MUNICH, GERMANY—Audi has been having a bit of an SUV renaissance lately. Over the past 18 months, he’s released something new electrical Q6 and replaced it medium size Q5and later this summer we will see Q9a full-size leviathan with an Escalade in its sights. But today it’s the turn of the all-new Q7 and the North American-only SQ7, both of which go on sale later this year for 2027.
The standard Q7 will come to the US with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 429 hp (320 kW) and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm). Meanwhile, the SQ7 gets a 591 hp (441 kW), 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) V8 as found under the hood. RS7. However, as far as we know, there is no plug-in hybrid version.
Both models use an eight-speed automatic transmission (ZF’s versatile 8HP) and all-wheel drive. Audi says these are the fastest Q7s and SQ7s it’s ever produced, and it also says they should handle better. Standard Q7s will ride on steel springs or can opt for the adaptive air suspension standard on the SQ7 – which gets an additional third mode that lowers the car by more than an inch (30 mm).
The body of the new Q7 has more curves and fine lines than before.
Audi
The body of the new Q7 has more curves and fine lines than before.
Audi
The D-pillar is taller than before.
Audi
The D-pillar is taller than before.
Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, probably thanks to our lax emissions laws.
Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, probably thanks to our lax emissions laws.
Audi
The D-pillar is taller than before.
Audi
The US gets a powerful SQ7, probably thanks to our lax emissions laws.
Audi
The SQ7’s grille lights up.
Audi
Rear OLED taillights on the SQ7 are also an option on the Q7.
Audi
Last month we wrote about Digital matrix LED headlights that Audi has finally approved for use on US roads with the Q9. Since the Q9 and Q7 share quite a bit, the same 25,600-pixel headlights are mounted in three smaller rows, as well as OLED taillights that can display hazard signs. US-specific Q7s will only do so when parked, unlike in Europe where the feature can send alerts to other road users while in motion.
However, the US Q7s will get another advanced new lighting feature. If equipped with dynamic turn signals, the car can also project turn signals onto the road surface at night to better alert other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists (as seen in the image).
