2024 Audi Q7 has confirmed that all global launches from 2026 will be pure electric vehicles. According to a report from the German magazine Auto Bild, Ingolstadt’s final global combustion model launch will be the next-generation Audi Q7. The Q7, under production at the Volkswagen Slovakia plant since late 2005, is currently in its second generation. The original model sold for about ten years, and we expect the same life span for the current one. In a few years, Audi will lift the lid from the third-generation Q7, and with it the last Audi Q7 with exhaust.
Audi has allocated around EUR 18 billion for electrification, including hybridization, between 2022 and 2026. By 2021, 10.7% of the company’s annual sales will come from vehicles specified with pure electric or partially electric (hybrid) powertrains. By 2025, Audi has said that it will expand its EV portfolio to more than 20 models, and all new models launched for the global market in 2026 will be EVs. The company plans to phase out the production of internal combustion engines by 2033.
It aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030 from 2018 levels. The Q7 will eventually have to be all-electric. The second-generation Audi Q7 was originally introduced in 2015 but the automaker is looking to keep it on the market for a few more years. With so many e-tron EVs coming, we’ve almost forgotten about the ICE-powered Q7 which remains the longest and roomiest SUV in the Audi lineup. Our spy photographers captured a prototype of the second-generation model undercover, revealing that Audi is actively working on another facelift that could extend the Q7’s lifecycle even further.
The second generation Audi Q7 was introduced in 2015 based on the MLB architecture, with the first facelift following in 2019. Under normal circumstances, we’d expect the new generation to appear in 2023-2024, but Audi opted for a second refresh, to keep the existing Q7 relevant for a few more years. before the inevitable end of the internal combustion engine.
- MSRP: From $58,200
- Dimensions: 199″ L x 78″ W x 69″ H
- Cargo volume: 14.2 ft³, 69.6 ft³ with seat area
- Horsepower: 261 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 25 highway
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L V6
2024 Audi Q7 Review
The 2024 Audi Q7 is a three-row luxury SUV, arguably one of the most competitive vehicle classes out there. The original Q7 was one of the first three luxury lines, offering more room for people than most luxury vehicles of the time. Many others followed suit, with nearly every luxury automaker offering their own formula. Audi itself has expanded its own offerings with a full range of SUVs, from the compact Q3 to the all-electric e-tron, although the Q7 remains the company’s only three-row model. Audi also offers the sportier V8-powered SQ7, though we reviewed that model separately.
The second-generation Q7 debuted in 2017, and we were immediately impressed. Audi nailed things like build quality, ride comfort, driving dynamics and in-car technology. Those positive traits still shine through today, which is why it’s become one of Edmunds’ favorites. 2017 feels like a thousand years ago in terms of the life cycle of a car, but updates and upgrades rolling in over the years like additional standard features and a more powerful engine have kept the Q7 competitive. Audi hasn’t announced anything official yet, but we don’t expect major changes for 2024. Nonetheless, given its age, a redesigned Q7 debut is not out of the question.
Currently, there is a large selection of three-row SUVs. The Q7 is on the smaller side for three rows. While that makes it easier to park and maneuver on the road, it means less space for people and cargo inside. Three similarly sized lines include the Acura MDX, Lincoln Aviator, and Land Rover Discovery. If you need more space, there’s the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X7, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade, all worth looking into. And if you don’t need a third row, the Audi Q8 offers many of the Q7’s advantages in a sleeker, slightly sportier package.
Automotive News reports the Q7 and Q9 will be one of the last combustion-powered vehicles launched by Audi, which previously committed to only launching electric vehicles after 2026 and moving to an EV-only lineup by 2033 except in China. The Q7 will reportedly offer electrification in the form of a mild hybrid powertrain, although it looks like a plug-in hybrid will be available given current models offer it in other markets.
After Q7 and Q8 should come Q9, at least according to Automotive News, to more directly rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. The Q9 has reportedly been designed with the US and Chinese markets in mind, and US dealers have reportedly been told it is coming. Not to be confused with the Q6, a massive three-row SUV based on the MQB platform that was revealed earlier this year – as well as the global Q6 e-tron, based on the Premium Platform Electric.
When this model was spied on testing, it was believed to be the long-rumored Q9, but it is closely related to the Volkswagen Atlas and has been developed exclusively for the Chinese market.
