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2025 Audi Q7 Review | Drive Chicago Article

2025 Audi Q7

Looking for a premium 3-row crossover, Audi's Q7 is just about perfect.

by: Mark Bilek

The Audi Q7 was first introduced in 2007 as a mid-size luxury crossover, quickly establishing itself as a premium choice in the segment. The current generation debuted in 2017, and while it has received multiple refreshes, including a facelift for the 2025 model year, it has not undergone a full redesign. The Q7 offers seating for up to seven passengers. It is available exclusively with Audi's signature quattro all-wheel drive. The Q7 competes with other luxury crossovers such as the BMW X7, Genesis GV80, Lexus TX, Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, and Volvo XC90.

The 2025 Audi Q7 is available in multiple trim levels, including Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige, and the high-performance SQ7. The base 45 TFSI trim is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 261 horsepower, while the 55 TFSI trims feature a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 generating 335 horsepower. The SQ7 steps up performance with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering 500 horsepower. All models come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. Towing capacity varies by engine choice, with the 45 TFSI models capable of towing up to 4,400 pounds, while the 55 TFSI and SQ7 models can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Pricing for the 2025 Audi Q7 starts at $60,500 for the base Premium 45, while the Premium 55 begins at $65,800. The Premium Plus 45 is priced at $64,300, and the Premium Plus 55 starts at $69,600. The Prestige 55 trim is available for $77,900, while the high-performance SQ7 starts at $90,800. Standard safety features include adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, Matrix-design LED headlights, and a top-view camera system. Available options include a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, four-zone automatic climate control, and an Executive package with upgraded interior materials. 

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 offers a range of powertrains designed to balance efficiency and performance. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 MPH time of around 6.7 seconds. While it provides smooth acceleration for daily driving, it may feel slightly underwhelming during high-speed passing maneuvers or with a full passenger load. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, available in higher trims, delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, improving acceleration with a 0-60 MPH time of approximately 5.5 seconds. This engine offers a refined and responsive driving experience, making highway merging effortless. For those seeking maximum performance, the SQ7 features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generating 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse propels the SQ7 from 0-60 MPH in just 4.3 seconds, providing thrilling acceleration and a deep, aggressive exhaust note. All engines benefit from mild-hybrid technology, enhancing efficiency and delivering smoother power transitions.

The 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission ensures seamless gear shifts, contributing to the Q7's composed driving dynamics. It efficiently manages power distribution, allowing for quick downshifts when extra acceleration is needed. Thought not tuned for extreme off-road driving, the quattro all-wheel drive system, an Audi hallmark, provides superior traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether navigating wet roads or tackling light off-road terrain, quattro ensures optimal grip by dynamically distributing torque between the front and rear wheels

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder achieves an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined (20 city / 26 highway). The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 is slightly less efficient, rated at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 23 highway). The high-performance SQ7, equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, has a combined rating of 17 MPG (15 city / 21 highway). All models require premium unleaded gasoline for optimal performance.

The fuel tank capacity for the Q7 is 22.5 gallons, providing a highway range of approximately 517 miles for the 2.0-liter engine and 450 miles for the 3.0-liter V6. In real-world driving, fuel economy can vary based on driving style and conditions. The 2.0-liter engine often achieves around 22-24 MPG, while the 3.0-liter V6 tends to average 20-22 MPG in mixed driving. The SQ7, with its powerful V8, typically sees 15-18 MPG, especially in city driving or spirited acceleration.

The 2025 Audi Q7 delivers a refined and comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system. The standard steel-spring suspension provides a balanced mix of comfort and control, effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability. For those seeking an even smoother experience, the available adaptive air suspension enhances ride quality by adjusting damping based on road conditions and driving mode. Compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the Q7 offers a slightly firmer ride, prioritizing sporty handling over pure softness. However, it remains more compliant than the Genesis GV80, which has a stiffer setup focused on dynamic driving.

Trim levels influence ride comfort, with the SQ7 featuring a sport-tuned air suspension that prioritizes handling over plushness. While the SQ7's suspension can be adjusted for comfort, it remains firmer than the standard Q7, especially with larger 21-inch or 22-inch wheels. The Prestige trim offers the most luxurious ride, thanks to its adaptive air suspension and four-wheel steering, which improves maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds. The Premium and Premium Plus trims, equipped with the standard suspension, provide a well-balanced ride but lack the extra refinement of the air suspension system.

In terms of bump absorption, the Q7's air suspension excels at smoothing out rough roads, making it a great choice for long-distance cruising. The SQ7, while sportier, still offers a comfortable ride in Comfort mode, though it becomes noticeably firmer in Dynamic mode. Compared to the Volvo XC90, which has a similarly tuned air suspension, the Q7 feels more composed at highway speeds. Overall, the 2025 Audi Q7 strikes a fine balance between comfort and control, making it a strong contender in the luxury SUV segment.

