2021 Audi Q7

In 2020 the Q7 received a major update and now it’s all set to release the 2021 model. The 2021 Audi Q7 comes with minimal yet significant improvements. But would it be a better choice over the 2020 model? Let's see.

Upon launch, the 2021 Audi Q7 will be taking on the likes of the recently updated Mercedes GLS which is now more luxurious than ever and the newest SUV to join this all-exclusive club, the BMW X7. The Q7 has gotten quite a few significant updates. On the outside, its gets redesigned front and read bumpers along with new wheels, but the interiors are the highlight, now it comes with the all-new dual-screen infotainment setup that gives it a futuristic look. 

The Audi Q7 range is expected to start around $56,000 and it provides a great deal of kit for the price, As we have seen from the outgoing Q7 models, even thebase trim, “Premium” is loaded with all the necessary options that you would expect from any car in this segment. 

Trim	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP (AWD)	$60,800	$63,800	$71,200
Key Features	Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front	Adds/Upgrades to Premium	Adds/Upgrades to Premium Plus
	MMI Navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch	3D Bose Surround Sound System	20-inch 5-spoke turbine design gray/polished-finish wheels
	Panoramic sunroof with sunshade, power tilt, and slide features	Audi virtual cockpit	LED Interior lighting plus package
	Audi advanced key (keyless start) with handsfree tailgate open/close	Audi side assist with Audi pre sense rear (includes rear cross-traffic assist and vehicle exit assist)	Warm Weather package (four-zone climate control, front-seat ventilation, rear sunshades for doors and tailgate.
	Power folding 3rd row	Top view camera system	Heads-up display
		Audi phone box with wireless charging and signal booster	Compatible with Driver Assistance package (ACC, Active lane assist, Park steering assist, High-beam assistant, Traffic sign recognition)

As you move up the trim ladder, it just gets better and better but you also have to shell out considerably more money. The top-trim, "Prestige”, sits way above the segment as it comes packed with many revolutionary features such as rear-wheel steering system, adaptive air suspension, and night vision camera.

Price

2020 Audi Q7 comes in three different trim levels which include the likes of Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. All of these trims will continue for 2021 with the 45 TFSI, 55 TFSI, and the SQ7 models. For the 2021 model, the Premium trim starts at $55,945 for the 45 TFSI model and goes up to $61,795 for the 55 TFSI model. 

Next up is the Premium Plus trim which costs $58,195 and $64,795 for the 45 TFSI and 55 TFSI respectively. The top Prestige trim comes in the TFSI model only and costs $72,995. These numbers are the updated prices for the 2021 model with around $1000 to $1500 price hike for each trim. Also, the performant SQ7 trim will be available for $85,995 and will be made available later down the year.

Release Date

The 2021 Audi Q7 will be available for sale in the second half of 2020. Having said that, the ongoing COVID 19 Pandemic can alter the dates. 

The Audi Q7 has always been powerful and comes with vivid engine choices. Every engine is a potent one and makes the acceleration brisk and the ride composed. The 2020 Q7 traded the supercharged V-6 for a turbocharged one, which increased the performance but was quite thirsty. The 2021 Q7's engine options are the same as that of the 2020 model but with some minor refinements. A 248 hp Turbo I-4 which Audi calls the 45 TFSI is available in Premium and Premium Plus trims but not in the Prestige. It is a fairly powerful engine that puts out 273 lb-ft of torque and manages to be a lot more fuel-efficient than its predecessor.

Next up is the 3.0 Liter turbocharged V-6 or the 55 TFSI which has 6hp and 44lb-ft improvement over the supercharged one. It provides enough punch to the daily ride and the acceleration figures also improve significantly. Going uphill? this V-6 will effortlessly take you to the peak. The V-6 is standard in the Prestige trim. If you want a more adrenaline rush, there's a brawny V-8 waiting in the SQ7 trim. The 4.0 Liter twin-turbo engine puts out humongous 500-hp and 568 lb-ft torque but consumes more fuel. The turbo-4 tows up to 4,400 pounds while the V-6 and V-8 increase the capacity up to 7,700 pounds.

