2024 Audi Q7

Overview

Audi’s family SUV, the 2024 Q7, takes everything we like about the A6 sedan and drops it in a taller, three-row package. The Q7 even drives like a sports sedan, especially models equipped with the adaptive air suspension and rear-wheel steering system. A 261-hp turbocharged four powers models wearing the 45 tag, but buy one with the 55 badge and you’ll get a 335-hp turbocharged V-6. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are standard with both powerplants, but only the V-6 can tow up to 7000 pounds. Inside, you’ll find a premium interior that’s roomy for first- and second-row passengers (the third row is only suitable for kids) and plenty of infotainment features to keep you connected to the digital world. Although it’s showing its age a bit, we think the Q7’s lithe handling and attractive design keep it in contention with its chief rivals, which include the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90.

What’s New for 2024?

Like several other Audi models, the Q7 receives adaptive cruise control as standard for 2024. Elsewhere, the Q7 gains a remote-start feature, but it’s accessed not via the key fob but through a smartphone app. The optional Executive package on Premium Plus trims now includes a traffic-sign recognition feature. Premium Plus trims also receive a new configurable ambient interior lighting system as standard. The top-of-the-line Prestige 55 can be ordered with a new S Line Sport package, which decks out the Q7’s exterior with a sportier look that includes unique 21- or 22-inch wheels, red brake calipers, black trim, and sport seats with diamond-stitched leather upholstery. The package also adds a rear-wheel steering system and an adaptive air suspension.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45

$60,695

$64,495

Premium 55

$66,495

Premium Plus 55

$66,495

Prestige 55

$76,295

We think the 45’s turbo-four powertrain is more than sufficient, and we’d pair it with the Premium Plus trim level. Moving from the base Premium up to Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround-sound stereo system, a wireless phone-charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated doorsill inlays. We’d also spring for the Executive package, which adds, among other things, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system is standard and should satisfy all but the most discerning drivers. Those seeking to maximize power will be more interested in the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system and makes 335 horsepower. When we tested a 2020 Q7 with the turbo V-6, we recorded a brisk 5.0-second time to 60 mph, which was slightly quicker than what we saw with the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV. Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon. The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings for the V-6–powered model are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo four-cylinder model is more efficient with ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. When we are able to test-drive a 2024 Q7, we’ll put its efficiency to the test in our 75-mph highway fuel economy test. We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return results similar to those of the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway route. For more information about the Q7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the cabin is a special place. Beautiful materials and design highlight the Q7’s interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability. Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the abundance of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels. As with most three-row SUVs, there isn’t a ton of cargo space in the Audi’s cargo area when all its seats are in use. But its available space is comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the middle row’s somewhat clumsy operation. With all seats stowed, the Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-incher located below that to control climate and adjust vehicle settings. You may find the system delightful or devilish, depending on whether you enjoy using touchscreens while driving (our staff is split). Audi has added this new infotainment system across its lineup; it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans as well as in the Q8 SUV. All Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo. For more information about the Q7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Q7 carries solid warranty coverage comparable with its peers, although the Acura MDX and the Lexus GX both offer slightly better powertrain coverage.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenanceArrow pointing downArrow pointing down

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$71,990 (base price: $64,795)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

183 in3, 2995 cm3

Power

335 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc

Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 285/40R-21 109H AO

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 117.9 in

Length: 199.3 in

Width: 77.6 in

Height: 68.5 in

Passenger volume: 138 ft3

Cargo volume: 15 ft3

Curb weight: 5003 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec

60 mph: 5.0 sec

100 mph: 13.5 sec

120 mph: 21.1 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec

¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph

Top speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 14 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 18/17/21 mpg

More Features and Specs