Audi Q7

Model Overview

The Audi Q7 is the German marque's flagship mid-to-large luxury SUV. Since the arrival of its first generation in 2005, it has evolved over three generations, consistently serving as the technological benchmark of the Audi SUV lineup. In the domestic market, the Q7 is offered as a fully imported (CBU) model. On 19 May 2026, the 2026 Audi Q7 was officially launched as an annual minor facelift, introducing five variants with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM609,800 to RM804,800. On 9 June 2026, after an 11-year gap, the all-new third-generation Audi Q7 (built on the PPC platform) made its global debut with a starting price of €87,900 in Germany (approximately RM700,000), with order books opening in June and customer deliveries slated for September. The all-new Q7 is positioned as a 'sub-flagship' within Audi's ICE-powered SUV hierarchy, paving the way for the upcoming, larger Audi Q9 to assume the ultimate flagship mantle.

Design Language

The 2026 minor facelift model retains the current Q-family octagonal grille with a honeycomb mesh insert, featuring Matrix LED headlights as standard, while range-topping variants gain laser headlamps.

Meanwhile, the all-new third-generation Q7 undergoes a comprehensive visual transformation. The front fascia adopts a redesigned octagonal Singleframe grille—slightly more compact than before with sharper contours and embedded illuminated elements. The new model introduces a split-headlamp layout—featuring slim daytime running lights (DRLs) positioned up top, with the main lighting clusters positioned below and integrated into the air intakes to visually broaden the front profile. Along the sides, it retains the high shoulder line and flared wheel arches, though the previous sharp, full-length crease makes way for smoother surfaces that exude a cleaner, muscular stance. The D-pillar is set more upright, liberating better headroom for third-row occupants. The rear end is defined by full-width OLED taillights and an illuminated four-ring emblem, paired with a segmented roof spoiler and dual exhaust finishers. In terms of dimensions, the all-new Q7 measures 5,056 mm (or 5,060 mm) long, 2,010 mm wide, and 1,800 mm tall, with a 3,000 mm wheelbase. It is available in 5-, 6-, and 7-seater configurations, marking the first time in the model's history that a 6-seater version is offered, complete with individual second-row captain seats. 20-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with optional rim choices ranging from 21-inch (3 designs) and 22-inch (4 designs) up to 23-inch units.

Inside, the all-new Q7 is equipped with Audi's latest Digital Stage system, featuring a curved dual-screen OLED setup comprising an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment display. A 10.9-inch front passenger display with dynamic active privacy mode comes standard across the range. Physical buttons have been largely stripped from the centre console, while the gear selector transitions to a steering column-mounted stalk. A new continuous dynamic interaction light strip runs across the dashboard, enabling human-machine interaction and welcome lighting sequences. The cabin is extensively trimmed in genuine leather alongside real wood and metallic accents, creating a flagship-grade luxury ambiance.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2026 minor facelift model carries over the proven powertrain options:

• 45 TFSI: Powered by a fourth-generation EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265 hp and 370 Nm of torque. It completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption rating of 9.6 L/100 km.

• 55 TFSI: Powered by an EA839 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, developing 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.9 seconds.

Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and Audi's quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system as standard.

In Europe, the all-new third-generation Q7 debuts with a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine paired with a MHEV plus mild-hybrid system, available in two states of tune: a low-output version (245 hp / 500 Nm) and a high-output version (299 hp / 630 Nm). The 48V system can briefly supply an additional 18 kW of power boost. A 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol unit (429 hp) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants will be introduced at a later stage.

Chassis and Handling

The 2026 minor facelift model rides on the MLB Evo platform, featuring adaptive air suspension and front and rear five-link independent suspension as standard, underpinned by a quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with a purely mechanical Torsen centre differential.

The all-new third-generation Q7 transitions to the PPC (Premium Platform Combustion) architecture co-developed by Audi and Porsche. It retains the front and rear five-link independent suspension setup and comes standard with adaptive air suspension across the range (now with an exit assist function that automatically lowers the ride height by 62 mm when parked for easier ingress and egress), alongside optional active rear-wheel steering (providing up to 5 degrees of rear-wheel angle to reduce the turning circle by roughly 1.2 metres). Six-piston brake calipers come standard across the range, finished in grey as standard with red calipers available as an option. The upgraded quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system adopts a pre-tensioned limited-slip centre differential for faster torque distribution.

Cabin and Features

The interior of the 2026 minor facelift model retains the familiar cabin layout, with supple leather upholstery and a digital cockpit combination that balances cutting-edge tech with premium luxury.

The all-new third-generation Q7 takes this several notches higher:

• Display Setup: 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster + 14.5-inch curved OLED MMI centre touchscreen + standard 10.9-inch front passenger display

• Infotainment: All-new MMI intelligent operating system, supporting app store downloads and an AI voice assistant

• Audio System: Optional 1,360-watt Bang & Olufsen 22-speaker 4D sound system featuring 4D bass exciters integrated into the front seats

• Sunroof: Panoramic glass roof with nine-segment switchable opacity and 78 integrated LED ambient lights

• Seating: Front sport contour seats with multi-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation; second-row individual captain seats (6-seater variant) with fore-and-aft sliding functionality

• Boot Space: 5-seater version offers 806 litres of standard boot capacity, expandable to 2,075 litres; 7-seater version provides 722 litres, expanding to 1,980 litres

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 minor facelift model adds Traffic Sign Recognition and Park Assist as standard (except on the entry-level Black Edition).

The all-new third-generation Q7 makes a major leap forward in driver assistance technologies:

• Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) standard across the board, encompassing full-speed Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centring Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and more

• New Emergency Assist: If the system detects prolonged driver inactivity, it keeps the vehicle in its lane, gradually brings it to a halt, and activates hazard warning lights, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and braking alerts

• Enhanced Park Assist: Capable of memorising up to 5 automated parking manoeuvres over 200 metres, alongside a 50-metre reverse assist function

• Standard Exit Warning, Trailer Stability Control, dual-mode Lane Departure Warning, and more

In terms of lighting technology, the all-new Q7 features micro-LED digital Matrix LED headlights and third-generation digital OLED taillights (composed of 436 individual light segments); the front and rear clusters offer 8 digital light signatures with adaptive illumination and interactive functions. It also debuts an advanced turn indicator system that projects dynamic turn signals onto the road surface.

Market Performance and Reception

The Audi Q7 faces fierce competition in the Chinese market. In August 2025, monthly sales stood at just 851 units, compared to 2,388 units recorded by the Mercedes-Benz GLE over the same period; November 2025 sales tallied 789 units. Full-year global deliveries for 2025 stood at around 58,000 units, reflecting a slight year-on-year dip of 1.2%. To remain competitive, dealership discounts have widened considerably—with on-the-road prices for the entry-level 2.0T 45 TFSI variant dropping below RM500,000 in certain regions.

Motoring media reviews highlight that the current Q7's core strengths remain the mechanical dependability of its quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the linear power delivery of its V6 engine, and the plush ride quality delivered by standard adaptive air suspension. The all-new third-generation Q7 substantially elevates its competitive edge with its new PPC platform, split-headlight styling, digital lighting tech, 6-seater captain-chair layout, and Level 2+ ADAS suite. However, facing the formidable presence of the locally assembled BMW X5 (which achieved 236,000 global sales in 2025—roughly four times that of the Q7) alongside the rapid rise of domestic premium new energy SUVs like the Li Auto L9, the Q7's market standing is under serious test. Whether this comprehensive reinvention can spark a sales resurgence remains to be seen once it is officially launched domestically in late 2026.