The Audi Q7 is Audi’s big, luxurious, seven-seat SUV. As the company’s flagship SUV, you can expect a whole host of features, power, space and grace. But not all Q7s are the same, and Audi’s naming conventions doesn’t make it easy to determine which trim has the luxury features you may want. Check out the features, ratings, and more below in this Audi Q7 buyers guide.

Is the Audi Q7 a 7-seater?

The Audi Q7 SUV seats seven people. But, for most of us, that back row is more for kids, jockeys, and emergency situations rather than two more full-sized adults. The front two rows of seats have normal legroom, while the back seat has a comparatively small 29 inches of legroom. With the three rows of seats up, it only has 14 cubic feet of area for luggage. But, drop those seats and you get a useful 36 cubic feet behind the second row.

The third row, however, can rise or lower with the touch of a power button. Consumer Reports calls it “one of the most impressive three-row luxury SUVs.”

When was the Audi Q7 redesigned?

The Q7 is in its second generation. It was last all-new in 2015. It had a major facelift for 2020, however, that added Audi’s massive grille, a new dash and console, and several new engine options. The big news was the SQ7 high-performance version (a separate model, really) got a monster twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower.

Fun Fact: You can impress your co-workers by telling them that the Volkswagen Group uses the same platform for its Lamborghini Urus and Bentley Bentayga SUVs.

Is the Q8 the same as a Q7?

SUV’s look like trucks, right? Not if it’s the Q8. The Q8 is the “coupe” version of the Q7, which means it loses some utility in exchange for a healthy dose of style. The Q8 is, simply, cooler looking than the Q7 and to many folks, it’s the perfect alternative to the Audi’s flagship sedan, the Q8. It’s also cheaper, but it only seats five.

The Audi Q8 comes with the upgraded V6 and mild-hybrid drive from the upper-level trims of the Q7. Since it rides on the optional 21-inch wheels, so the ride is a bit harsher than the Q7’s, but not by much, especially with the optional plus air suspension. The Q8 competes with BMW’s big “coupe” SUVs, like the X6, which are gaining traction as people like the tall seating position of an SUV, without the truck-like appearance.

What is the best Audi Q7 to buy?

The base engine in the Audi Q7 has plenty of power for most people. Also, its standard two-screen infotainment system is easy to use, and easy on the eyes, with 10.1-inch screen on top and an 8.6-inch lower screen. All Q7s also come with a configurable gauge cluster and several driver’s assistance features.

The regular Premium version is well equipped with everything you’d expect from a luxury SUV, like heated seats and leather. The Premium Plus adds options like adaptive cruise control, four-zone climate (as opposed to three) and ventilated seats, to keep you bum cool on hot days. It starts at around $65,000, and the V6 adds another $3,500. The Prestige comes with the big 6 and every option, but it’s a steel $76,000.

What engines come in the Audi Q7?

According to the feds, the Audi Q7 with the 3.0-liter V6 gets 18 mpg in the city, and 23 on the highway, even with its mild hybrid booster. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, however, beats that by about 20% with 20 in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. However, expect to pay more because both grades require premium fuel.

The base version makes 261 horsepower in the Premium 45 TFSI quattro version. The upgraded V6 in the Prestige 55 TFSI quattro version makes 335 horsepower.

Audi Q7 by the numbers

• Standard engine: 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt mild hybrid
• Optional Engine: 335-horsepower turbocharged V6 with a 48-volt mild hybrid
• It can tow up to 7,000 pounds
• It has an 8-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic controls
• All Q7s come with quattro all-wheel drive