New Audi Q7 sticks with winning formula

Audi has unveiled the third-generation Q7, with the big SUV confirmed for New Zealand ahead of its local launch late next year.

The new model builds on the formula that has made the Q7 one of Audi’s best sellers vehicles since its debut in 2005, combining seven-seats with ‘premium luxury’ and plenty of tech. The brand’s quattro all-wheel-drive is a given.

New Zealand-bound examples will be offered with seven seats as standard, while power will come from a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine paired with mild-hybrid technology.

Bigger presence, more technology

Visually, the new Q7 adopts a more assertive look, with Audi’s Singleframe grille sitting at the centre of a more upright front-end design. Strong shoulder lines and substantial proportions reinforce its status as the brand’s largest SUV, they say.

Lighting technology has become a major focus of the new model.

Optional digital Matrix LED headlights feature micro-LED technology said to be capable of projecting high-resolution lighting patterns onto the road ahead, while third-generation digital OLED tail-lights offer customisable light signatures and communication functions designed to improve safety.

The system can display information from driver assistance systems directly in front of the vehicle, while advanced turn signal projections can alert cyclists and pedestrians to upcoming lane changes or turns.

Buyers will also be able to select from up to eight different lighting signatures for both the headlights and rear lamps.

Business-class cabin

Inside, Audi has focused on comfort and practicality.

The Q7 will arrive in New Zealand as a seven-seater, offering space for up to three child seats across the second row. Internationally, Audi is also introducing a six-seat layout featuring individual second-row captain’s chairs, although local availability has yet to be confirmed.

One new feature is an illuminated panoramic glass roof with switchable transparency, allowing occupants to adjust the amount of light entering the cabin.

Storage is said to have been improved through redesigned door bins and a new centre console, which includes wireless charging for two smartphones and larger cupholders.

With all seven seats in place, the Q7 offers 581 litres of luggage capacity. Folding the rear seats expands available space to a substantial 1,980 litres.

Electrified diesel power

Under the bonnet, Audi will offer the Q7 with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine featuring MHEV Plus mild-hybrid system.

While final New Zealand specifications are still being confirmed, overseas markets will receive outputs of either 180kW and 500Nm or 220kW and 630Nm.

A next-generation powertrain generator can contribute up to 18kW of additional electric assistance when required, improving acceleration and efficiency. An electric-powered compressor is also used to enhance throttle response and reduce lag.

Power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and Audi’s permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Comfort and driver assistance

The standard Q7 rides on steel-spring suspension, while buyers seeking greater comfort or handling precision will be able to opt for adaptive air suspension or adaptive air suspension sport.

A broad range of driver assistance systems will also be available, including Adaptive Driving Assistant Plus, which can manage steering, acceleration and braking on longer journeys.

Other technology highlights include a trained parking function that allows owners to teach the vehicle specific parking manoeuvres and a reverse assistant that can automatically retrace the vehicle’s path when backing out of difficult situations.

Arrival expected in late 2026

Audi New Zealand General Manager Greg Leet believes the new Q7 will continue the momentum generated by the recently launched Q3 and Q5 ranges.

“We’ve seen strong momentum locally with the latest Audi Q3 and Q5 models, reflecting a growing appetite for premium SUVs that combine practicality with performance, and we expect the new Q7 to build on that success at the top of the range,” said Leet.

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“It brings together refined capability, advanced technology and the space Kiwi families need, all while delivering the premium quality and confidence expected from Audi.”

The new Audi Q7 will continue to be built in Bratislava, Slovakia, with New Zealand pricing and final specifications expected closer to launch. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin before the end of 2026.