Johannesburg, March 2025 – Audi has once again redefined luxury, performance, and technology in the SUV segment with the latest iteration of its flagship Q7. Featuring a striking new design, cutting-edge digital lighting technology, and an even more refined driving experience, the updated Q7 range asserts itself as a dominant presence on the road. With the introduction of the high-performance SQ7, boasting a formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Q7 family continues to set new standards in versatility and sophistication.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
The Audi Q7’s journey began in 2003 as the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show. Designed to conquer all road conditions, the Q7 quickly became a benchmark for premium SUVs. Launched in production form at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, it arrived just in time for the 25th anniversary of Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system. Now, nearly 20 years later, the latest Q7 remains a true embodiment of power, poise, and practicality.
Commanding Exterior Design
With its latest update, the Q7 showcases a bolder, more refined aesthetic. A newly sculpted front fascia features an unmistakably upright Singleframe grille with vertical inlays, emphasising the vehicle’s top-tier status. The interplay between the reimagined grille and repositioned headlights creates a more assertive and sophisticated front-end appearance. Further reinforcing the Q7’s presence are larger, colour-framed air intakes that seamlessly integrate into the vehicle’s design.
The striking stance is further enhanced by an expanded range of exterior colours, new alloy wheel designs, and premium trim options, ensuring a truly personalised aesthetic. The vehicle’s confident proportions, with extended overhangs and a spacious wheelbase, make it equally at home on city streets and rugged terrains.
Next-Level Lighting Technology
Audi has taken lighting innovation to new heights with the latest Q7. For the first time, customers can customise their headlights and rear lights thanks to advanced digital lighting technology. Standard Matrix LED headlights illuminate the road with precision, while optional HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light provide superior visibility, activating at speeds above 70 km/h for an extended high beam range.
New digital daytime running lights with selectable light signatures allow drivers to personalise the Q7’s front-end look via the MMI system. The rear lights, featuring digital OLED technology, also offer four distinct light signatures. As an added safety feature, the OLED rear lights incorporate a proximity warning function, automatically activating all digital OLED segments when a vehicle approaches within two metres of a stationary Q7.
Uncompromised Driving Dynamics
Audi’s signature driving experience is fully realised in the new Q7, ensuring a blend of comfort, control, and exhilaration. Adaptive air suspension, standard on the SQ7, offers continuously variable damping, adjusting the ride height by up to 90 mm depending on the driving scenario. At highway speeds, the suspension automatically lowers by up to 30 mm for enhanced aerodynamics and stability.
For superior manoeuvrability, all-wheel steering—standard on the SQ7—enhances low-speed agility by turning the rear wheels up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels, reducing the turning radius by up to one metre. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in sync with the front wheels for greater stability and confidence.
Power and Performance Redefined
The latest Q7 lineup offers a range of powertrains designed to cater to diverse driving needs. The Q7 55 TFSI is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine producing 250 kW and 500 Nm of torque. This enables a brisk 0–100 km/h sprint in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h.
For those seeking even greater performance, the new SQ7 TFSI is equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering an exhilarating 373 kW and 770 Nm of torque. Paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive, the SQ7 rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.1 seconds. Enhanced by an acoustically rich firing order, the SQ7’s V8 delivers a distinctive, emotive exhaust note that complements its dynamic performance.
Spacious, Luxurious, and Tech-Forward Interior
Inside, the Q7 offers a sanctuary of refinement, comfort, and practicality. Available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, the cabin boasts premium materials, contrast stitching, and an intuitive digital interface. Ample headroom and legroom ensure a first-class experience for all passengers, while a generous luggage compartment provides between 867 litres (seats up) and 1,993 litres (seats down) of cargo space in the five-seat version.
The latest MMI system, featuring a responsive touchscreen interface and intuitive voice control, ensures seamless connectivity and ease of use. Standard features include Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, wireless smartphone integration, and a premium sound system.
The Best Q7 Yet: Now Available in South Africa
Audi South Africa offers the Q7 55 TFSI in both Platinum Edition and Black Edition trims, while the high-performance SQ7 can be specified with an additional Black Edition styling package. Later this year, a Q7 45 TDI diesel variant will join the lineup, providing an even broader range of options for discerning customers.
Pricing:
- Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Platinum Edition: R1,958,000
- Q7 55 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition: R1,987,900
- SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic: R2,540,500
- SQ7 TFSI quattro Tiptronic Black Edition: R2,574,500
Every Q7 model is backed by Audi’s 5-year/100,000 km Freeway Plan, ensuring peace of mind with comprehensive service and maintenance coverage.
With its unmistakable design, pioneering lighting technology, and an unparalleled blend of power and versatility, the all-new Audi Q7 continues to set the benchmark for premium SUVs. Whether cruising the city streets or embarking on an adventure, the Q7 is ready to redefine what’s possible.
