including Black Metallic and Gray Silk Matte. Three new metallic exterior colors have been added: Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red. My test model was finished in Tamarind Brown metallic which was a $595 premium paint option but added to the Q7’s elegance with a rich earth tone color. Also included on my test vehicle was the available Black Optic package ($2,100) that provides black accents around the grille, side window trim, and front and rear fascias. It added 21” 5-double spoke module wheel design in a matte gray finish and also includes Anthracite Gray Audi rings and dark chrome exhaust tips, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal.
Powertrain:
My test model was equipped with the TFSI Quattro Tiptronic 3.0L 6-cylinder that delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb.-ft of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. It’s a significant step up from the turbocharged 4-cylinder and will get from 0-60 MPH in around 5.5 seconds. Acceleration from a stop or on the freeway is smooth and quick. With added power also comes an increase in towing capacity up to 7,700 pounds. The V6 engine delivers a quiet and refined driving experience, with smooth acceleration and minimal road noise. The Q7's handling is commendable for its size, offering confident cornering and a composed ride. There are multiple drive modes, including Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, and Individual, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle's performance to their preferences. Dynamic will pack the most punch for the sportiest ride.
Handling:
The 2025 Q7 offers a refined and composed driving experience, blending comfort with responsive handling, particularly when equipped with the optional adaptive air suspension. Standard on the Q7 55 TFSI Prestige, the adaptive air suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. It adjusts automatically to changes in road conditions to optimize driving dynamics and overall comfort. Even with larger 21-inch wheels, the cabin remains quiet, contributing to a serene driving experience.
Despite its size, the Q7 is surprisingly agile. Optional performance tires and four-wheel steering make handling even sweeter. The optional all-wheel steering ($1,350) further enhances low-speed maneuverability by turning the wheels slightly in the opposite angle to the front. It also provides increased stability at higher speeds as the rear wheels steer in the same direction.
Audi’s all-wheel-drive system is standard and handles a wide variety of roads and conditions well. During my time in the Q7, I experienced all seasons of Chicago weather that included rain, snow, ice, and sunshine. Regardless of the condition, the automatic Quattro engaged when needed further instilling my confidence in the Q7. Steering is direct and well-weighted, with a nice sense of feedback for a luxury SUV. It is well-grounded, offering confidence through turns and exhibits minimal body roll, enhancing its overall agility for its size.
For those who want a sportier feel, the S Sport Package adds an active roll stabilization for sharper cornering and a torque-vectoring rear differential to enhance stability and control in fast bends. The 2025 Audi Q7 strikes a nice driving balance — it’s refined and cushy enough for family road trips but also nimble and tight enough to be enjoyable on twisty backroads.
Fuel Economy:
When the Q7 arrived with a full 22.5-gallon tank, it offered a driving range of around 480 miles. EPA estimates 18 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined running on premium fuel. While the range is decent for a long road trip, the Q7 falls behind other competitors in the segment such as the Genesis GV80, Volvo XC90, and Lexus TX.
Interior:
Once again, Audi creates a top-notch interior that exudes refinement and class. The updated Q7 has a minimalist, contemporary design that incorporates all the latest technology without over stylizing the interior. Various interior color schemes are available, including Black, Okapi Brown, Pando Gray, and Saiga Beige, each paired with matching or contrasting headliners. Trim options feature wood inlays and ambient LED lighting, with available upgrades like the LED Interior Lighting Plus Package for a more refined atmosphere.
Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a 10.1-inch upper touch screen, an 8.6-inch lower touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, USB ports, and a10-speaker audio system. The dual-display infotainment arrangement might overwhelm some while likely pleasing others. However, the system is responsive and fairly intuitive. For audio enthusiasts, the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen system delivers impressive sound quality and includes two unique speakers that pop up from the corners of the dash to deliver a full 3D sound experience.
Tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, proximity keyless entry, a hands-free power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof also come standard. Other available features include wireless device charging, head-up display, surround-view camera, and quad-zone automatic climate control.
Seating:
With a 7-passenger seating configuration and easy access to the power-folding third row, the Q7 combines versatility and luxury in one complete package. There is ample space in the first and second rows all around, however, the third row is best suited for children. While many rivals offer the choice of captain's chairs in the second row, the Q7 does not. Standard features include leather upholstery, 12-way power-adjustable and heated front seats and a power-folding third row. Other available features include a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats and rear sunshades.
For 2025, the Q7 45 seam-stitching trim now comes standard in a contrasting gray color, and an available Executive package elevates both physical and acoustic comforts with dual-pane acoustic glass, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear sunshades, and 4-zone automatic climate control. To underline the model’s sporty formula, the SQ7 offers a standard new Carbon twill matte decorative interior inlay, and an Audi Sport Express Red interior package, which includes full red seat belts, red stitching on the seats, center armrest, door armrest, and on the sides of the center console.
Cargo:
The Q7's cargo area is limited with all seats in use, but that's typical of any three-row SUV. It offers 14.2 cubic feet of space with all seats up, and that expands to 35.7 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 69.6 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down. The rearmost seats can be raised or lowered via power controls, providing convenient access and compensating for the slightly awkward middle row. Overall cargo space is comparable with key competitors.
Safety:
The 2025 Audi Q7 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, earning it a IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Standard features include:
• Audi pre sense front: Detects potential frontal collisions and can initiate braking to mitigate or avoid impact.
• Audi pre sense basic: Prepares the vehicle by closing windows and tightening seat belts when a collision is imminent.
• Lane departure warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle unintentionally drifts out of its lane.
• Audi side assist with Audi pre sense rear: Monitors blind spots and provides warnings for vehicles approaching from behind.
• Rear cross-traffic assist: Assists when reversing by detecting approaching vehicles from the side.
• Top view camera system: Offers a 360-degree view around the vehicle to aid in parking and maneuvering.
• Adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead and helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Intersection assist: Detects cross traffic when pulling through intersections and can provide braking interventions if necessary
Other available options include remote park assist which allows the Q7 to park itself into parallel or perpendicular spaces, head-up display, and night fish assistant. The Q7 scores excellent in crash tests and its inclusive list of standard driver assist features is among the lengthiest in the class.
Final Statement:
The Q7 has been around for a while and has been overdue for a refresh. The mild updates are enough to buy it more time until the next generation. Overall styling is not ground-breaking and it tends to blend in more than stand out. However, this is a luxury SUV that can double as a family vehicle and that is still engaging to drive. Audi continues to maintain a performance-oriented option which was evident in my test model, but even more present in the SQ7 option. Interior quality is class-leading and the tech has been improved significantly, but they should consider offering second row captain’s chairs to appeal to a larger audience of shoppers. This is a worthy three-row crossover to look at, but there is a lot of competition to consider as well.
First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Audi Q7 55 TFSI Quattro
Exterior Color: Tamarin Brown Metallic
Interior Color: Saiga Beige
Notable Options: Premium Paint ($595), Prestige Package ($12,100), Bang & Olufsen Sound System ($4,900), Black Optics Package ($2,100), All-Wheel Steering ($1,350), Trailer Hitch ($750)
Price as tested: $88,790 (with destination charge)
Pros: Premium Interior, Smooth Ride, Multiple Engine Offerings, Safety Ratings, Powerful V6
Cons: Tight Third Row, Average Cargo Space, Expensive Options drive up Price
