The 2025 Audi Q7 continues to be a strong contender in the luxury SUV market. With its refined driving experience, high-quality interior, and competitive pricing, this SUV stands out against rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS. However, while it has plenty of strengths, it does come with a few drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at pros and cons of the 2025 Audi Q7.
2025 Audi Q7 Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4, 3.0L Turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 261 hp (I4), 335 hp (V6) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft (I4), 369 lb-ft (V6) |
| Transmission | 8-speed Tiptronic Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec (I4), 5.5 sec (V6) |
| Towing Capacity | 4,400 lbs (I4), 7,700 lbs (V6) |
| Fuel Economy | ~22 mpg combined (I4), ~20 mpg combined (V6) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Cargo Space | Up to 69.6 cu-ft with seats folded |
| Infotainment | MMI Touch Response, 10.1-inch screen, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Safety Features | Audi Pre Sense, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist |
| Price Range | Starting from ~$60,000 |
Quiet and Comfortable Ride
One of the biggest advantages of the 2025 Audi Q7 is its quiet and comfortable ride. Even if you opt for the Premium Plus trim with the Executive Package instead of the top-tier Prestige model, you still get double-pane glass on the sides. This ensures minimal wind and tire noise, even at highway speeds.
As the Q7 moves down the road, it exudes a substantial, tank-like quality. This refined driving experience makes it one of the most serene SUVs in its class, perfect for long-distance cruising or daily commuting.
High-Quality Build and Interior Design
Audi is known for its impeccable build quality, and the new Q7 is no exception. The solid, well-engineered feel of the SUV extends from the exterior to the interior. The doors are some of the heaviest in the segment, comparable to those of Porsche models.
Inside, the cabin is exceptionally well-built, with no squeaks or rattles. The ergonomics are excellent, making entry and exit effortless. The technology is user-friendly, and the seats provide a high level of comfort.
Audi’s separate touchscreen for climate control is intuitive, though some may prefer physical buttons for added reliability. Still, the touch-sensitive controls provide tactile feedback, making them easy to use.
Smooth Yet Modest Performance
The 2025 Audi Q7 is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. While the drivetrain is smooth and the engine sounds refined, it doesn’t deliver the same rapid response as competitors like the BMW X7, which features an inline-six engine and an 8-speed ZF transmission.
That said, the Q7 prioritizes a tranquil, comfortable driving experience over outright performance. Even in sport mode, the SUV doesn’t feel dramatically more responsive.
However, the adaptive air suspension does a fantastic job of enhancing ride quality, even with large 21-inch wheels. If you’re looking for snappy acceleration and dynamic handling, the Q7 may not be the best choice.
Impressive Ride and Handling
One of the standout features of the Q7 is how well it isolates occupants from body roll and G-forces. While the SUV leans slightly in corners, passengers remain upright and comfortable. Even under hard braking, there’s minimal forward movement, which enhances the overall sense of stability and control.
Interior Space: First and Second Rows Shine, Third Row Falls Short
While the first and second-row seats offer generous space, the third-row seating is a major downside. For reference, at 5’11”, I struggle to fit into the third row, even after adjusting the second-row seats forward. Compared to the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS, the Q7’s third row is far less practical. Even for children, space is extremely limited.
However, the good news is that the third row can be folded down to create a spacious cargo area, significantly enhancing practicality. If you don’t need the third-row seats regularly, this can be a great alternative to bulkier three-row SUVs.
Pricing and Value: A Strong Selling Point
One of the biggest reasons to consider the 2025 Audi Q7 is its pricing and value. Despite its third-row limitations, the Q7 is significantly more affordable than the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS.
A well-equipped Premium Plus Q7 with the V6 engine and Executive Package costs around $75,000, which is highly competitive. In fact, this price even undercuts a similarly equipped BMW X5, making the Q7 a fantastic value in the luxury SUV segment.
Opting for the four-cylinder engine instead of the V6 can save you approximately $5,000, but the V6 is the better choice. It offers a smoother and more refined drive, accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds (compared to 6.7 seconds for the four-cylinder), and significantly increases towing capacity. With the V6, the Q7 can tow up to 7,700 lbs, whereas the four-cylinder maxes out at 4,400 lbs.
Trim Levels & Pricing
1. Premium (Base Trim)
Starting Price: ~$60,000 (Estimate)
The Premium trim is the entry-level option but still offers plenty of luxury and technology.
Key Features:
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine (261 hp, 273 lb-ft torque)
- Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)
- 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission
- LED headlights & taillights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit digital gauge cluster
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Power-adjustable heated front seats
- Power tailgate
- Standard Audi Pre Sense safety suite
Optional Upgrades:
- Available 3.0L turbocharged V6 (335 hp, 369 lb-ft torque)
- Convenience Package (adds blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry, etc.)
2. Premium Plus
Starting Price: ~$66,000 (Estimate)
The Premium Plus trim adds more luxury and advanced tech features.
Key Features (In addition to Premium trim):
- Standard 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine (335 hp)
- Adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist
- Bang & Olufsen premium sound system
- 360-degree surround-view camera
- 21-inch wheels (optional)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Wireless phone charging
- Ventilated front seats
- Power-folding mirrors
- Matrix-design LED headlights
Optional Upgrades:
- Executive Package (adds extended leather, heated rear seats, and additional luxury touches)
- Adaptive Air Suspension
3. Prestige (Top Trim)
Starting Price: ~$75,000 (Estimate)
The Prestige trim is the highest-level standard Q7, packed with top-tier luxury and performance enhancements.
Key Features (In addition to Premium Plus trim):
- Standard Adaptive Air Suspension
- Head-up display (HUD)
- Extended leather package (dashboard, armrests, and door panels)
- Contour/Ambient interior lighting
- Power soft-closing doors
- Dual-pane acoustic glass for an ultra-quiet cabin
- 4-zone automatic climate control
- Available massaging front seats
Optional Upgrades:
- Luxury Package (adds Valcona leather, upgraded seats, and more comfort features)
- Black Optic Package (blacked-out exterior trim and wheels)
4. Audi SQ7 (Performance-Oriented Trim)
Starting Price: ~$90,000 (Estimate)
For those seeking high performance, the SQ7 is a sportier version of the Q7, powered by a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8.
Key Features:
- 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 (500 hp, 568 lb-ft torque)
- 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds
- Sport-tuned Adaptive Air Suspension
- Quattro Sport Differential (for improved handling)
- Red-painted brake calipers
- Sportier front and rear bumpers
- Unique Alcantara and leather interior
- Upgraded sport seats
- Standard 22-inch wheels
