Audi’s second-generation Q7 undergoes a subtle update in a bid to steal some limelight away from its more talked-about relatives. Ian McLaren shares his thoughts after time behind the wheel.
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Audi Q7 55 TFSI Black Edition Fast Facts
- Price: R1 987 900
- Powertrain: 3.0-litre, V6, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 7-speed automatic
- Power: 250 kW @ 5 000 r/min
- Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 370 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 5.6 seconds (claimed)
- Top speed: 250 km/h (claimed)
- Fuel consumption: 9.10 L/100 km (claimed)
- Emissions: 210 g/km (claimed)
- Rivals: Jeep Grand Cherokee; Volvo XC90
Introduced in 2015 and underpinned by the Volkswagen Group’s box-fresh MLB Evo platform, the second-generation Audi Q7 distinguished itself from an extended family that included everything from an “entry-level” VW Touareg to the high-performance Lamborghini Urus via a suitably sophisticated interior and a generously proportioned cabin capable of seating seven. A decade later, with little chance of an all-new generation being developed on a non-EV platform, Ingolstadt is seeking, via a second update, to extend the appeal of the modern Q7 for the foreseeable future.
A campaign of mild cosmetic enhancements broadly shared with this car’s sleek Q8 sibling, sees the modern Q7 gain a revised grille and headlamp treatment – including the option to include HD Matrix LED with laser lighting up front and OLED tail lamps – and is available in either Platinum- or Black Edition trim specifications. While an updated RS Q8 will eventually top its respective family tree, the halo model of the altogether more conservative Q7 range will remain an SQ7 derivative.
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An extension of Audi’s focused Black Edition strategy, this upgrade on the Q7 introduces darkened 22-inch alloy wheels, a black grille and matching-colour mirror housings, roof rails and door sills. A new colour palette includes Sakhir Gold and Ascari Blue (pictured), and a panoramic sunroof is included throughout the range. Sold exclusively as a seven-seater, this Audi’s 5 072 mm profile accommodates some usable packing space behind a 50:50-split third row. Luggage space with these items stowed is a claimed 780 litres.
Within a spacious cabin where noteworthy build quality was already a strong selling point, Audi has raised its lofty standards even higher with the updated Q7. While I hope this same attention to detail and material choice has been transferred to the modern Q8, the Q7 has never come closer to mimicking the level of sophistication offered by its more glamourous (and expensive) Bentley Bentayga cousin. That said, with the dual front drink holders occupied and the inclusion of a wireless mobile phone charging pad in the centre console, there’s little remaining storage space up front in the otherwise spacious cabin.
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Until the 373 kW/770 N.m SQ7 is officially introduced, the Q7 is sold exclusively with Audi’s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Although this unit is capable of propelling the 2 250 kg SUV from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, of arguably more use to the average premium family SUV owner is the 500 N.m of torque available from just 1 370 r/min. Fitted with an optional sports steering wheel with paddles for manually shifting gears, overtaking manoeuvres on route to an annual holiday spot up the coast were easily negotiated.
Despite defaulting to efficiency mode for the duration of my extended test drive – and the presence of 48 V mild-hybrid technology within this powertrain – my average fuel consumption settled at 12.6 L/100 km. Thankfully, this Audi is fitted with an 85-litre fuel tank, which supports a useful overall range of around 675 km.
The standard fitment of electronically controlled air suspension with continuously adaptive damping is a game-changer for the modern Audi Q7. Capable of lowering by up to 30 mm at cruising speeds, this system can also raise the car’s ride height by up to 60 mm above its default position, which, together with a dedicated off-road driving mode, introduces more than a hint of all-terrain ability. Of course, the everyday benefit of air suspension is an impressive default ride quality, even with the Black Edition’s low-profile tyres.
The first product to be built on this iteration of the MQB Evo architecture, whether for its versatile, station wagon-inspired styling or simply while struggling for attention alongside the likes of its Q8, Cayenne, Urus and Bentayga relations, the modern Q7 has the potential to be overlooked in this segment. The updates to this otherwise impressively comfortable, spacious and now notably capable product certainly move it to the front row of its latest family portrait.
Find the full feature in the March 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
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