Despite its name, the Q6 is only millimeters longer than the Q7, which measures 5063mm in length. The BMW X7 is 5151mm long and the Mercedes-Benz GLS is 5219mm, while there are larger luxury brand SUVs such as the body-on-frame Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, and Lincoln Navigator. There is therefore room for Audi’s larger three-row SUV, leaving the Q7 to tackle the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
While not quite as standard as in the Q7, both the X5 and GLE can be specified with third-row seating but buyers looking for more space can step up to a larger SUV – something Audi buyers cannot currently do. The current second-generation Q7 entered production in 2015, and a facelift in 2020. It is currently available in Australia with a range of turbocharged six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, plus the twin-turbo petrol V8 in the flagship SQ7.
In other markets, it is also available with a turbocharged V6 plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is supported by the MLB Evo architecture, also used by the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg, as well as the e-tron and Audi Q8. Audi has run out of numbers for its SUVs at this point and has also been working on building a shadow electric SUV lineup.
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New Audi Q7 2024 Redesign
The light camouflage on the prototype does little to hide the allegedly focused styling changes to the front. The highlight is the new headlamps with a simpler shape that hugs the revised single frame grille. This, combined with the new LED graphics, makes the Q7 look even more similar to the Q8 and the e-tron SUVs. As well as an updated grille that swaps vertical slits with chrome trim for a more modern black trim pattern, the redesigned front bumper also features slimmer side air intakes, similar to those on the upcoming facelifted Q8.
The profile appears to be identical to the current model. Audi takes advantage of the simplicity of its original design despite being 8 years old. At the rear, the shape of the tailgate light unit and bumper appears to have been carried over from the first facelift (2019-present). As such, changes will likely be limited to redesigned trim elements and possibly a different design for the lower portion of the rear bumper.
It’s too early to have a conclusive description of the next-generation Q7 design, but illustrator Lars Saltzer’s spectacular rendering for Auto Bild has us excited. The renders (set as story feature images) borrow inspiration from the smaller all-electric Audi Q4 e-Tron but present a new design theme aggressively.
A wider octagonal single frame, sleeker and sharper-looking headlights with vertical extensions at the outer ends, tall side air inlets, and an edgy and bolder bumper give the SUV a very dashing and sophisticated look. This flashy look is a big change from the current face of the Q7, which barely reflects the power or style of 2022. The renders show a virtual mirror, but we don’t know yet if Audi plans to offer that feature on the ICE model.
2024 Audi Q7 Hybrid
The current Q7 is the first Audi model to be based on the second-generation modular longitudinal platform (MLB Evo platform) when it debuted in December 2014. For the third generation Q7, Audi is likely to optimize costs and continue the platform with upgrades.
The next-generation Q7 should be electrified across all variants, with a plug-in hybrid offering a practical EV range of over 50 miles (80 km) on the WLTP cycle.
While the BMW X5 xDrive45e already boasts of this – 55 miles (88 km), Q7 (Q7 60 TFSI e) customers are currently stuck with just 25 miles (40 km) of zero-emissions range (all range figures are WLTP).
The next-generation Audi Q7 engine must comply with the more stringent Euro 7 emission norms in Europe. Instead of developing the Euro 7 V8 engine for the most performance-focused variant, Audi engineers were able to refine the V6 engine with more power and torque.
CEO Markus Duesmann said that the company’s final internal combustion engine would be the best ever made, and this unit should find its way into Q7. Mid-range and basic variants may have V6 and inline-four engines with 48-volt mild hybrid technology.
The next-generation plug-in hybrid Q7 may get one of Audi’s last new internal combustion engines. Oliver Hoffmann, BoM member responsible for Technical Development, Audi, spoke about this engine at Audi’s Annual Media Conference on March 17, 2022. He said that the company’s updated engine won’t arrive before 2025. That means the next generation Q7, including the Q7 PHEV. the next generation may adopt new machines later during their life cycle.
Interior
Interior updates are also expected to be limited as the Q7’s first facelift has introduced a new layout. We suspect Audi may offer new trim options and update the technology with the latest software while adding more ADAS features and connectivity. Powertrain updates remain a mystery, though the revamped lineup will likely be focused on electrification, placing more emphasis on mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Spyshots
It’s not uncommon for automakers to give their vehicles a slight makeover several years after their introduction, a process commonly referred to as a ‘mid-cycle refresh’. Unlike other middle age activities, this one doesn’t involve buying a motorbike and finding a new partner; instead, the process generally involves small but tangible changes to parts such as lights, which can be easily changed without re-engineering the vehicle’s chassis.
This is the direction Audi has taken with the three-row Q7 until a new variant emerges in a few years. Our spy photographers captured this lightly camouflaged test vehicle in Germany, undergoing several validations on smooth paved urban roads where machines like the Q7 are typically found. The off-road that many vehicles of this ilk experience the most is the unpaved section in the far corner of a Costco parking lot, so this comes as no surprise.
