Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 5dr Tiptronic

Ten Second Review

Audi's third generation Q7 will appeal to previous customers of this model line but relies on evolutionary upgrades to secure interest from elsewhere. Fortunately for Ingolstadt, there's not much in the segment that's quite like it if you want a premium large powerful SUV that can properly sit seven and make the appropriate statement.

Background

Is there still a future for one of Middle England's favourite premium large SUV family conveyances? Audi is going to find out with this, the third generation Q7. Back in 2007 when the original first generation Q7 was launched, well-heeled family customers tended to choose either this Audi or its Volvo XC90 arch rival if they needed a big seven-seat SUV and wanted something less utilitarian than a Land Rover Discovery. The Q7 made more of a statement, but was rather out of step with the increasingly eco-conscious times. And remained so even when Ingolstadt launched a second generation version in 2015, which was subsequently updated in 2019 and 2024. At first glance, it seems we've more of the same from this third generation design, announced in the summer of 2026, though its Premium Platform Combustion architecture is now completely different. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Spec

We've had plenty of different Q7 powertrains over the years, including Plug-in Hybrids (as we'll also see here). But this Audi has always been most at home and most popular with a big 3.0-litre TDI diesel V6 beneath the bonnet - and it's in that form that this MK3 model was originally introduced. If the thought of that sends an environmental shudder through your cheque-book, then you need to know that this particular V6 TDI is a completely new generation powerplant; a 48V mild hybrid as you might expect, but this one with an added powertrain generator and an electric compressor. It uses a motor (rather than exhaust gases) to spin the turbo, which can consequently reach 90,000rpm in just 250 milliseconds. This explains why even though this engine is only slightly more powerful than the previous generation unit, this MK3 Q7 TDI will feel significantly more rapid. Particularly if, like most customers, you upgrade from the standard 245PS version of this unit to the faster 299PS variant. There is up to 630Nm of torque. On its own, the mild hybrid system's 48V generator delivers 24PS, assisting under hard acceleration and allowing engine-off running over short distances at low speeds. As before, the quattro 4WD system is paired with 8-speed auto transmission. Suspension is by steel springs, but customers can upgrade to adaptive air suspension. Two types of that set-up are available; a conventional one with electronically-controlled dampers. Or a 'Sport' system that can lower the ride height by 30mm and stiffen the chassis. If the latter set-up is of interest, you'll probably also want to add in the now-available limited-slip differential for better cornering agility. There's also now rear wheel steering for more stable high-speed turning and tighter low-speed manoeuvrability.

Design and Build

Any thoughts that Audi might seek to soften the imposing visual impact of this third generation Q7 are dispelled immediately you set eyes on the thing. Quite the opposite in fact. Ingolstadt uses words like 'striking' and 'confident' and says that the aim was to create 'a commanding silhouette'. You're certainly buying a lot of West German metal, with 5,056mm of length, 2,010mm of width and 1,800mm of height. The two-box design remains boxy at the rear, which is critical in providing the kind of third row space that the equivalent Mercedes and BMW offerings in this sector (the GLE and the X5) still haven't been shaped to deliver. There's even more front end overtaking presence this time round, with a squarer, taller bonnet and subtle illumination for the huge Singleframe grille with light shining indirectly out of the honeycomb segments. This appendage is flanked by hidden LED headlights; but you're more likely to notice the super-slim customisable daytime running light units above with their pixelated LEDs. Wheel sizes are predictably big, with alloys ranging from 20 to 23-inches. Inside, it's very high-tech, but also quite conventional compared to the ritzy avant-garde dashboards of the latest versions of BMW's X5 and the Mercedes GLE. Audi has carried forward the digital dashboard design we've seen on its recent models. This incorporates a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, both incorporated beneath a single pane of glass that curves gently towards the driver, with indirect lighting creating a 'floating' effect. To suit the current trend, there's also an additional (slightly pointless) separate 12.3-inch passenger-side screen. Nothing very unusual there, but Audi hopes you'll be impressed by the electrically-adjustable air vents, the opacifying panoramic glass roof; the 4D sound system with headrest speakers and in-seat actuators; and the cooled magnetic 'phone charging pads. Lots of thought has been put into the detail touches too, like the steering wheel's leather-stitched airbag, and cupholders big enough to accommodate enormous Stanley drinks bottles. All the cabin materials used are very high end and there are lots of bespoke colour and material options. As for tech, well the infotainment suite includes an in-built self-learning voice assistant that controls key functions and uses Chat GPT to answer your questions as you drive. As before, the second row seats recline and slide. And, also as before, the size of the transmission tunnel can make fitting a middle-seated adult in the middle row a little awkward. USB-C charging ports are built into the backs of the front seats. To access the third row, the middle seats fold down and slide forward electronically, which can also be done via the centre touchscreen. The middle row seats have been designed so child seats don't stop them from moving. These rear-most pews are still not really intended for those above school-age, but they're certainly more adult-friendly than the chairs in the very back of a rival Mercedes GLE. And they can be heated. Obviously there won't be much luggage space with all three seating rows in use, but with the third row folded there's up to 581-litres of space, which you can extend to 722-litres with the middle road chairs slid all the way forward. With the second and third row seats folded, there's up to 1,980-litres of space.

