New Audi Q7 revealed: seven-seat SUV places new focus on interior quality

On sale September Price from £77,000 (est)

Marvel Studios once reigned supreme at the box office, releasing hit after hero-driven hit. But while it was the R8 supercar that starred in some of those films as Tony Stark’s conveyance of choice, it’s the Audi Q7 that has more in common with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having dominated our premium SUV category for many years, before falling away from the top spot. And in the coming months, both Marvel and the Q7 will return, hoping to repeat past glories.

Sitting on updated rather than all-new underpinnings, this third-generation Q7 is similar in size to the outgoing model (at just over five metres long). However, a more angular shape and large alloy wheels (with a diameter of up to 23in) make it a more imposing sight as it renews its battle with the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE.

The new Q7’s headlights are very clever. Not only can they shape their beams around oncoming cars to stop you from dazzling other drivers, but they can project warning symbols onto the road ahead to warn you about hazards. Plus, when you indicate, an arrow is projected onto the road to help other drivers know what you’re about to do.

Inside, the new Q7 is bathed in light, largely thanks to a panoramic glass roof. This can be darkened electronically in nine segments, meaning you can enjoy the sunshine in the front, for example, while your children remain shaded in the back seats.

As an option, the roof can be specified with 84 LEDs that sync up with the rest of the car’s lighting to set the mood. And when you park up, the roof automatically turns opaque so that no one can see into your car.

If you specify the optional 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, the ambient lighting and actuators in the seats can sync up to your music to provide a more immersive ‘4D’ experience. What’s more, small speakers in the front head restraints allow you to take phone calls without disturbing your passengers.

While interior quality was always a highlight of the existing Q7, it’s even more of a focus this time. That’s why you won’t see as much shiny black plastic trim as before. While this had showroom appeal, it was susceptible to dirt and smudges and didn’t stay looking good for long. 

In the new model, buyers can specify materials such as alpaca fibre and leather on many of the surfaces, as well as classy-looking wood trim, for a more premium feel. Having sat inside the new Q7, we’d say it represents a significant step up in quality compared with the existing car.

Alongside a digital instrument panel in front of the driver, there’s a central OLED infotainment touchscreen and, optionally, a third screen for the front passenger to use. They can watch content from streaming service apps or their phone.

As standard, the new Q7 comes with five seats, but you can optionally specify a six or seven-seat layout. While some other upmarket seven-seat SUVs – such as the BMW X7 – offer more space in the third row, the Q7’s rearmost seats will be fine for smaller adults or children. Both third-row seats have Isofix points for mounting child car seats, unlike those of the X5 (where fitted) and Volvo XC90.

With up to 670 litres of boot space in five-seat mode, the new Q7 should have enough room for your holiday suitcases, although it’s worth noting that the load bay is actually slightly smaller than the outgoing Q7’s.

The boot features a clever way to organise your load, with a rail-mounted partition system that allows you to place smaller bags and cargo at the sides, leaving the central floor area clear for bulkier cargo.

The engine line-up has been slimmed down, with the existing petrol V6 being dropped. That leaves a choice of two 3.0-litre diesels at first, with a plug-in hybrid to follow. 

The 241bhp and 295bhp diesels are slightly more powerful than before, and mild hybrid electrical assistance enables the Q7 to travel on battery power alone for short distances.

You can equip your Q7 with air suspension and four-wheel steering. The outgoing model, on air suspension, offered a wonderfully plush ride, and we’d expect the new one to follow suit. The four-wheel steering promises to assist with agility through corners and manoeuvrability at low speeds.

Prices are expected to start at around £77,000. That’s a small increase over today’s model and would mean the Q7 is more expensive than the Land Rover Defender 110 and XC90 and roughly in line with the X5. However, it would be quite a bit cheaper than the even bigger X7.

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