Featured Audi announces third generation of the Q7

Audi will unveil the third generation of the Q7 in summer 2026. The SUV builds on more than 20 years of success, combining versatility, confidence, and premium status.

Since it was launched in 2005, the Audi Q7 has become a fixture of the SUV segment. Audi is now refining the successful SUV: the new generation impresses with its sporty, powerful design, a highly versatile interior, first-class materials, user-centric technologies, and a wide spectrum of driving characteristics, from comfortable to dynamic.

First glimpse of the all-new Audi Q7
With the Q7, Audi is continuing its model initiative. The third generation joins the first-ever Audi Q9, which will top the lineup when it makes its world debut at the start of the second half of the year. A close-up offers a first glimpse of the all-new Audi Q7.

read on

Audi MediaCenter

 

[Gor134]

So for the US market, the base Q7 has the old RS5/S6 motor making about 430 hp and the SQ7 has the old RS6 4.0 making 600 hp… and no one has seemed to notice that yet?

What's the issue here? The old base V6 was making 335hp and had worse performance than the supercharged V6 it replaced. It's nice to have competitive base powertrains now.

 

[Gor134]

Same seat configuration, similar models and good entry level models with diesels and no air suspension.

Q7 has had optional air suspension since the first generation model.

6-seat configuration is new for the first time for the US which is huge.. should've been around sooner.

 

[empower77]

What's the issue here? The old base V6 was making 335hp and had worse performance than the supercharged V6 it replaced. It's nice to have competitive base powertrains now.

No issue at all. In fact I love that in 2026, Audi has come out swinging at least in the power train dept.

 

[Tuffode]

The new Q7 appears IMHO to represent a transitional design. A bridge of sorts between the former Marc Lichte supervised design era and the incoming Massimo Frascella "Radical Next" future design paradigm. Somewhat smoother surfacing than exclusively Lichte+team exercises, not quite as razor precise, rigidly minimalistic as "Radical Next" presented in the form of the Concept C and Nuvolari.

Pretty sure this is basically 100% Lichte other than maybe color and trim (the exterior blue and that light colored wood trim are the only things nice about the car so makes sense).

I really hate to hate on someones look, but the fact that Lichte decides to rock that hairstyle really explains many of the recent Audi decisions.

 

[Centurion]

6-seat configuration is new for the first time for the US which is huge.. should've been around sooner.

Tragic that the main difference between the q7 and q9 will be slightly roomier third row.

 

[Gor134]

Tragic that the main difference between the q7 and q9 will be slightly roomier third row.

And powertrain options and styling. Though they'll appear similar I think Q9 is getting an even bigger grille, raised roofrails, and I read something about a 780hp PHEV SQ9?

 

[Esp5]

Tragic that the main difference between the q7 and q9 will be slightly roomier third row.

We'll soon see for sure. The Q9, presented in disguise, appears quite similar to this Q7 at first glance—a lazy approach that exemplifies Audi's design failures in recent years and its lack of investment in design R&D.

 

[jphcbpa]

And powertrain options and styling. Though they'll appear similar I think Q9 is getting an even bigger grille, raised roofrails, and I read something about a 780hp PHEV SQ9?

did not know they were going to offer it as a phev

 

[Centurion]

did not know they were going to offer it as a phev

Thomas mentioned in his video that PHEV option for the Q7 will be avaliable.

That will likely be the 55TFSI e wusttro drivetrain. Ideally updated with never batteries and more efficient motors.

 

[jphcbpa]

Thomas mentioned in his video that PHEV option for the Q7 will be avaliable.

That will likely be the 55TFSI e wusttro drivetrain. Ideally updated with never batteries and more efficient motors.

will the SQ 9 have a phev paired with the v8 ?

 

[Design FIRST]

A bit of playful yet biting satirical jest...

The exterior design of more recent M-B and Audi serial production offerings are an exemplary reflection of the dilemma that has long been plaguing the country in which they are both headquartered. The sharply focused precision required can currently be found only in Bavaria. Munich specifically. Ingolstadt will hopefully soon be getting on board as well.

 

[Centurion]

will the SQ 9 have a phev paired with the v8 ?

That’s very possible!

 

[empower77]

A bit of playful yet biting satirical jest...

The exterior design of more recent M-B and Audi serial production offerings are an exemplary reflection of the dilemma that has long been plaguing the country in which they are both headquartered. The sharply focused precision required can currently be found only in Bavaria. Munich specifically. Ingolstadt will hopefully soon be getting on board as well.

A bit of playful yet biting satirical jest...

The exterior design of more recent M-B and Audi serial production offerings are an exemplary reflection of the dilemma that has long been plaguing the country in which they are both headquartered. The sharply focused precision required can currently be found only in Bavaria. Munich specifically. Ingolstadt will hopefully soon be getting on board as well.

Que?