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Photo of a Audi Q7

Audi Q7

Audi's first SUV made room for a V12 diesel and 1,000 Nm.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 39 sources

At a glance

0250500
201–500 hpPower
0510
4.1–9.1 s0–100 km/h
0125250
202–250 km/hTop speed
05001,000
360–1,000 N·mTorque
01,5003,000
1,910–2,710 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.121416

Engine
4L: 3.0–6.0 L; 4M: 2.0–4.0 L, hybrids; third gen: 3.0 L diesel V6131415
Layout
Front engine, quattro all-wheel drive1
Gearbox
6-speed manual (first-gen 3.6); 6/8-speed automatics113
Built at
Volkswagen Bratislava Plant, Bratislava, Slovakia113

The story

Audi's first SUV targeted road use and moderate off-roading, reaching showrooms in 2006. The original range grew to a V12 diesel; some 2009–2012 cars later faced emissions-scandal buybacks.12

2003: Pikes Peak quattro previews the Q720032005: Frankfurt debut; Bratislava production20052008: V12 TDI: 1,000 Nm and ceramic brakes20082011: Supercharged V6s and eight speeds20112015: Second generation sheds up to 325 kg20152016: Diesel e-tron and SQ7 join the range20162020: Turbo V6 and gasoline SQ7 arrive20202024: Digital lights and longer plug-in range20242026: Third generation: 5, 6 or 7 seats2026 Audi Pikes Peak quattro: 2003Audi Q7 (first generation) (4L): 2005–20154LAudi Q7 (second generation) (4M): 2015–20264MAudi Q7 (third generation) (G8): 2026–present 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones123111315
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003Audi Pikes Peak quattro
2005–2015Audi Q7 (first generation) (4L)
2015–2026Audi Q7 (second generation) (4M)
2026–presentAudi Q7 (third generation) (G8)
2003Pikes Peak quattro previews the Q7
2005Frankfurt debut; Bratislava production
2008V12 TDI: 1,000 Nm and ceramic brakes
2011Supercharged V6s and eight speeds
2015Second generation sheds up to 325 kg
2016Diesel e-tron and SQ7 join the range
2020Turbo V6 and gasoline SQ7 arrive
2024Digital lights and longer plug-in range
2026Third generation: 5, 6 or 7 seats
  1. 2003

    Pikes Peak quattro previews the Q7

    Satoshi Wada's Pikes Peak quattro concept appears at Detroit; its design develops into the production Q7.34

  2. 2005

    Frankfurt debut; Bratislava production

    Audi's first SUV debuts in Frankfurt in September; production starts that November at Volkswagen's Bratislava plant in Slovakia.1

  3. 2008

    V12 TDI: 1,000 Nm and ceramic brakes

    The Q7 V12 TDI arrives with 493 hp and 1,000 Nm, becoming the first Audi fitted with ceramic brakes as standard.2

  4. 2011

    Supercharged V6s and eight speeds

    US Q7s replace the 3.6-liter V6 and 4.2-liter V8 with 272- or 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6s and a new eight-speed automatic.5

  5. 2015

    Second generation sheds up to 325 kg

    The second Q7 debuts in Detroit with all-wheel steering and a claimed weight reduction of up to 325 kg through multimaterial construction.126

  6. 2016

    Diesel e-tron and SQ7 join the range

    The e-tron plug-in offers up to 56 km of NEDC electric range; the diesel SQ7 adds a 48V electric compressor and optional active anti-roll bars.789

  7. 2020

    Turbo V6 and gasoline SQ7 arrive

    The Q7 replaces its supercharged V6 with a 335-hp turbo V6 and a 48V system; the SQ7 switches from diesel to a 500-hp gasoline V8.710

  8. 2024

    Digital lights and longer plug-in range

    The facelift adds selectable light signatures; 55/60 TFSI e plug-ins gain a 25.9-kWh gross battery and up to 85 km of combined WLTP electric range.1112

  9. 2026

    Third generation: 5, 6 or 7 seats

    Optional micro-LED headlights join the seating choices; 3.0-liter V6 diesels add MHEV plus technology and an electric compressor.13

Every generation

  • Audi Pikes Peak quattro
    Audi Pikes Peak quattro2003
  • Audi Q7 (first generation)
    4L2005–2015
  • Audi Q7 (second generation)
    4M2015–2026
  • Audi Q7 (third generation)
    G82026–present

Power over the years

From 276 hp to 500 hp in 13 years.

