The facelifted Audi Q7 recently began arriving at U.S. dealerships, but a redesigned model is already on the horizon. It can’t come soon enough as the current crossover is nearly a decade old. That’s an eternity in the luxury segment and one that Audi has been paying for as sales are well off their pre-pandemic highs. However, the company is looking to right the wrongs with an all-new model that is bigger and bolder than its predecessor.
Caught undergoing testing near the
Nürburgring, the redesigned Q7 has a curvaceous front end with a shorter and
wider grille. They’re joined by split lighting units and a wide lower intake.
Designers also gave the crossover a streamlined hood and new mirrors that are
now mounted near the base of the A-pillars. Camouflage hides a number of
details, but the crossover has an evolutionary body that embraces soft curves
and flowing surfaces. We can also see flush-mounted door handles, a pronounced
shoulder line, and an expansive greenhouse. The model also appears slightly
longer and taller than before.
The rear end is still a work in progress,
but we can see a more traditional liftgate as well as temporary taillights that
hint at a boomerang-shaped design. They’re joined by a prominent spoiler and a
modernized bumper. Spy photographers got a few glimpses inside, but the cabin
was apparently covered by a black sheet. While that’s unfortunate, the model is
expected to follow in the footsteps of the Q6 e-tron. If that’s the case, we
can likely expect an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch
infotainment system, and a 10.9-inch front passenger display.
The engine lineup is shrouded in secrecy,
but the Q7 will likely be one of the last Audis to offer internal combustion
engines as the company is looking to phase out ICE-powered vehicles by 2033.
That doesn’t leave the crossover much time, but the model is expected to be
offered with an assortment of mild- and plug-in hybrid powertrains. We can also
expect petrol and diesel options.