Audi is a master of the ‘different lengths of sausage’ design school, meaning this updated Q7 will look a lot like its smaller Q5 sibling. And Q3 . And Q1, if it’s here. This isn’t a bad thing for customers who love German grit, especially with the newly sculpted headlights on the front of the new Q7. Adding a new LED mascara is a relatively simple way for automakers to change up the look of their rig, so expect a full look at that treatment here when the camouflage is removed.
At the rear we find a flap around the taillight, showing modified lighting markings in this area as well. Since this is a midcycle refresh, major changes won’t be made to the shape of the hatch, the panel which houses the Q7’s taillights. The bulb for the reverse light appears to have remained in the rear bumper, where it would have been good and expensive to replace even with a minor fender dent. There are no changes to side items such as the fuel filler neck, but the camouflage suggests some differences the lower cladding trim may have in the near future. While not visible here, minor changes to interior technology may also be on the way.
The massive Audi Q7 isn’t the best-selling brand in Canada; that crown belongs to the Q3 and Q5, which account for more than half of Audi’s volume in the country. Still, the market demands a three-row vehicle for those who want it – and you can be sure that Audi is enjoying that stellar advantage. Look for the updated Q7 later this year.
Prototype
Audi has been seen testing prototypes for the updated Q7, and testers appear to be in the final stages of development.
The current Q7, the second generation of the nameplate, arrived for the 2017 model year and was given its first update for 2020. Normally a prototype for a redesigned model would appear around this time, but Audi plans to move on to the full version. this decade’s electric lineup makes sense for automakers to keep updating current internal combustion models until electric successors arrive.
The updated three-row SUV is expected to arrive later this year or early next year, possibly as a 2024 model. Its arrival should coincide with the updated Q8, a prototype of which is also being tested. Both SUVs are expected to adopt the design features introduced in the recently revealed 2023 E-Tron Q8, the latest version of the E-Tron electric SUV.
The updated Q7 prototype features new fascias at both ends and front intakes in a similar design to the Q8 E-Tron. The grille is also new, as are the lights at both ends.
Adjustments also had to be made to the cabin, which, like the Q8 E-Tron’s cabin, should feature new trim materials, including increased use of recycled materials in some areas.
Engine
It’s unclear what updates, if any, will be applied to the mechanics. The Q7 is currently offered with 248-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 and 335-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 options, plus the 500-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 reserved for the SQ7 variant.
2024 Audi Q7 Release Date
The next generation Audi Q7 is expected in 2024. However, according to the Automotive News report published on August 08, 2022, Audi has set the release of the all-new Q7 in 2025. Audi has found no current plug-in hybrid variant of the Q7 suitable for the US, even when it could qualify for the Qualifying Plug-In Electric Driven Motor Vehicle Credit scheme.
Now, with Clean Vehicle Credit having replaced the old scheme and requiring localization of the PHEV as well as its battery, it is highly unlikely that the next-generation plug-in hybrid Q7 will make its way to the US as well. While the Q7 will continue as an ICE model in the next generation, its SUV-coupe cousin, the Audi Q8, will be electric. Production of the all-new Audi Q8 e-tron will take place in Brussels, Belgium, starting in 2026.
Another side the updated Audi Q7 is expected to debut in 2024, possibly alongside the mechanically linked facelifted Q8. Audi has confirmed it will unveil its final ICE-powered model in 2026, before becoming a dedicated electric vehicle brand in 2033.
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2024 Audi Q7 Price
We estimate for one 2024 Audi MSRP: From $60,200
People also ask Audi Q7 2024
Q: Did Audi discontinue the Q7?
A: Audi’s flagship three-row SUV, the Audi Q7, was discontinued in the Indian market since the BS6 norm came into effect in April 2020.
Q: Which is better Q7 or Q8?
A: If you are looking for extra cargo space plus more seating, the larger three-row Q7 2022 is the right choice for you. If a more compact two-row SUV gets you up to speed more, step into the Q8 2022.
Q: When did the Q7 get redesigned?
A: Key features in 2017: Redesigned for 2017 after skipping 2016. Standard supercharged V-6. All-wheel drive.
Q: How many miles will an Audi Q7 last?
A: The Audi Q7 can last between 150,000 – 200,000 miles on average when properly maintained and driven conservatively. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, the Q7 must provide 10 – 13 years of service before requiring repairs or an uneconomical strike.