0200400600 2010201520202025 hp 2007 · 276 hp · 3.6 FSI2007 · 345 hp · 4.2 FSI2008 · 493 hp · V12 TDI2010 · 201 hp · 3.0 TDI entry model2011 · 272 hp · US 3.0T Supercharged2011 · 333 hp · US 3.0T Supercharged high output2016 · 429 hp · SQ7 V8 diesel2017 · 252 hp · 2.0-liter turbo four2017 · 333 hp · 3.0-liter supercharged V62020 · 335 hp · Q7 55 turbo V62020 · 500 hp · SQ7 twin-turbo V82026 · 295 hp · 3.0 V6 diesel, high output 500 hp SQ7 twin-turbo V8 276 hp 3.6 FSI
12571013141617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20072763.6 FSI
20073454.2 FSI
2008493V12 TDI
20102013.0 TDI entry model
2011272US 3.0T Supercharged
2011333US 3.0T Supercharged high output
2016429SQ7 V8 diesel
20172522.0-liter turbo four
20173333.0-liter supercharged V6
2020335Q7 55 turbo V6
2020500SQ7 twin-turbo V8
20262953.0 V6 diesel, high output

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Q7 SE / S line / S line Plus

    Standard

    Q7 SE / S line / S line Plus

  • Q7 Premium / Premium Plus / Prestige

    Standard

    Q7 Premium / Premium Plus / Prestige

  • Standard

    Q7 Black Edition / Vorsprung (UK)

    2024

  • Q7 e-tron

    Standard

    Q7 e-tron

    2016

    369 hp

  • Standard

    Q7 55 TFSI e / 60 TFSI e

    2024

  • SQ7 TDI

    Performance

    SQ7 TDI

    2016–2020

    429 hp

  • Limited

    Q7 Black Edition (India)

  • Limited

    Q7 Limited Edition (India)

    2022

    335 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • 2009 facelift: vertical chrome grille bars over gloss black.23
  • Second generation: a wagon-like SUV silhouette.17
  • 2024 facelift: upright octagonal grille with teardrop inlays on the base exterior.2
  • 2026 third generation: four-ring nose badge sits higher.13
  • 2026 third generation: main headlights sit below the daytime running lights.13

Year by year

  1. 2009 facelift

    Vertical chrome grille bars and reshaped bumpers arrive; Xenon plus cars gain LED running lights, and all versions get LED rear lights.23

  2. 2015 second generation

    A slightly shorter, narrower body replaces the original; the side profile takes on a wagon-like shape.617

  3. 2019 facelift

    A bolder grille and reshaped headlights distinguish the nose; the tail is redesigned, too.719

  4. 2024 styling update

    Headlights sit higher; base grilles use teardrop inlays, while S line and SQ7 get L-shaped elements.2

  5. 2024 lighting options

    Optional laser headlights show blue accents and offer four DRL signatures; optional OLED rear lights also have four selectable patterns.2

  6. 2026 third generation

    The hood and four-ring badge rise; split lighting places the main headlights below the daytime running lights.13

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Audi Q7
    Q7
    Photo of a Audi Q8
    Audi Q8

    Audi Q8

    The Q8 is sleeker, has a lower roof and seats two rows; the Q7 offers a third row.116

  • Audi Q7 S line Sport Edition

    V12-like bodywork can hide V6 or V8 diesels; the V12 TDI has a rear badge and two LED running-light strips.1820

Against its rivals

  • Q7 vs BMW X5 xDrive35i (2015)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Q7$72,875
    BMW X5 xDrive35i (2015)$68,270
    24
  • Range Rover Sport HSE (2015)

    Q7 vs Range Rover Sport HSE (2015)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Q7$72,875
    Range Rover Sport HSE (2015)$87,281
    24

  • Q7 vs Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription (2016)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Q75.5 s
    Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription (2016)6 s
    24
  • BMW X5 xDrive40i

    Q7 vs BMW X5 xDrive40i

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Q75 s
    BMW X5 xDrive40i4.7 s
    10

Prices

Value today $10.0K–$12.5K3233

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 2010201520202025 Value today: $10,000–$12,450 2007 · $50,000 · US 4.2, estimated base2009 · $50,900 · US TDI Premium base, excl. delivery2011 · $48,000 · US 3.0T 272 hp, as tested2011 · $60,000 · US 3.0T 333 hp, as tested2017 · $72,875 · US 3.0T Prestige, as tested 2009 · $50,900 · US TDI Premium base, 2009 model year; excludes destination 2024 · $13,250 · 2007 3.6 Premium, 38k miles, BaT2025 · $22,000 · 2015 TDI Prestige S Line Sport Edition, 100k miles, BaT2026 · $10,000 · 2010 4.2 Prestige, 77k miles, BaT2026 · $12,450 · 2018 3.0T Premium Plus, 98k miles, BaT2026 · $13,000 · 2017 2.0T Premium Plus, 79k miles, BaT2026 · $26,250 · 2018 3.0T Prestige, 23k miles, BaT2026 · $7,250 · 2015 3.0T Premium Plus, 97k miles, BaT2026 · $8,500 · 2007 4.2 Premium, 24k miles, BaT $26.3K BaT, 2026
1524253233343536373839
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2009Launch price$50,900US TDI Premium base, 2009 model year; excludes destination
2007Price when new$50,000US 4.2, estimated base
2009Price when new$50,900US TDI Premium base, excl. delivery
2011Price when new$48,000US 3.0T 272 hp, as tested
2011Price when new$60,000US 3.0T 333 hp, as tested
2017Price when new$72,875US 3.0T Prestige, as tested
2024Auction sale$13,2502007 3.6 Premium, 38k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$22,0002015 TDI Prestige S Line Sport Edition, 100k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$10,0002010 4.2 Prestige, 77k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,4502018 3.0T Premium Plus, 98k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,0002017 2.0T Premium Plus, 79k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$26,2502018 3.0T Prestige, 23k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$7,2502015 3.0T Premium Plus, 97k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$8,5002007 4.2 Premium, 24k miles, BaT
2026Value today$10,000–$12,450

