Audi’s original SUV receives a long-overdue redesign that brings updated styling and tech, while maintaining three-row practicality and a sporty character.
2027 Audi Q7 Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Audi Q7
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Audi Q7
Redesigned for the new model year, the 2027 Audi Q7 is the third generation of this midsize luxury SUV. The Q7 was last redesigned for the 2016 model year, so this update arrives not a moment too soon. It’s pretty thorough, too, bringing Audi’s latest styling and tech, plus more powerful engines. The Q7 also retains three-row seating, a feature that’s common but not universal in its segment.
Design
The new Q7 takes the styling of the recently redesigned Q5 and the all-electric Q6 e-tron and supersizes it. A big, textured grille provides SUV gravitas, while crease-like fender flares reference the classic Audi Coupe Quattro of rallying fame.
For the first time in the United States, Audi is also offering matrix lighting functionality, a feature that’s been available in Europe for about a decade: It allows individual LED elements to be precisely aimed for better illumination without blinding oncoming drivers. They’re paired with OLED taillights and a new “advanced turn signal” that’s projected onto the ground in sync with the conventional turn signals at the front and rear to be more visible to cyclists and pedestrians.
The standard Premium Advanced styling package includes aluminum trim and 20-inch wheels on all-season tires, while a Prestige Launch Edition model features both an S Line package with an illuminated grille, sportier bumpers, and 22-inch wheels, and a blackout trim package.
The SQ7 performance model returns as well, distinguished by a model-specific grille and bumpers. It rides on 22-inch wheels as standard, but can be equipped with 23s, as well as summer tires and its own blackout package.
Powertrain
Audi ditched the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter V6, leaving a new twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 as the standard engine for 2027. It makes 429 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, increases of 94 hp and 73 lb-ft over last year’s optional V6. That lowers the manufacturer-estimated zero-to-60-mph time by 0.7, to 4.8 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD) remain standard.
The SQ7 keeps its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, but output increases by 91 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque, to 591 hp and 590 lb-ft. This translates to a 0.3-second improvement in zero to 60 mph acceleration, meaning the SQ7 now does the job in just 3.7 seconds. The SQ7 has an eight-speed automatic and AWD like the Q7, and both models can tow up to 7,700 pounds when properly equipped.
Three suspension options are also available. Steel springs are standard, while air suspension is optional on the Q7 and standard on the SQ7. For 2027, the latter includes a new exit-assist function that lowers the SUV by 2.4 inches. An optional sport suspension for the SQ7 (again with air springs) lowers the default ride height by 1.1 inches. Both air systems include automated load balancing, and rear-wheel steering is optional.
Interior
Like its exterior, the new Q7's interior is similar to what we’ve seen on other recent Audi models. The minimalist aesthetic, with air vents hidden at the base of the dashboard, puts the emphasis on the screens that occupy nearly all of the space above. Open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery in a variety of colors are available, including Arras Red and Baikal Blue for the SQ7. For 2027, new lighting elements for the optional sport seats complement the interior ambient lighting.
Also new for 2027 is a panoramic sunroof that covers all three rows. It can be optionally equipped with a dimmable polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer that makes a conventional shade unnecessary, Audi claims. The roof can go from transparent to opaque as a whole, or in nine individual segments. And it has its own 78-LED array that also acts as an extension of the ambient lighting system.
As before, the Q7 is available as a seven-seater with a second-row bench, or a six-seater with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The standard bench is power-adjustable and power folds in a 65/35 split, or 35/30/35 manually. Second-row seats can also tilt forward for third-row access, which won’t be impeded by child car seats, according to Audi.
Cargo-space figures of 15.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 78.1 cubic feet with both the third and second rows folded are increases over the previous-generation Q7. That space is accessed via a standard power tailgate with available foot activation.
Technology
The Audi Digital Stage screen array from the automaker’s other recent new models also makes an appearance in the 2027 Q7. An OLED digital instrument and infotainment touchscreen are standard, housed in the same curved display, along with a third screen for the front passenger. A head-up display and dashcam are optional.
The current version of Audi’s MMI (Multimedia Interface) infotainment system keeps wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while adding ChatGPT integration for the native voice assistant, which can also control some vehicle functions, according to Audi.
For 2027, the new high-end audio option is a 22-speaker, 1,360-watt, Bang & Olufsen system. Available as a standalone option on the SQ7 and Premium Plus and Prestige trims of the Q7, it incorporates headrest speakers that let the driver take phone calls without disturbing passengers, and in-seat actuators that vibrate in sync with music for a concert vibe.
