With many vehicle manufacturers, consumers are faced with choosing between luxury or sportiness. However, Audi stands out as a company that effortlessly marries both in its cars and SUVs. Take the Audi Q7, the 15-year veteran three-row midsize SUV that has earned a reputation as a solid buy in the segment that’s both supremely luxurious and athletic on the road. The 2020 Q7 got a significant refresh, and now, Audi is making even more changes for 2021.

What’s in store for the 2021 Audi Q7

As Kelley Blue Book reports in its first review, the 2021 Audi Q7 gets several notable updates. Following the industry trend of making more and more driver-assist and safety features standard, Audi added a number of safety features to the base model Q7 Premium.

The review states that the 2021 Q7 Premium “is now equipped with Audi Side Assist, the company’s name for a blind-spot warning system. The base Q7 also now has Pre Sense Rear and Pre Sense Front, two safety systems that automatically cinch the seatbelts and close the windows (and sunroof) in the event of a front or rear collision.”

Audi also rolled out a new version of its customizable 12.3-inch driver information display system for 2021, so new models — all but the entry-level Premium — are equipped with Virtual Cockpit 2.0. The Premium trim did gain the newly available Convenience Package as an option, which adds heated seats and a 360-degree birds-eye camera. Moving up to the Prestige model, heated rear seats are newly standard, and the SQ7 Premium Plus gets a standard heated steering wheel.

This Audi Q7 was already impressive

In the ultra-competitive midsize luxury SUV segment, where rivals include the BMW X5 and the award-winning Lexus RX, the Audi Q7 stands out as offering an abundance of desirable standard features, having an exceptionally plush interior, and being powerful yet enjoyable to drive.

There are two robust engines available on the 2021 Audi Q7, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 248 hp and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 329 horses. The V6 is capable of going from 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, but if you’re seeking still more power, there’s also the performance-focused SQ7, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that puts out a whopping 500 hp and can hit 60 mph from a standstill in an astonishing 4.3 seconds. Both the 3.0-liter V6 and the V8 can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Inside, the list of the Q7’s standard features is lengthy. A dual-screen infotainment system – the top one 10.1 inches and the bottom 8.6 inches –carries over from the 2020 redesign. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, keyless start and entry, and a power tailgate are all standard across the Q7 lineup also.

Adaptive Air Suspension is offered as an option on the V6 engine at Premium Plus trim levels and higher. This innovative technology enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamics by intuitively raising the ride height in off-road terrain or snow and lowering it for highway driving.

The cost of a 2021 Q7

According to KBB, the 2021 Audi Q7 has a starting price tag of $54,950. That, of course, doesn’t include a destination charge and any applicable taxes. If you keep the four-cylinder engine but move up to the Premium Plus trim, you’ll be looking at $57,200.

Opting for the more powerful V6 will set you back $60,800 for the Premium trim, $63,800 for the Premium Plus, and $72,000 for the Prestige. While competitors like the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes GLE have lower starting prices, they don’t include all-wheel drive as a standard feature.

The SQ7 models have a starting MSRP of $85,000 for the Premium Plus and $91,200 for the Prestige trim. A fully-loaded SQ7 can quickly exceed $100,000 and tops out at around $115,000, putting you in good company with some of the priciest SUVs available.