Models	Audi Q7	BMW X7	Mercedes Benz GLS Class	Cadillac XT-5
MSRP	$60,800.00	$99,600.00	$75,950.00	$54,695.00
Engine	3.0 Liter Turbo V-6	4.4 Liter Twin-Turbo V-8	3.0 Liter Inline-6	2.0l turbocharged Inline-4
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	9-speed automatic	9-speed automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	335 @ 5,000	523 @ 5,500	369 @ 1,600	237 @ 6,600
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	369 @ 1,370	553 @ 1,800	362 @ 5,500	258 @ 5,000

The overall ride is buttery smooth courtesy of its excellent four-wheel independent suspensions. An adaptive air suspension is also available which literally makes you float on the highway while also cornering tight turns confidently. The steering is quick to respond and the transmission shifts smoothly.

How Quick is the 2021 Audi Q7

All three engines come mated with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on all the models. As far as acceleration is concerned, the Audi Q7 has better figures as compared to rivals. With the turbocharged V-6, it hits 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds while the blistering V-8 leaps in an astounding 4.3 seconds. Rivals such as the V8 powered Mercedes GLS hits the 60 mph mark in 5.2 seconds. This is far slower than what Audi's V8 can offer.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X7	Mercedes-Benz GLS	Cadillac XT-5
0-60 MPH (sec)	5.7	5.6	5.2	7.1
Quarter Mile (sec)	N/A	13.7	14.3	N/A
Top Speed (MPH)	155	155	155	155
Engine	3.0LTurbocharged V6,	3.0L Turbo Inline-6	3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6	2.0L Turbo Inline-4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	7.9	9.3	8.0	8.8

The Audi Q7 provides decent performance figures with the V-6. Like the SQ7, the BMW X7 also comes with a potent 4.4 Liter Twin Turbo V8 that puts out 523 hp and 553 lb-ft torque. The Mercedes Benz GLS Class and Cadillac XT-5 come with a smooth 9-speed shifter.

How Well Does the 2021 Audi Q7 Brake?

A city slicking executive SUV like the Q7 needs good breaks to bring all that mass to halt and it feels sure-footed even in panic braking situations. The pedal feel is firm and the brakes are responsive, and the air suspension makes sure to minimize the nose dive. For a situation that requires stopping from 70 miles per hour. It will take only 166 feet distance to come to a standstill which is shockingly low for a vehicle this size.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X7	Mercedes-Benz GLS	Cadillac XT-5
Brake Rotors Front (in)	14.8	15	14.8	13.8
Brake Rotors Rear (in)	13.8	14.8	13.6	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs)	4927	4758	4303	3895
60-0 MPH (ft)	N/A	116	N/A	N/A

Exact figures for braking distance aren’t available yet but considering it is lighter than some of its competitors, the Q7 should perform better than the bulky X7 and GLS in a head to head comparison, hence it is safe to say that the Q7 does a commendable job in the braking department.

How Well Does the 2021 Audi Q7 Handle?

The new 2021 Q7 will not be receiving any major updates in terms of driving dynamics but taking into account its sheer heft this 4500 lbs beast is surprisingly nimble for a full-sized 3-row SUV. In any case, the vehicle feels sure-footed in the corners. The adaptive air suspension enables the ride to be firm and controllable in all types of road conditions. 

The four-wheel steering combined with the excellent Quattro all-wheel-drive system adds nimbleness to this heavy brute. When compared to some of its direct competition such as the Mercedes and the BMW, it has the upper hand in the handling and dynamics department.

The 2021 Audi Q7 hits every note perfect until you talk about the fuel-economy. According to EPA, the turbocharged V6 gives a 17/21/18 mpg rating which isn't a great number for the class. The Q7 has a mild-hybrid system that helps to ease the efficiency around the town slightly.

The base turbo-4 gets a 19/23/21 mpg rating which is slightly better. The EPA hasn't rated the V8 yet, but it’s safe to say that it’s going to be the worst of the lot.

Models	Audi Q7	BMW X7	Mercedes Benz GLS Class	Cadillac XT-5
MPG (City)	17	15	19	17
MPG (Highway)	21	21	23	24
MPG (Combined)	19	17	21	20
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	22.5	21.9	23.8	22
Range (City/Highway/Combined, in Miles)	382.5/399/427.5	328.5/459.9/372.3	452.2/547.4/499.8	374/528/440

Amongst rivals, the Mercedes Benz GLS Class provides a decent fuel-economy of 19/23/21 mpg with a great highway range of 547 miles. The Cadillac XT-5 also provides decent fuel-economy figures when compared to the Audi Q7.

