Audi has released the first teaser for the third-gen Q7 luxury SUV. The new Audi Q7 is set to be unveiled in full this month as a replacement for the ageing second-gen ‘4M’ model, which has been around globally since 2015. However, the next-gen Q7 won’t be Audi’s flagship SUV any longer – that moniker will be bestowed upon the upcoming Q9.
- New Q7 likely to be larger and get split headlamps, rear light bar
- Interior may include triple-screen setup, panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting
- Expected to use PPC architecture; mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains likely
Next-gen Audi Q7: What to expect
Exterior design
Previously spotted test mules of the next-gen Audi Q7 indicate that the three-row luxury SUV will adopt a design language similar to that of the new Q3. Up front, the new Q7 is likely to get split LED headlamps and Audi’s signature large grille, with a wide honeycomb-patterned air dam below.
The teaser provided by Audi shows off a portion of the side profile, specifically an ‘S-Line’ badge on the front fender, an outside rearview mirror (ORVM) with a camera and indicator, and a conventional pull-type door handle as opposed to the retractable ones on the test mule. Expect new alloy wheel designs and an overall increase in size for the next-gen Q7, too. At the back, the SUV is likely to feature an LED light bar and a roof spoiler.
Interior and features
Inside, the next-gen Q7 is expected to be packed with tech. Similar to the Q9, the third-gen Q7’s dashboard could house a triple-screen setup and a new steering wheel, along with overhauled upholstery and trim options.
Notable creature comforts may include ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, an ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) suite, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and powered, ventilated and massaging seats, to name a few. As for seating layout, the next-gen Q7 is expected to offer 6-seat and 7-seat options – the former could get captain chairs for the second row.
Platform and powertrain
The next-gen Audi Q7 is expected to be underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. Expect the third-gen Q7 to offer 48V mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines in overseas markets, as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains. As with the current Q7, Audi’s Quattro AWD system will likely be a standard feature for the third-gen model.
Dhruv Dhaka
Glenn Noronha
