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June 15, 2026
Audi's premium SUV, the Q7, evolves into its third generation.
Audi Q7 | The Audi Q7
Audi has unveiled the third generation of its premium SUV, the Q7, which has undergone a full model change in its home market of Germany.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Selectable Seating Capacity to Suit User Needs
The Q7, which has established its presence as a premium large SUV since its debut in 2005, has now evolved into its third generation.
The development aimed to create a versatile partner for all scenarios, from business occasions and relaxed weekend getaways to long-distance road trips. The seats can now be selected from 5-seater, 6-seater, or 7-seater configurations.
The standard configuration is a 5-seater, but a 7-seater option is available, which can accommodate up to three child seats.
Another highlight is the adoption of a large, illuminated panoramic glass roof with adjustable transparency.
Storage spaces have been integrated into the doors and the new center console, enhancing everyday practicality. With the second-row seats folded down, the trunk capacity can reach up to 2075 liters in the 5-seater configuration.
The exterior features a high shoulder line and Audi's signature Singleframe grille, exuding the presence befitting a premium large SUV.
Optional lighting includes digital matrix LED headlights with micro-LED technology. These lights not only improve visibility for the driver but also serve as driver assistance functions, providing lane guidance and early signaling to other road users about lane changes and turns.
At the rear, the third-generation digital OLEDs with communication lights and active digital light signatures have been added, along with a new feature: door projection lights.
The powertrain options include two 3.0-liter V6 diesel engines, delivering either a maximum output of 220 kW (299 PS) and 630 Nm of torque, or 180 kW (245 PS) and 500 Nm of torque. Both are equipped with the mild-hybrid system "MHEV plus technology," providing an additional boost of up to 18 kW (24 PS) to support the drivetrain.
The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, paired with a full-time all-wheel-drive system "quattro" featuring a newly developed center differential with a preload mechanism.
Audi states that selecting the top-tier classic quattro option provides not only high traction and agile steering response but also a more dynamic yet stable driving feel.
The suspension comes standard with steel springs. Optional upgrades include adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport with damping control.
The new Q7, like its second-generation predecessor, is produced in Slovakia. Orders have begun in Germany, but the introduction timeline for Japan has not yet been determined.
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Learn More About the Audi Q7
Q. What is the significance of the Q7 for Audi?
Since its debut in 2005, the Q7 has established itself as a premium large SUV that balances performance on all road surfaces with high everyday practicality. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG, stated at the new model's announcement, "It has embodied the perfect premium SUV for over 20 years." It serves as a core model for the brand, a versatile all-rounder suitable for business, family, and leisure.
Q. How do the lighting features function as driver assistance?
In the new Q7, the front digital matrix LED headlights integrate functions such as lane guidance and orientation lights, visually connecting information from assistance systems with the surrounding environment and displaying it directly in the driver's field of vision. At the rear, dynamic turn signals are projected onto the road, synchronized with the front and rear dynamic turn signals, to alert other road users, such as cyclists, to lane changes and turns.
Q. Are there any new features or specifications introduced in the new Q7?
For the first time, the second-row seats, previously only available as a 5-seater, can now be optioned with two individual seats. Combined with the two seats in the third row, this creates a 6-seater configuration, enhancing the sense of business class and comfort for long journeys. Additionally, door projection lights have been added as a new feature; when the passenger door is opened, a white diamond-shaped light is projected onto the ground, welcoming occupants and illuminating the path to the vehicle.