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
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.
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.
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 maintenance
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
