Australians aren’t afraid to splurge on family transport, especially those in affluent areas like the eastern suburbs of Melbourne where I live. 2025 Audi Q7 review BMW X5s and Mercedes-Benz GLEs, in addition to their smaller counterparts, are an hourly if minute-ly sight on my local streets. No doubt that’s helped by the fact some of the premium auto dealerships in Doncaster are just two minutes up the road. The Audi Q7 is also part of this pack, though quite outnumbered compared to its aforementioned rivals, as well as its much more popular Q5 mid-size SUV stablemate. This wasn’t always the case, but it seems to be so now. That’s not to say the Q7 isn’t still a great large luxury SUV for families. If anything, it’s quite the opposite, but I reckon customers are gravitating to more flashy makes and models in 2025, and Audi’s big SUV is a little too austere for some. For 2025, the second-generation Audi Q7 received yet another facelift which, admittedly, is very minor. Revised lighting, bumpers and intakes are the main changes, augmented by updated tech. First deliveries commenced late in 2024, but we got a chance to drive the updated Q7 alongside the related and also-facelifted Audi Q8 earlier this year as part of the Australian media drive in New South Wales. Does Audi’s family-friendly flagship still have the chops to duke it out with the X5 and GLE, among other premium-branded three-row SUVs? Read on to find out. How much does the Audi Q7 cost? Audi Q7 prices have progressively risen in recent years, though the updated range has largely brought minor price decreases. Even better, a new entry-level petrol version brings the starting price back down under $100,000. Compared to its direct rivals from BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the Q7 range opens some $30,000 cheaper than the X5 and the GLE. While the X5 opens with a six-cylinder diesel variant aligned with the 50 TDI’s outputs, the cheapest Mercedes-Benz GLE is a four-cylinder diesel. What is the Audi Q7 like on the inside? The interior has seen minimal changes with this latest update, but that doesn’t mean the Q7 doesn’t have a modern, tactile and quality feel inside. The integrated displays, padded surfaces and high-quality materials may not look as flashy on first impression compared to the X5’s or GLE’s cabin, but the Q7’s interior is clean, nicely finished and functional. Audi’s more restrained and conventional cabin layout and display integration comes off slightly old-school, but will no doubt age better than its competitors, as surely the free-standing tablet-style multimedia display fad can’t last forever. Higher up in the range you can get gorgeous quilted Valcona leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and an extended Nappa leather treatment for the upper dashboard, doors and lining of the centre console. The darker cabin colour scheme is accented by flashes of aluminium and metal-feel trim flourishes. Again, this plays into the usual dark and demure vibe that’s weaved in with Audi’s reputation for quality in-car craftsmanship. Audi virtual cockpit and MMI touch displays feature here, including the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch central touchscreen. The latter may seem small in today’s age of supersized displays, but it’s so nicely integrated into the dashboard fascia that I’m willing to forgive it and say size isn’t everything. Audi’s latest 12.3-inch ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster receives a new driver assistance display option, which has a real-time projection of your Q8 within its lane and surrounding traffic. Lower down is an 8.6-inch touchscreen for the climate controls. Both touch displays are high-resolution, generally snappy in response, and offer haptic ‘click’ feedback when pressed. While we still would prefer Audi’s typically clicky and tactile physical controls, the marque’s implementation of touch-capacitive tech is among the best. The MMI interface is largely carryover for this latest facelift, though there’s a new tiled homescreen which is more like a smartphone, allowing you to have connected app information front and centre when you turn it on. There’s also integration for Spotify and YouTube applications – though the latter is only available when the vehicle is parked. Storage is alright without being standout – there’s a shallow cubby under that centre armrest, which also houses the wireless phone charger, plus decent door pockets, and a pair of cupholders on the centre console under a nicely weighted lid. We didn’t spend much time in the second row, but being a full-size SUV with a 2995mm wheelbase pays dividends if you’re transporting adults often – though interestingly, it’s shorter between the axles than the Q8 Like its platform mates – think Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne – the Audi Q7 easily accommodates above-average sized humans (like 6’1″ me), offering plenty of kneeroom and legroom, as well as sufficient headroom. Standard amenities in the rear include a third zone of climate control with directional air vents, a pair of USB-C ports and a 12V outlet. You also get netted pockets on the backs of the front seats. And you can also slide and recline the rear seats for added comfort, and also extend the cargo area should you need the extra capacity or free up room for third-row occupants. Speaking of the rearmost seating, the Q7 is fine for kids and small adults on shorter journeys, but it’s not a full-size seven-seater like a Land Rover Discovery or Volvo XC90. Further back again, you have a pretty capacious boot area that will swallow 790 litres of luggage with the second row in place, and 1908 litres with them folded down. Unlike some of its platform mates, the Q7 only gets a tyre repair kit. What’s under the bonnet? In Australia, the Audi Q7 offers a four-cylinder petrol engine alongside V6 diesel and petrol options – the six-cylinder units also come with fuel-saving 48V mild-hybrid technology. While it might seem strange that Audi doesn’t offer a Q7 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in Australia, the TFSI e version of the Q7 available abroad only comes with five seats due to the placement of the battery pack – thus Audi Australia won’t sell it here because the five-seat large SUV place in its lineup is occupied by the Q8. How does the Audi Q7 drive? We had a bit less time in the Q7 compared to the Q8, but as with our previous experience with the big German SUV, our impressions are very positive. Above: Audi Q7 45 TDI quattro Audi didn’t have the new 45 TFSI available to test on the day, but we get a stint in the 50 TDI quattro S line in between jaunts in the Q8 50 TDI, 55 TFSI and 60 TFSI e. The Volkswagen Group’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel