Audi Q7

The 2025 Audi Q7 in India is powered by a single petrol engine option with mild-hybrid technology:

• 3.0-litre V6 TFSI Petrol with 48V Mild-Hybrid: This turbocharged V6 engine produces 335 bhp of power between 5200-6400 rpm and 500 Nm of torque between 1370-4500 rpm. It is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system.

The 48V mild-hybrid system assists the engine during acceleration and allows for coasting with the engine off, contributing to improved fuel efficiency. The performance is strong, with Audi claiming a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 kmph. The V6 engine provides smooth and refined power delivery. The 8-speed automatic transmission is smooth and responsive, and the quattro AWD system ensures excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Q7 also features adaptive air suspension and Audi Drive Select with multiple driving modes, allowing the driver to tailor the ride and handling characteristics.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Audi Q7 is known for its comfortable and composed ride quality, which is a key strength of the vehicle. The adaptive air suspension, standard on both variants in India, allows the driver to adjust the suspension stiffness and ride height, providing a plush ride over various road surfaces. It effectively absorbs bumps and undulations, making it an excellent vehicle for long-distance travel.

Handling is surprisingly agile for a large SUV, thanks to the well-tuned suspension and the quattro AWD system. While it's not a sports SUV, it feels stable and confident around corners, with minimal body roll. 

The steering is precise and offers good feedback, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. The availability of all-wheel steering on some international models further enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds, although its availability in India needs confirmation. Overall, the Q7 strikes a good balance between ride comfort and capable handling, providing a refined driving experience.

The interior of the 2025 Audi Q7 maintains its luxurious and spacious cabin, designed to accommodate seven occupants in three rows. The layout largely remains the same, featuring Audi's dual touchscreen MMI touch response system. This includes a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and an 8.6-inch touchscreen below it for climate control and convenience functions. The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, is standard, providing customizable information to the driver.

The cabin is appointed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery (expected to be available in new color options like Cedar Brown and Saiga Beige), wood or aluminum trim inserts, and soft-touch surfaces. Comfort features include four-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, heated front and rear seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The third row of seats is electrically foldable, offering flexibility to expand the cargo space. While the dual-screen setup looks modern, some users might find it distracting to use while driving compared to physical buttons. The overall ambiance is premium and refined, suitable for a luxury SUV.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Audi Q7 is based on the MMI touch response system with two touchscreens. The upper 10.1-inch screen controls the main infotainment functions, including navigation, media, and smartphone connectivity. The lower 8.6-inch screen is primarily for climate control, seat functions, and other convenience settings. The system is expected to feature updated software with improved responsiveness and graphics.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, allowing for seamless integration of smartphones. The system includes integrated navigation and supports Audi's connected car technology, offering features like remote vehicle status, geofencing, and concierge services. 

A premium audio system, likely a Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound system with 19 speakers, is available on higher variants, providing an immersive audio experience. The Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus, the digital instrument cluster, is highly customizable and can display a wide range of information, including full-screen navigation maps.

The exterior of the 2025 Audi Q7 receives a refreshed look, aligning it with Audi's latest design language. The front features a revised Singleframe grille, which is larger and has a new mesh pattern, giving it a more imposing presence. The Matrix LED headlights are updated with new internal graphics and customizable LED DRL signatures. The front bumper is also restyled with revised air intakes.

From the side, the silhouette remains largely unchanged, maintaining its stately and elegant profile. New alloy wheel designs are introduced, likely in 19 and 20-inch sizes depending on the variant. The rear sees updates to the LED taillights, featuring new lighting signatures and potentially a connecting chrome strip across the tailgate. The rear bumper is also tweaked, incorporating redesigned exhaust tips. Overall, the exterior updates are evolutionary, giving the Q7 a sharper and more modern appearance without drastically altering its familiar shape. Dimensions are substantial, with a length of 5072 mm, width of 1970 mm, and height of 1705 mm, and a wheelbase of 3000 mm.

Safety is a paramount concern for a large luxury SUV like the Audi Q7, and the 2025 model is expected to maintain a high standard. The second-generation Audi Q7 received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, and the updated model, with its robust structure and comprehensive safety features, is expected to perform similarly well.

The 2025 Q7 comes equipped with a wide array of safety features. Standard safety equipment includes 8 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

 Higher variants are expected to offer Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including features like lane departure warning with steering assist, park assist plus with a 360-degree camera, and adaptive windshield wipers with integrated nozzles. Other safety features include ISOFIX child seat anchorages and a hold assist function. The combination of a strong chassis and advanced safety technologies contributes to a high level of occupant protection.

The 2025 Audi Q7 competes in the fiercely contested large luxury SUV segment in India. Its primary rivals include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90.

These competitors offer similar levels of luxury, performance, and features. The BMW X5 is known for its sportier driving dynamics, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE emphasizes comfort and a plush interior. 

The Volvo XC90 stands out with its strong focus on safety, Scandinavian design, and available plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Audi Q7 differentiates itself with its elegant design, spacious and technologically advanced interior, standard 7-seater configuration, and the smooth V6 petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. Its pricing, being locally assembled, is competitive within this segment.

The 2025 Audi Q7, with its recent facelift, remains a strong contender in the large luxury SUV segment in India. It successfully combines updated styling, a technologically advanced interior, and a refined petrol powertrain with mild-hybrid assistance. 

The standard 7-seater configuration adds to its practicality, making it a suitable choice for families. The inclusion of features like adaptive air suspension and quattro AWD enhances its comfort and capability.

While the interior design is an evolution, the updated infotainment system and digital displays keep it competitive. The 3.0-litre V6 engine provides ample power and refinement. The 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating is a reassurance of its protective capabilities. 

For buyers in India seeking a spacious, luxurious, and capable 7-seater SUV from a premium brand, the 2025 Audi Q7 offers a compelling package. Its competitive pricing, being locally assembled, further adds to its appeal in the segment.