Video (preview)

MORE SEVENTH HEAVEN? (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

In third generation form, Audi's Q7 large seven-seat SUV serves up a familiar but potentially even more desirable package. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 54

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.

Backgroundword count: 146

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 Specword count: 291

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.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227