Compared to competitors, the 2025 Audi Q7 ranks among the quietest luxury crossovers. The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces minimal engine noise, though it can become slightly noticeable under hard acceleration. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 offers a more subdued tone, with a refined exhaust note that remains unobtrusive at cruising speeds. The SQ7's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, however, delivers a more aggressive sound, especially in Dynamic mode, where the exhaust system enhances the sporty character. Despite this, Audi has integrated active noise cancellation in higher trims to minimize unwanted engine sounds inside the cabin.

2025 Audi Q7

Road noise is well-controlled in the Q7, thanks to foam-backed carpeting and microfiber fleece insulation in key areas. The adaptive air suspension, available on higher trims, further reduces vibrations from uneven pavement, contributing to a smooth and quiet ride. Wind noise is also kept to a minimum, thanks to dual-pane acoustic glass on upper. Even at highway speeds, the cabin remains serene, allowing for clear conversations and an immersive audio experience.

It offers a more refined cabin than the Genesis GV80, which has a slightly firmer ride that can transmit more road noise. The BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class provide similar levels of noise insulation, though the Q7's active noise cancellation and soundproofing materials give it an edge in overall cabin serenity. The Volvo XC90, while comfortable, allows slightly more wind noise at higher speeds. Overall, the 2025 Audi Q7 excels in delivering a peaceful driving experience, making it an excellent choice for long-distance travel.

The 2025 Audi Q7 boasts a meticulously crafted interior that exemplifies Audi's commitment to luxury and technology. The cabin features a modern, minimalist design, with a sleek dashboard layout that integrates high-resolution digital displays and premium materials throughout. Soft-touch surfaces, genuine wood, aluminum, and leather accents create an upscale ambiance, while ambient lighting enhances the overall aesthetic. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, a fully digital instrument cluster, provides a customizable display for navigation, media, and vehicle information. The center console houses a dual-touchscreen infotainment system, offering intuitive controls for climate, entertainment, and vehicle settings.

Seating configurations vary by trim level, but all Q7 models come standard with three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The roomy and comfortable front seats are power-adjustable and heated, with available ventilation and massage functions in higher trims. The second-row bench seat provides ample legroom, though buyers can opt for captain's chairs in select configurations, reducing seating capacity to. The third-row seats, while best suited for smaller children, offer power-folding functionality for easy access and expanded cargo space.

The 2025 Audi Q7 offers excellent outward visibility, thanks to its large windows, slim roof pillars, and high seating position. The front and side visibility are particularly strong, allowing drivers to easily monitor traffic and pedestrians. The rear visibility, while slightly more restricted due to the Q7's sloping roofline, is enhanced by standard front and rear parking sensors and an available 360-degree camera system. Ease of entry and exit is a strong point for the Q7, especially with its wide door openings and available power-adjustable seats. The adaptive air suspension, available on higher trims, can lower the vehicle for easier access. Audi also offers an easy entry/exit function, which automatically moves the driver's seat back when the vehicle is turned off, allowing for a smoother exit. 

2025 Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 is packed with advanced technology and safety features, making it one of the most sophisticated luxury SUVs in its class. The centerpiece of the Q7's tech suite is its dual-touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a 10.1-inch upper display for navigation, media, and vehicle settings, and an 8.6-inch lower display for climate controls and convenience functions. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, provides a customizable interface with crisp graphics and real-time driving data. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system in higher trims.

Safety is a priority in the 2025 Q7, with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise assist with lane guidance, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, and a top-view camera system for enhanced visibility. The Prestige trim offers Audi's advanced night vision system, which detects pedestrians and animals in low-light conditions.

Like most crossovers, the 2025 Audi Q7 offers a versatile cargo area. With all seats in place, the Q7 provides a meager 14.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding down the third-row seats expands the cargo capacity to 35.7 cubic feet, while lowering both the second and third rows maximizes storage to 69.6 cubic feet. Audi has incorporated underfloor storage in the Q7, providing additional compartments for securing smaller items out of sight. Interior storage is well thought out, with large door pockets, a spacious center console, and multiple cup holders throughout the cabin. The glovebox and seatback pockets add further convenience, ensuring passengers have ample space for personal belongings.

Bottom Line -- While no vehicle in this class is an exceptional value, the Audi Q7 stands out by providing an excellent blend of comfort, performance, technology, safety and utility. While some luxury automakers are packing overly large screens into their cabins, Audi takes a more measured approach, providing reasonable screens that have unique haptic touch feedback. 

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Mark Bilek

Mark Bilek is the President of Auto Sales, Inc. and the General Manager of DriveChicago.com. Previously, he served as Senior Director of Communications and Technology for the Chicago Auto Trade Association. Mark has been reviewing vehicles for more than two decades. Previously, he was associate publisher at Consumer Guide, where he oversaw publication of Consumer Guide Car & Truck Test, Consumer Guide's Used Car Book, and ConsumerGuide.com. He was also responsible for publication of "Collectible Automobile" and various hardcover automotive titles. In 2001 and 2002 he served as president of a Midwest Automotive Media Association. Mark has appeared on NBC TV, ABC TV, Fox News, WGN and MotorTrend TV as an automotive consultant. He currently co-hosts the Drive Chicago radio show on WLS 890 AM and was a regular guest on WGN Radio's Steve & Johnnie show.

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