Audi has not said if it plans to expand the Q7’s engine offering. The outgoing car came with a broad mix of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains in addition to diesel – including a 500bhp twin-turbo petrol V8 in performance-oriented SQ7 guise, which has not yet been confirmed for a revival.
The Q7’s dashboard is dominated by the same full-width infotainment suite that’s fitted to other recent Audi models – equipped with an in-built ‘self-learning’ voice assistant that can control key functions and uses ChatGPT to answer questions on the move.
It’s the centrepiece of a cockpit that majors on technology and personalisation. Highlights include electrically adjustable air vents, cooled magnetic charging pads, an opacifying panoramic roof, a 4D sound system with headrest speakers and in-seat actuators, and a raft of bespoke colour and trim options.
For the first time, the Q7 is available with five, six or seven seats – all electrically adjustable – though Audi has yet to confirm if all configurations will be offered in the UK. Boot space is pegged at up to 670 litres with the third row stowed, expanding to a huge 2075 litres with the middle row folded as well.
The Q7 rides on steel springs as standard but optionally offers two types of air suspension: there’s a conventional adaptive set-up with electronically controlled dampers, and at the top of the range a ‘sport’ system that lowers the ride height by 30mm and stiffens up the chassis for improved agility. Both come in combination with all-wheel steering, which shrinks the low-speed turning circle and boosts stability at higher speeds.
Precise details of which versions will come to the UK, and how much they’ll cost, will be revealed next month.