► New seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV revealed
► Fresh interior reduces reliance on gloss black trim
► Launches with diesel power only, for now
Audi has pulled the covers off its new Q7 SUV, making this only the third generation in just over 20 years. The new and rather large seven-seat SUV naturally launches with a fresh design, new tech and – crucially given Audi’s recent efforts – an interior design that relies much less on gloss black trim. Hurrah.
It’s quite a monolithic thing to look at, carrying across a very similar design theme to that of cars like the current A6… only much taller. Indeed, that new rear end is very upright – even compared to previous generation Q7 models – and the front end is what we’ve come to expect from Audi’s outgoing design trajectory. Sadly, this Q7 was too far down the product development line for new design boss Massimo Frascella to sprinkle much Concept C-ness onto the final design.
The biggest changes are to do with material use, though. Recent Audi interiors have been awash with gloss black trim almost everywhere possible; a material that scratches easily, becomes beset with fingerprints the moment it’s touched and generally feels cheap. Audi promises a bounty of customisation options like colour and material trims including ones like this fine-grain ash wood, as well as others described as ‘silk beige’, ‘lime structure natural’ and ‘basalt grey.’ Very curious.
Naturally, the Q7 remains a seven seater, with Audi pointing out comfort features like fast charger ports and easily foldable seating. A new panoramic glass roof has an in-built switchable transparency.
Depending on spec (and country), the Q7 can be had with standard steel springs and two configurations of air suspension, with the latter of the two having a sportier setup. Rear-wheel steering is also on the options list. And, because Audi is particularly nerdy when it comes to lighting technology, its matrix OLED headlights beam your indicators onto the road at night so fewer pedestrians are potentially caught out by you turning around corners.
UK specs and prices will be announced soon, but Audi says you’ll be able to order one imminently with the first ones landing in September 2026.