Market and Model

Pricing starts from around £82,000. Which is similar to the cost of the previous generation model and comparable to what you pay for less practical premium segment rivals like the Mercedes GLE and the BMW X5. there's a choice of three trim levels - 'S line', 'Edition 1' and top 'Vorsprung'. If you're looking at the volume 'S line' version, as most customers will be, there are some key options you'll probably want to consider. One is the 22-speaker 1,360-watt Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system with its headrest speakers and innovative front seat actuators. The other is a large panoramic sunroof, which can be switched from transparent to opaque in nine segments. When the Q7 is parked, the roof automatically turns opaque to prevent people looking in from outside. When the car is started again, the most recent setting is restored. Neat. Top-spec models benefit from third-generation digital OLED rear lights; plus you'll want to consider the option of adaptive air suspension. And if you want to make a pavement statement, then you'll be adding in the huge optional 23-inch wheel rims. Added or improved safety features include Emergency Assist - which slows and moves the car automatically onto the side of the road in the event of the driver being taken ill; and a dual mode Lane Departure Warning system with a 'reduced' setting so that it's not so intrusive. Trained parking allows customers to teach the Q7 individual parking manoeuvres. If a carport or garage is difficult to access, this Audi only needs to be trained once and will then handle parking on its own, provided the driver is present to supervise. The same applies to exiting a parking space. The Q7 can remember up to five parking manoeuvres, up to 200 metres in length.

Cost of Ownership

Obviously, the idea of adding in the brand's upgraded 'MHEV plus' 48V mild hybrid tech to the diesel engine is in pursuit of improved efficiency. Audi claims the set-up will deliver up to 5mpg better than the previous model. Expect up to 35.8mpg from both versions of the 3.0 TDI on the combined cycle, with up to around 185g/km of CO2. The 'MHEV plus' architecture is based on three core components: the belt alternator starter, the powertrain generator - which has been refined for this MK3 Q7 - and the lithium iron phosphate battery. It not only enhances performance and the driving experience but also reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The powertrain generator enables short periods of partially electric driving, such as when manoeuvring, parking, or driving in city traffic, and supports starting off and overtaking with up to 24PS of power and 370Nm of torque. The air conditioning system can be operated when the vehicle is stopped at traffic lights and the combustion engine is switched off. With the integrated and blending-capable brake control system, the brake pedal and the brake hydraulics can be completely decoupled. When the Q7 slows, this achieves the necessary deceleration without using the friction brakes thanks to regenerative braking. This means that deceleration is initially achieved solely by recuperation. The friction brakes only kick in when the brake pedal is pressed harder. It's also worth mentioning that customers can now choose to fill up their new diesel Q7 with HVO fuel. HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) is produced from residual and waste materials such as used cooking oil and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70 to 95% compared with petroleum-derived diesel. It can be used as an admixture or as pure fuel.

Summary

There was no particular pressure on Audi to reinvent the third generation version of this Q7. After all, when it comes to producing a relatively accessibly-priced large premium SUV that can properly suit three rows of people, Mercedes and BMW still can't produce anything quite same. And closer, more practical segment rivals like the Volvo XC90 and the Land Rover Discovery are now nearly a decade old. Playing it safe with this MK3 Q7 means that Audi is unlikely here to reach much further beyond this model line's core customer base, but those folk will probably like this more imposing, tech-heavy third generation design very much indeed. It makes a striking statement. Whether the right one is up to you to decide.