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “The only passenger-car V12 diesel”
    • “Audi engineers’ reported 8:50 Nordschleife lap”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 39 sources
  1. Audi Q7 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Strong in design, comfort, and technology: The revised Audi Q7 | audi.com audi.com
  3. Audi Pikes Peak quattro - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Audi DESIGN | Audi Designer Satoshi Wada Interview (Part 1) - Web Magazine OPENERS openers.jp
  5. 2011 Audi Q7 3.0T Supercharged – Review – Car and Driver caranddriver.com
  6. Audi Lightens New Generation Q7 - Mobility Engineering Technology mobilityengineeringtech.com
  7. Used Audi Q7 review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  8. Audi Q7 e-tron 2016 Review - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  9. Audi SQ7 2016 review - Motoring Research motoringresearch.com
  10. Tested: 2020 Audi Q7 55 Quick and Quiet caranddriver.com
  11. 2024 Audi Q7: premium seven-seater receives its second facelift | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  12. Maximum efficiency in ample space: the new Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro and Q8 TFSI e quattro | audi.com audi.com
  13. Third generation of the successful SUV: new Audi Q7 combines versatility and performance | audi.com audi.com
  14. Audi Q7 4L – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  15. Audi Q7 4M – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  16. Tested: 2020 Audi SQ7 Wows with Polished Performance caranddriver.com
  17. 2017 Audi Q7 3.0T Quattro Long-Term Road Test Wrap-Up caranddriver.com
  18. Audi Q7 S Line Sport and Style Editions revealed | Cars UK carsuk.net
  19. Used Audi Q7 (4M) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  20. 2009 Audi Q7 V12 TDI Diesel First Drive caranddriver.com
  21. Limited-run Audi Q7 Black Edition launched in India; priced at Rs 82.15 lakh | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  22. Audi Q7 Limited Edition launched in India at Rs 88.08 lakh - CarWale carwale.com
  23. De vernieuwde Audi Q7 nieuws.audi.nl
  24. 2017 Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC90 caranddriver.com
  25. 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro caranddriver.com
  26. Audi Q7 4.2 FSI lap time at Contidrom (3.3 km) - FastestLaps.com fastestlaps.com
  27. Audi Q7 V12 TDI lap time at Cadwell Park (Full Circuit) - FastestLaps.com fastestlaps.com
  28. 映画『アイアンマン(Iron Man)』の相棒にAudi R8 | Audi Japan Press Center - アウディ audi-press.jp
  29. « Captain America » fährt Audi SQ7 | Audi Medienportal audipress.ch
  30. The Always Up-To-Date Forza Motorsport 7 Car List – GTPlanet gtplanet.net
  31. Defining the Soul of a Racecar in the Forza Motorsport 7 Garage - XBOX Wire news.xbox.com
  32. No Reserve: 2010 Audi Q7 4.2 Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,000 on May 20, 2026 (Lot #243,442) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,450 on August 28, 2026 (Lot #260,338) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2015 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,250 on September 16, 2026 (Lot #263,275) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 23k-Mile 2018 Audi Q7 3.0T Prestige for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $26,250 on September 18, 2026 (Lot #263,816) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. No Reserve: 2017 Audi Q7 2.0T Premium Plus for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,000 on October 8, 2026 (Lot #267,371) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 24k-Mile 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $8,500 on April 21, 2026 (Lot #238,852) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2015 Audi Q7 TDI Prestige S Line Sport Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,000 on December 10, 2025 (Lot #222,859) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 38k-Mile 2007 Audi Q7 3.6 Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on May 11, 2024 (Lot #146,483) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • audi.com
  • openers.jp
  • caranddriver.com
  • mobilityengineeringtech.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • carsales.com.au
  • motoringresearch.com
  • carbuyer.co.uk
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • carsuk.net
  • redriven.com
  • autocarindia.com
  • carwale.com

Photo credits

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