has always been a peach, and this latest version refines the response from the 48V mild-hybrid system to ensure you don’t get the low-speed jitters and hesitation we’ve found in the past. With all 600Nm of torque available between 1750 and 3250rpm, the big oiler is effortless in its performance whether you’re putting around the ‘burbs or fanging it on the freeway. Like many European diesel engines, it’s also very smooth and refined, to the point you might forget it’s a diesel from inside the cabin. It’s also very efficient, easily dipping into the sixes and sevens on the highway, and only increasing into the eights and nines around town – not bad for a vehicle of this size. The cabin is a very hushed place to send time, with good insulation from road, wind and powertrain noise. I’d argue it’s a step up on the Q8 as well, thanks to its conventional doors and window glass as opposed to its style-led sibling’s coupe-like frameless windows. Standard adaptive air suspension across the range also makes for a very cushy feel in all scenarios, though I’ve found most big VW Group SUVs on air springs are still a touch firmer than you’ll find in something like a floaty Mercedes-Benz GLE. It’s down to personal preference, but while air springs no doubt minimise body roll, some may prefer a slightly softer edge. It’s amplified on the S line’s larger wheels and low-profile rubber, though not to the point where the Q7 ever feels harsh or uncomfortable. If anything, it’s at it’s best on the open road where everything settles rather nicely. The steering is quite light and assisted in feel, which is typical Audi. While accurate in response, it doesn’t offer a lot of feel and feedback – making this big thing very easy to steer around town, but not very engaging in twisty stuff. Again, this will come down to personal preference, and for many luxury/family SUV buyers it might suit just fine. For added manoeuvrability you can also opt for rear axle steering, which is claimed to reduce the turning circle by 1.1m. Above: Audi Q7 50 TDI quattro S line Audi’s suite of assistance systems are also some of the best in the business. The new adaptive drive assist feature combines active cruise and lane centring functions for semi-autonomous highway driving, and it’s really nicely tuned. Traffic jam assist adds low-speed functionality to make peak-hour traffic easier, too. You’re also covered by 360-degree camera and sensor coverage, bolstered by Park Assist automated parking if you need some help wedging the 5072mm-long, 1970mm-wide Q7 into a tight inner-city parking space. Blind-spot monitoring (Audi side assist) and rear cross-traffic assist also help manage the Q7’s long length, and there’ are plenty of other handy features on board too, reflecting the Q7’s flagship status in Audi’s SUV lineup. What do you get? Four variants are offered across two distinct trim levels. 2025 Audi Q7 45 TFSI + 45 TDI equipment highlights: 20-inch alloy wheelsAdaptive air suspensionMatrix LED headlightsElectric tailgate incl. gesture control7 seats incl. electric 3rd rowRear seat bench plusLeather-appointed upholsteryAmbient interior lighting package3-zone climate controlSeat heating – front10.1-inch MMI navigation plusAudi connect plus12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpitAudi phone box light – wireless chargerWireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoDAB digital radio Q7 50 TDI + 55 TFSI S line add: 21-inch alloy wheelsS line exterior packagePrivacy glassPanoramic sunroof4-zone climate controlColour ambient interior lightingElectric steering column adjustBang & Olufsen 3D premium soundHead-up displayValcona leather upholstery – S embossedS line interior packageSport seatsLeather 3-spoke sport steering wheelPaddle shiftersPerforated leather – steering wheel, gear selectorInlays in brushed aluminiumIlluminated aluminium door sills – S logoHeadliner in black clothDoor mats front, rear with contrast stitching Options A number of packages and single-item options are available. Premium Package: $3900 (45 TFSI + 45 TDI) 21-inch alloy wheels4-zone climate controlBlack exterior styling packageColour ambient interior lighting Luxury Seat Package: $4200 (50 TDI + 55 TFSI) S sports seats with integrated headrestValcona leather with diamond stitchingFront seat ventilationHeated outer rear seats Premium Plus Package: $5500 (50 TDI + 55 TFSI) 22-inch alloy wheelsAdaptive air suspension – sportDynamic all-wheel steeringBlack exterior styling packagePower-assisted door closure Is the Audi Q7 safe? The Audi Q7 scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP back in 2019. Standard safety equipment includes: Adaptive drive assistAdaptive cruise control incl. stop/goDistance indicatorLane guidance assist – centringTraffic jam assistAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Forward, ReversePedestrian assist – up to 85km/hVehicle to vehicle – up to 250km/hBlind-spot assistDriver attention monitoringExit warning systemLane assistPark assistRear cross-traffic alertSurround-view cameraTraffic jam assistTraffic sign recognitionTyre pressure loss indicator How much does the Audi Q7 cost to run? Like the wider Audi lineup, the Q7 is covered by a five year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance thrown in for the same period. CarExpert’s Take on the Audi Q7 There are few better ways to get yourself and your family around than in the Audi Q7. With strong performance, excellent comfort and refinement, and a practical and premium cabin, the Q7 is a luxurious family bus that doesn’t shout ‘look at me’ like its American-assembled BMW and Benz rivals. It’s also worth commending Audi’s engineering of this second-generation model, such is its longevity. This MkII Q7 has been around for a decade and is still competitive with far newer rivals. Considering it shares DNA with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne, it’s got good genes. The model year 2025 updates go some way to keeping this large luxury SUV fresh in the face of stiff competition, though it’s a shame that better hybrid powertrain tech remains off the cards for Australia. Audi also doesn’t offer an all-electric version of the seven-seat Q7, like it does with the five-seat Q8, either. My pick would be the 45 TDI quattro with the optional Premium Package, as you get luxury features like quad-zone climate control and standard adaptive air suspension with V6 power for around $120,000 – still far less than BMW and Benz, which also charge you extra for a third row of seats. It may not be the newest kid on the block, but the Q7 remains highly capable and relatively good value in a luxuriously-trimmed package. Click the images for the full gallery
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