Overall Rating
Updated on: July 20, 2020
Automotive Journalist
Since its inception in 2017, the Audi Q7 has been a favorite luxury SUV of executives and enthusiasts alike. It provides a dynamic ride, agile performance, seating for seven, and top-notch gizmos. But wait, that's pretty much every SUV these days especially in this range. The Audi Q7 makes a difference by providing all the practicality and performance of an SUV with some seriously luxurious interior. The 2020 Audi Q7 comes with an updated styling and many more gizmos than ever before. It also gets a powerful turbocharged V6 engine which makes more power than the earlier supercharged V6.
See detailed review »Excellent and intricate interior.
Improved Touchscreen
A powerful 500-hp SQ7 performance model
Standard Safety
Comfortable interior
Plush ride
A less efficient new engine
Kids oriented the third row
Poor third-row access
Higher trims get expensive quickly.
10.1-inch primary (upper) display
8.6-inch lower display for HVAC Unit and comfort options
New Interior trim
Redesigned front and rear bumper
Turbocharged Inline-4
$54950
dr SUV
7
all wheel drive
121
248 hp @ 5000 rpm
273 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
8 Speed Shiftable Automatic
11.4/12.3
117.9 in.
199.6 in.
77.5 in.
68.5 in.
4784 lbs.
7.7 in.
133.2 cu ft.
69.9 cu ft.
17/18/21 mpg
562.5 m mi.
4 yr. /5 mi.
4 yr./ 5 mi.
12 yr. /unlimited
Yes
$54,950
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prestige 45 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $54,950 MSRP | (17/18/21) | 248 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8 Speed Shiftable Automatic | all wheel drive | 7 |
$54,950
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Premium Plus 45 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $54,950 MSRP | (17/18/21) | 248 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, V-6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8 Speed Shiftable Automatic | all wheel drive | 7 |
$54,950 - $60,800
Style | Prices | MPG | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Seats | Colors |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Premium 45 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $54,950 MSRP | (17/18/21) | 248 hp @ 5000 rpm, 2 L, Inline 4, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8 Speed Shiftable Automatic | all wheel drive | 7 | |
Premium 55 TFSI quattro 4dr SUV AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Starting at $60,800 MSRP | (17/18/21) | 335 hp @ 5000 rpm, 3 L, Inline 6, premium unleaded (recommended) | 8 Speed Shiftable Automatic | all wheel drive | 7 |
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine And Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
Final Verdict
8.3
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
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.
9.1/10
Features
9.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.2/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
8.0/10
Exterior
9.0/10
Safety
8.0/10
Competition
8.0/10
Final Verdict
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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.
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!
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