2023 Audi Q7

Overview

With three rows of seats and lithe handling, the 2023 Audi Q7 is a family SUV with sports-sedan moves. It will satisfy those with high-end and high-tech tastes, too, as its cabin is lined with premium materials and a host of digital goodies. A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A more powerful 335-hp turbocharged V-6 is optional and unlocks the Q7’s maximum 7000-pound towing capacity. Even with the optional air suspension and rear-wheel steering system, the Q7 won’t quite keep up with the Porsche Cayenne on a twisty road. But it’s well matched to take on rivals such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes-Benz GLE, and the Volvo XC90.

What’s New for 2023?

The Q7 inherits the more powerful 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain from the A4 sedan. This setup, used in models designated 45, has a 12-volt hybrid system. The Q7’s fancy LED matrix headlamps are now optional on the Premium Plus trim and standard on the Prestige, the latter of which also receives a new remote parking feature. The Convenience package in Premium and Premium Plus models now includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a new faux-leather dashboard cover is now an option too. Waitomo Blue, Tamarind Brown, and Satellite Silver are new color choices this year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Premium 45

$58,695

$63,395

Premium 55

$64,295

Premium Plus 55

$68,495

Prestige 55

$74,495

We think the 45’s turbo-four powertrain is more than sufficient, and we’d pair it with the Premium Plus trim level. Moving from the base Premium up to Premium Plus adds plenty of niceties, including a surround-sound stereo system, a wireless phone-charging pad, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory settings, 20-inch wheels, ambient interior lighting, and illuminated doorsill inlays. We’d also spring for the new Executive package, which adds, among other things, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, and all-weather floor mats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system is standard and should satisfy all but the most discerning drivers. Those seeking to maximize power will be more interested in the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower. When we tested a 2020 Q7 with the turbo V-6, we recorded a brisk 5.0-second time to 60 mph, which was slightly quicker than what we saw with the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV. Despite its bulk, when the Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon. The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings for the V-6–powered model are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo four-cylinder model has not yet been rated. When we are able to test-drive a 2023 Q7, we’ll put its efficiency to the test in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return results similar to those of the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway route. For more information about the Q7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, the cabin is a special place. Beautiful materials and design highlight the Q7’s interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability. Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the abundance of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels. As with most three-row SUVs, there isn’t a ton of cargo space in the Audi’s cargo area when all its seats are in use. But its available space is comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the middle row’s somewhat clumsy operation. With all seats stowed, the Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases.

The Car and Driver Difference

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-incher located below that to control climate and adjust vehicle settings. You may find the system delightful or devilish, depending on whether you enjoy using touchscreens while driving (our staff is split). Audi has added this new infotainment system across its lineup; it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans as well as in the Q8 SUV. All Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.

How to Buy and Maintain a Car

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo. For more information about the Q7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

Standard automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Q7 carries solid warranty coverage comparable with its peers, although the Acura MDX and the Lexus GX both offer slightly better powertrain coverage.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus

VEHICLE TYPE

front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE AS TESTED

$71,990 (base price: $64,795)

ENGINE TYPE

turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection

Displacement

183 in3, 2995 cm3

Power

335 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm

TRANSMISSION

8-speed automatic

CHASSIS

Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink

Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc

Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 285/40R-21 109H AO

DIMENSIONS

Wheelbase: 117.9 in

Length: 199.3 in

Width: 77.6 in

Height: 68.5 in

Passenger volume: 138 ft3

Cargo volume: 15 ft3

Curb weight: 5003 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS

Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec

60 mph: 5.0 sec

100 mph: 13.5 sec

120 mph: 21.1 sec

Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec

Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec

Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec

¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph

Top speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft

Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY

Observed: 14 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY

Combined/city/highway: 18/17/21 mpg

More Features and Specs