Audi Q7 revealed for Australia with diesel lineup confirmed

The third-generation Audi Q7 large SUV has been revealed, with the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE rival currently pencilled in for an Australian launch late in 2026.

Initially, the Australian line-up will comprise two V6 diesels, but additional engines, including a V6 petrol plug-in hybrid and V8-powered SQ7, are on the way. Key changes include a heavily updated platform, all-new interior and more upright styling, plus a choice of five-, six- or seven-seat layouts, while 3500kg towing will be retained.

The new Q7 will sit below the forthcoming Audi Q9 model, which will give bigger families a considerably larger and even more sumptuous alternative.

Slotting beneath a new Q9, the new Q7 will no longer be ‘top dog’ of Audi’s SUV line-up. The dimensions are nearly identical to the outgoing car, with buyers telling the German brand they liked the 5056mm length.

Existing seven-seat and special-order five-seat configurations will continue to be offered in Australia, but a new six-seat layout (with captain’s chairs in the middle row) is likely to be available given the Q7’s popularity as a chauffeur-driven model.

Under the skin, the new Q7 shifts from the old car’s MLB platform to new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) bones. Proportions differ too, with a longer roofline increasing cabin space; the third-gen Q7 is boxier and more upright than its predecessor.

When specified with seven seats, Audi says the Q7 can accommodate three child seats, while boot space measures 581L behind the second row, or 1980L with all rear seats folded. The five-seater has a bigger boot and may be offered with a space-saver spare.

Two 3.0-litre turbo V6 diesels will be offered when the Q7 launches in Australia at the end of Q1 2027. A base grade will use a 180kW/500Nm version, while a mid-tier model with standard S line package and panoramic sunroof nabs 220kW/630Nm.

Audi Australia head of product Matt Dale told carsales strong uptake of electrified powertrains meant the brand was closely evaluating the opportunity for a 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol PHEV to join the range later in 2027.

The PHEV is a critical plank in Audi’s plan to drive down the Q7’s range-wide CO2 emissions profile, an important consideration given the penalties imposed on carmakers under Australia’s NVES laws.

Audi Australia is set to retain its access to the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 SQ7 model too. Dale said adding the PHEV’s CO2-offsetting character would “assist [Audi Australia] with positioning a more performance-focussed engine”.

Both versions of the V6 TDI are paired to an eight-speed torque converter automatic and permanent quattro AWD system with a revised centre differential, while a beefed-up MHEV Plus 48-volt system reduces emissions.

Wheel sizes range from 20- to 23-inch, and three suspensions will be on the menu.

Audi says the standard steel-sprung setup is plusher than before, while comfort- or sport-orientated air-ride will be optional.

Changes to the cabin are comprehensive. A new dash incorporates a passenger display as standard, as well as a curved digital OLED panel for the driver.

A ‘4D’ Bang & Olufsen stereo can use the subwoofers to vibrate all-new seats to the beat.

Our first look at the Q7 in the metal showed that attention has been paid to upping perceived quality.

Softer materials, including stitched leather, now cover more of the secondary surfaces, while piano black has almost been eliminated.

While Audi is sending both the new Q7 and larger Q9 to Australia, the Q9 has been developed primarily for American tastes.

By contrast, the Q7’s “more balanced market mix” has allowed the third-generation version to be designed for Europe and Australia. Over time, expect the future Q7 PHEV to become the focus here.

The hybrid’s CO2 emissions will be much lower than the V6 diesel, making it a more affordable car for Audi Australia to sell to local buyers.

That said, even if the PHEV becomes the centre of attention, the Q7 line-up is expected to be very broad, with the V6 models set to be supplemented by – and bookended by – four-cylinder and V8 offerings once the core versions launch.

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