The 2020 Audi Q7 got some beautiful design refresh from in and out. As far as the interior is concerned, Audi introduced a new infotainment system which came with two screens and brought in many new gizmos. Also, the overall interior was excellent and you could hardly find any cheap materials. Leather upholstery was standard and quite comfortable. It seated 7 passengers effortlessly with enough room and comfort.

The 2021 Audi Q7 comes with more interior upgrades and refinements. It's now even more comfortable and you are even allowed to take a nap inside. The Q7 can easily move your family from one place to another with sheer luxury and comfort. The front seats come with leather upholstery and heating along with power lumbar adjustment. This makes them comfy and ideal for long-distance rides. You can also opt for the heated and cooled Valcona seats in the front.

The overall ride comfort is excellent and you'll just feel yourself sailing over a private yacht. The four-wheel independent suspension soaks up most of the bumps and road imperfections seamlessly. Road and wind noise are excellently isolated from the cabin, making it a calm and serene place to reside.

Models	Audi Q7	BMW X7	Mercedes Benz GLS Class	Cadillac XT-5
Seating Capacity	7	7	7	7
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	39.9/59.5/41.7	41.9/60/39.8	39.4/59.3/40.3	39.8/58.3/41.2
Second Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	38.8/58.5/38.8	39.9/58.1/37.6	40.2/58.5/41.9	39.1/57.4/39.1
Third Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Leg Room, in inches)	35.9/49.4/29.2	36.6/47.9/33.3	38.9/50.3/NA	37.2/53.5/29.5
Trunk Capacity (cubic feet)	14.2	12.8	17.4	12.6

The 2021 Audi Q7 provides seating for seven and a decent amount of passenger room except the third row. The BMW X7 provides spacious seating in the third row too, but with the cost of even less trunk space.

Some of the noteworthy features inside the Q7’s cabin are as follows:

• Q-design three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
• Four-zone automatic climate control
• Heated eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment
• Split tumble-folding 35/30/35 second-row seatbacks with fore/aft position and seatback angle adjustments
• Five LATCH child seat-mounting points
• Power 50/50 split-folding third-row seats with electric fold and return functions
• In-cabin air filter

What about the Infotainment Features

The 2021 Audi Q7 has made most of the upscale tech standards in its latest model. The biggest highlight for 2021 is it's upgraded infotainment system. It's now faster, more intuitive, and feature-rich than ever before. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is unique and useful in daily driving.

Apart from that, you get a 10.1-inch center infotainment screen and an 8.6-inch display beneath which has climate controls and other options. There's a lot of other standard techs including Bluetooth, smartphone integration, USB connectivity, and a 10-speaker sound system. You can also opt for a premium Bose Audio System. There are plenty of soft touches spread across the interior and the interior ambient lighting increases the luxury feel. Overall dash seems futuristic yet minimal and the overall interior spreads out positive vibes, unlike other brawny crossovers.

Some of the features of the Infotainment system are as follows:

• 10.1-inch primary (upper) display
• 8.6-inch lower display for HVAC Unit and comfort options
• 12.3-inch display (Audi Virtual Cockpit)
• Colored Heads-up Display (HUD)
• 3D surround system with 19 speakers and 15 channel amplifier
• Bluetooth mobile connectivity
• Two USB ports
• Satellite radio with Navigation
• Active vehicle car display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

How much Cargo can the 2021 Audi Q7 Carry

The second row gets a 35/30/35 splitting bench which can be reclined for added comfort. A cold weather package is available for heating the rear seats. The second row has about 39 inches of legroom and enough headroom for six-footers. The third row is a mere joke. 

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X7	Mercedes Benz GLS	Cadillac XT-5
Cargo Capacity (ft3)	14.8	N/A	17.4	30.2

The minuscule 29.2 inches legroom is ready to eat your knees if you're an average adult. Better place one or two kids there instead. Behind the third row, there lies an even tiny cargo space measuring 14.2 cubes. If you're seating seven, you actually can't store much of your stuff behind the third row. You have to fold the third or even the second rows to get 35 cubes or 70 cubes respectively.

What are the other storage spaces inside?

The Q7 is not just luxurious but also a practical machine. On the inside, it is riddled with smart cubby spaces. For starters, it gets a huge glove compartment that is ventilated and the central armrest opens up to offer a deep storage bay with USB support. The door pockets feature huge cubby holes that can easily fit a large water bottle both in the font and in the back. The boot also has built-in organizer nets and hooks to hold grocery bags for that added practicality.

