The covers have come off the new Audi Q7, revealing a design that is very much in keeping with the company's latest models. For more than two decades, the Audi Q7 has been the German marque's flagship SUV and, while this new model is more spacious and practical than its predecessor, it's soon to be eclipsed by a larger Q9.
What's changed on the outside of the Audi Q7?
Well, everything. This new Q7 looks quite different to its predecessor as it draws on the company's current design language that has already shaped the smaller Audi Q6 e-tron SUV.
At the front, the signature 'singleframe' grille has been enlarged and features subtle lighting that illuminates the lower sections of the honeycomb design, giving it a more three-dimensional appearance.
The four-ringed Audi logo sits higher to emphasise its presence, while the pattern of the slender LED daytime running lights (DRLs) can be chosen by the driver.
Further down, optional digital Matrix-LED headlights can produce dynamic lighting that shades other vehicles as it drives, but the system can also pick out pedestrians on unlit roads and highlight them for the driver to see.
Some 25,600 micro-LEDs, each measuring half the thickness of a human hair, are individually controlled by the system to produce its most advanced highlight technology to date.
Elsewhere on the Q7 there are softer edges and pronounced rear haunches. There will be a choice of wheels ranging in diameter from 20 inches up to 23 inches - a first time that such size wheels have been available for the Q7 from the factory.
At the rear, Audi will offer the option of OLED lights, which create a distinctive light design both day and night. Similar to the front DRLs, these OLED units can display multiple designs and can even automatically switch to a static warning signature if another vehicle starts getting too close to the rear of the car.
Audi is also introducing a new safety feature called advanced turn signals. These come as part of a package with the digital Matrix-LED headlights and OLED rear lights and augment the car's existing indicators.
When these are activated, a large warning pattern with arrows in the respective direction is projected onto the ground at the front and rear. These let pedestrians and cyclists know that the car is about to turn.
How big is the new Audi Q7?
The Audi Q7 measures 5,056mm in length and is 2,010mm wide, while the overall height is 1,800mm.
What about the interior of the Q7?
Getting into the 2027 Audi Q7 is made even easier in either of two ways: a new optional automatic door system lets owners open (or close) any of its doors either via the key, through their smartphone app, or simply by pulling the door handle.
An array of sensors behind the bodywork scans the area for any potential obstacles before the door is opened electrically. Once inside, the driver needs only to put their foot on the brake pedal for the door to swing shut with the same smoothness.
You mentioned another way of getting in more easily...
As standard, the Audi Q7 comes with steel spring suspension, but buyers can specify one of two adaptive air suspension setups. These can lower the car's height by 62mm to ease ingress and egress.
Just as importantly, it is also said to improve the SUV's ride comfort without sacrificing any of the handling characteristics.
For the keener driver, there will also be an adaptive air suspension 'sport' setup that brings ride height down by 30mm to reduce the car's centre of gravity.
Is the Audi Q7 full of screens?
If you've sat in any of Audi's newest models, then the Q7's cabin won't be a massive surprise. It features an all-digital dashboard with a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen, both housed within a single curved panel. There's also a separate 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger.
The infotainment system is as fully functioned as you'd expect, and there is the usual smartphone mirroring available, too. Meanwhile, a new style of wireless phone charging pad uses a magnetic connection to hold devices firmly in place - there are two of these.
Additional practicalities include large cupholders and plenty of USB charge ports throughout, not to mention some useful storage areas.
Although there aren't as many proper physical controls as we'd like to see, the move away from glossy black plastic surfaces in favour of more traditional open-pore wood and other premium materials is a positive change.
What seating options are there for the Q7?
The standard Q7 will come in a five-seat layout, but there will be six- and seven-seat versions. The six-seat layout consists of two captain's chairs in the second row and two smaller seats in the third row.
Due to the Q7's roofline, there is just enough room for two adults of average height to sit comfortably in the rearmost seats, but we feel these are best left to younger/smaller passengers.
Speaking of even younger passengers, all rear seats are not only electrically adjustable, but each also carries ISOFIX anchor points. There's even a set in the front passenger seat.
How much boot space does the Audi Q7 now get?
The luggage capacity of the 2027 Audi Q7 does depend on which version you choose, as the different seating configurations impact how much it can carry in the boot.
If you want to maximise capacity, then you'll need to choose the five-seat layout. This version gets 806 litres when all seats are in use and 2,075 litres when the rear seats are folded.
What engines does the Audi Q7 use?
From launch, the Q7 will be available with two variations of a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel, both equipped with mild-hybrid technology to boost performance and efficiency.
The entry-level engine makes up to 245hp and 500Nm, while the more powerful version sees those outputs rise to 299hp and 630Nm.
In each case, the MHEV (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle) tech contributes 24hp and enables short spells of engine-off driving, such as coasting and low-speed parking manoeuvres without the diesel engine being active.
Drive goes to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which features a new limited-slip centre differential with preload. Towing capacity for the Q7 is rated at 3,500kg for a braked trailer.
Audi told CompleteCar.ie that it plans to expand the powertrain offering with a plug-in hybrid and also a smaller four-cylinder engine.
When will the new Q7 be available in Ireland?
Production for the new generation Audi Q7 is set to start later this year at the company's Bratislava factory, where the existing model is produced. Irish pricing is expected to be announced closer to the car's arrival in Ireland, during the 271-registration period.