Audi Q7 update headed to Oz later in 2024

AUDI has updated its almost decade-old Q7 seven-seat SUV for the second time in five years, details of the model revealed in Europe this week ahead of its local arrival in showrooms from the second half of this year (2024) with pricing to be announced closer to that time.

Introducing refreshed styling and new technologies to the range, the Q7 is expected to be the last internal combustion engine update ahead of the introduction of an all-electric newcomer, likely in 2026.

Updates include a new-look frontal mask with revised grille and lower air intakes, and high-definition matrix LED headlights promising improved high-beam illumination at speeds over 70km/h.

The daytime running lights are customisable while OLED tail-lights are now available optionally – and may also be customised through four configurable ‘signatures’ – atop exposed exhaust tips.

Five new alloy wheel designs in sizes ranging from 20- to 22 inches in diameter are further available, as are three new paint hues: Ascari Blue, Chili Red and Sakhir Gold.

Internally, the 2024 Audi Q7 remains familiar with its tri-screen arrangement for instrumentation, infotainment, and HVAC controls.

New garnishing is available for the dashboard in Matte Brushed Aluminium, Matte Carbon Twill, or Natural Elm Burl Silver, while upholstery stitch work is now grey instead of black.

Additional app availability adds Amazon Music and Spotify functionality while the instrument screen now depicts surround-traffic details, distance warning, lane change warning, and traffic light displays.

Options for the SQ7 include alloy wheels in 21- or 22-inch diameters, a sport differential on the rear axle, red brake callipers, and larger 400mm front / 350mm rear rotors.

Mechanically the Q7 is unchanged.

Diesel options continue to include the 45 TDI branded turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 170kW and 500Nm or the 50 TDI branded version of the same engine with 210kW and 600Nm.

For petrol buyers, the Q7 continues to offer the 55 TFSI branded turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 250kW and 500Nm or the exclusive-to-SQ7 twin-turbocharged V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing 373kW and 770Nm. The latter can accelerate from 0-100kmh in 4.1 seconds.

All engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Standard steel springs or adaptive air suspension is offered, as is the availability of rear-wheel steering assistance.

The Audi Q7 range – currently priced from $114,000 to $171,900 plus on-road costs – will continue to rival the likes of the BMW X5 (from $134,900 +ORC), Genesis GV80 (from $105,700 +ORC), Land Rover Range Rover Sport (from $143,600 +ORC), Lexus RX (from $98,370 +ORC), and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (from $134,574 +ORC).

In 2023, the Q7 sold a total of 1961 units in Australia, making it the sixth most popular model in the SUV Large over $70K segment.

Land Rover topped the segment with sales of its Defender (3846 unit sales) ahead of the BMW X5 (3682), Lexus RX (2743), Mercedes-Benz GLE (2535), and Land Rover Range Rover Sport (2224).