Audi majorly revamped the exterior of the Q7 in 2020. It received refreshed front and rear fascias with more aggressive styling. The front and rear LED Matrix headlights and taillights looked futuristic and the grille had been refreshed too. The 2021 Audi Q7 continues to modify and adorn the exterior to make it look more appealing. The headlights and taillights have been updated and the grille has also been modified. 

Beneath the trapezoidal grille, there's a broad low bumper which makes the Q7 look more muscular. The wheels look even bolder and attractive and the size starts from 19 inches. The rear end gets a quad tailpipe design that stands out from the crowd. The Audi Q7 doesn't look humongous like other SUVs. Rather, it represents a perfect amalgamation of form and function.

Models	Audi Q7	BMW X7	Mercedes Benz GLS Class	Cadillac Escalade
Curb Weight (lbs)	5082	7319	5701	4810
Length (inches)	199.3	203.3	205	198.5
Width (inches)	77.6	78.7	77	77.3
Height (inches)	68.5	71.1	71.8	69.9
Ground Clearance (inches)	8	8.7	7.9	NA
Wheelbase (inches)	117.9	122.2	123.4	112.7

The 2021 Audi Q7 sports a mean, muscular look by trimming out the unnecessary edges. The rivals such as BMW X7 and the Mercedes Benz GLS Class are longer than the Q7 while the Cadillac XT-5 in its long wheelbase avatar is capable of dwarfing everything here.

Some of the key exterior features of the 2021 Q7 are as follows:

• 20-inch 5-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season run-flat tires
• Automatic all-LED headlights with LED taillights and dynamic turn signals
• Chrome exterior window surrounds and roof rails
• Q8 inspired octagonal single-frame front grille
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
• Heated and electrically operated exterior rearview mirrors
• Intermittent automatic wipers

ust like the bunch of standard gizmos, the 2021 Audi Q7 brings in more standard safety tech to the stack. It's not tested by any agency yet, but we can refer to the 2020 model's scores.

The 2021 Audi Q7 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s PL71 platform which is also shared by the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg. The platform is specially designed for 4x4 SUVs and provides greater strength and rigidity to the overall structure. The 2020 Q7 got a “Good” rating by the IIHS and a “Superior” rating for its automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. The 2020 model wasn't tested by the NHTSA but the similar 2019 version earned a five-star rating by the same agency.

As far as features are concerned, there are a lot of them to rely on. Apart from automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, it has blind-spot monitors, automatic high beams, rear-cross traffic alert, active lane control, and driver-attention monitor. The driver-attention monitor is able to slow down or even halt the Q7 if the driver is found unresponsive. Other cool features include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and traffic jam assist.

Like the Q7, the BMW X7 also lacks crash test data. Still, it does bring in some smart safety tech like the Q7. Some of the safety features offered in the new Q7 are as follows:

• Active cruise control with lane-keep assistance
• Audi Pre Sense Front, Pre Sense Basic, Pre Sense Rear
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear Cross-Traffic alert
• Night vision assist
• Audi Park Steering assist

Audi Q7 vs BMW X7

The X7 is the latest German rival to rain on Audi’s parade and as a result, it is fresh and with its conventionally boxy design, a more rugged alternative to the Audi. In terms of interiors though both these 3-row SUVs offer supremely comfortable cabins and packed with cutting edge infotainment systems and modern features. So if you are on the lookout for a tough and boxy SUV that can cocoon you in luxury, then the X7 makes perfect sense, but for everything else, the updated Audi has an edge over the BMW.

Audi Q7 vs Mercedes Benz GLS

The GLS has been arch-rival to the Q7 since its inception and this rivalry continues to this day. With the recent update of the GLS, the competition for the Audi just got a lot tougher and just like the X7, the GLS takes a more conventional approach to the SUV design. Both these vehicles promise to offer the absolute pinnacle of luxury and they do deliver, so it’s up to the customer if they want a modern and smooth design or the more conventional brawny SUV design as that’s the primary factor separating these two fabulous German SUVs.

The 2020 Audi Q7 was a bang on SUV with a perfect bang for your buck. It had some serious exterior as well as interior refinements which made it even more compelling than the previous generation models. Stylish exterior, standard safety, and exhilarating performance were some of its highlights to mention. 

The 2021 Audi Q7 continues this tradition of Audi to bring the best of best every year. This year we have improved features and increased interior comfort. The cramped third row is a slight disappointment but we can surely compromise it for the plethora of other good things this SUV has to offer!