The Audi Q7 has long been a respected contender in the luxury SUV market, known for its understated elegance and comfortable ride. For 2025, Audi has given the Q7 a subtle refresh, aiming to keep it competitive in a crowded segment. While the changes might not be immediately apparent, they hint at Audi’s commitment to refining a proven formula. This 2025 Audi Q7 review dives into whether these updates are enough to maintain its appeal against increasingly sophisticated rivals.
Overview of the 2025 Audi Q7
The 2025 Audi Q7 enters the market with a starting price of $61,795 for the base 45 Premium model, featuring a four-cylinder engine. Stepping up to the 55 Prestige trim, as tested, brings a more potent V6 engine and a host of premium features, pushing the price closer to $90,000. The refresh focuses on subtle exterior tweaks, enhanced technology, and the Q7’s signature comfort and quality. It aims to appeal to families seeking a refined and capable three-row SUV without shouting for attention.
Exterior Design: Subtle but Elegant
While not a dramatic departure from the previous model year, the 2025 Audi Q7 sports a refreshed grille and updated headlight and taillight designs. These subtle changes contribute to a more modern and sophisticated appearance. The test model, equipped with optional 21-inch five-spoke wheels, further enhances its visual appeal, lending a sporty touch typically seen on Audi’s S or RS models. The Black Optic package, adding Anthracite Gray Audi logos and black exterior accents, combined with the optional Tamarind Brown metallic paint, creates an understated yet undeniably elegant aesthetic.
Premium Interior and Technology
Inside, the Audi Q7 continues to impress with its high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The cabin is adorned with a blend of premium leather, aluminum trim, wood inlays, and well-integrated black plastic elements. While some glossy surfaces may attract fingerprints, the overall impression is one of luxury and durability, befitting its price range.
The technology interface remains largely consistent, featuring a 10.1-inch central touchscreen and an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for climate controls. Audi’s haptic feedback system adds a tactile element to the touch interfaces, making them more user-friendly than some competitors. However, the system can still feel somewhat cluttered, and some may find the lack of a more advanced voice assistant or over-the-air updates disappointing in this class.
Fortunately, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, known as Audi Virtual Cockpit, is highly customizable and provides a wealth of information directly in front of the driver. This, coupled with well-placed steering wheel controls, minimizes the need to navigate the central touchscreens while driving.
Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics
The 2025 Audi Q7 offers two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the Q7 45 model, producing 261 horsepower, and a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the Q7 55, delivering 335 horsepower. While the four-cylinder provides adequate performance, the V6 offers a more substantial driving experience. The V6 enables the Q7 55 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 5.5 seconds and offers a robust towing capacity of 7,700 pounds.
On the road, the V6 engine delivers smooth power, although it may not feel overtly punchy. Initial acceleration is adequate, but maintaining higher speeds requires a more deliberate throttle input. In standard drive mode, the Q7 exhibits a noticeable deceleration when the throttle is released, akin to mild regenerative braking, although it is not actually equipped with such a system.
Switching to Dynamic mode sharpens the driving experience, enhancing throttle response, stiffening the suspension, and making the engine feel more responsive. The Q7 demonstrates balanced handling with minimal body roll and responsive steering, making it feel surprisingly agile for a 5,000-pound SUV.
Ride Comfort and Cabin Quietness
Where the Audi Q7 truly excels is in ride comfort and cabin serenity. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and composed ride even on uneven surfaces. The cabin remains remarkably quiet, isolating occupants from wind and road noise, making conversations easy even for third-row passengers. Even with the upgraded 21-inch wheels, the Q7 maintains its composure without sacrificing ride quality or introducing excessive noise. This makes the Q7 an ideal choice for long journeys and daily commutes alike.
Practicality: Space and Cargo
The second row of the Audi Q7 offers generous headroom and legroom, ensuring passenger comfort. However, access to and space in the third row are less accommodating. Ingress to the third row can be challenging, particularly with the second-row bench seats, and legroom is limited, making it best suited for children or shorter trips for adults.
In terms of cargo space, the Audi Q7 strikes a reasonable balance. While cargo room behind the third row is limited, the Q7 offers 14.2 cubic feet, which is competitive within its class, surpassing the BMW X7’s 12.8 cubic feet. Folding the third-row seats electronically expands the cargo area to 35.7 cubic feet, and further folding the second row opens up a maximum of 69.6 cubic feet.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Excellent Ride Quality
- Comfortable and Quiet Cabin
- Premium Interior Features
- Understated and Elegant Styling
Cons:
- Anonymous Styling (Subjective)
- Technology Lags Behind Some Competitors
- Price Can Escalate Quickly with Options
- Tight Third-Row Seating
Conclusion
The 2025 Audi Q7 represents a refined evolution of a well-regarded luxury SUV. It may not boast radical changes or attention-grabbing features, but its strengths lie in its exceptional ride comfort, premium cabin, and overall quality. For buyers prioritizing a comfortable, composed, and subtly luxurious three-row SUV, the Audi Q7 remains a compelling option. However, potential buyers should be aware of the price premium for higher trims and options and consider if the technology features meet their expectations compared to rivals in the segment. Ultimately, the 2025 Audi Q7 is a solid choice for those who appreciate understated German excellence in a luxury SUV.
