There’s something delightfully unassuming about Audi’s flagship three-row SUV, the Q7. It’s been a staple for those who value quiet luxury over ostentatious displays for over a decade. With the 2024 refresh, Audi hasn’t broken new ground, but it hasn’t needed to. Instead, they’ve sharpened an already effective tool, sprinkling in updates to ensure their flagship SUV stays its place in a fiercely competitive segment.
The Q7 has sold over 10,000 units in India, 10 percent of Audi India's sales, and with good reason. This is not a luxury SUV that begs for Instagram attention, it is for those who appreciate a sharply tailored suit with more substance than showmanship. But don’t mistake its restraint for mediocrity. Beneath that reserved exterior lies a thoughtfully executed machine that knows exactly what it’s doing. Park the Q7 next to its flashier rivals, and you might initially think it’s shy. But take a closer look, and you’ll notice the devilish details.
Verdict:
At its heart, the Audi Q7 remains what it has always been a luxurious, comfortable, and understated SUV for those who prefer quiet confidence over ostentation. The 2024 updates, though subtle, bring meaningful enhancements to an already competent package. At nearly ₹1 crore for the top-spec variant, it’s not cheap. Some may grumble about the lack of wireless connectivity, while others might lament its refusal to lean into sportier dynamics. But for its target audience, including families, long-distance cruisers, and those who value serenity over spectacle. It’s hard to fault the Q7. For those who appreciate quiet confidence over flashy theatrics, the Q7 remains the quintessential luxury SUV. It’s like your favourite coffee shop: familiar, satisfying, and hard to replace.
The Q7’s 3.0-litre V6 TFSI engine has been retained, and in a world of downsizing, I support Audi’s philosophy. This isn’t an engine that roars or growls. Instead, it hums along, delivering 335bhp and 500Nm of torque with the kind of effortlessness you’d expect from a luxury German SUV. The 48V mild-hybrid system is a quiet partner, smoothing out the start-stop transitions and adding to the efficiency figures.
With a 0-100 kmph time of 5.6 seconds, the Q7 has enough punch to remind you it’s no slouch. But it’s not the sort of SUV that begs to be hustled. Its adaptive air suspension works overtime to keep the ride comfy and composed, even when the road ahead resembles a lunar surface. For those itching to tinker, Audi Drive Select offers seven driving modes. The off-road mode might be a tad optimistic for a car that will spend most of its life on tarmac, but it’s nice to know it’s there, like packing hiking boots for a city break, just in case.
Still, this isn’t a sporty SUV and doesn’t pretend to be. The steering is precise but muted, grip levels are excellent, and body roll is minimal. Yet, the Q7 feels happiest when cruising along open highways, isolating you from the chaos of the outside world.
Audi has sprinkled in many tech upgrades, but the Q7 never feels overwhelmed by them. Park Assist Plus's 360-degree camera makes parking this large SUV a breeze, even in tight city spots. Adaptive windscreen wipers with integrated wash nozzles ensure uninterrupted visibility during torrential downpours. The lane departure warning system is a gentle nudge rather than a slap on the wrist, and with eight airbags scattered thoughtfully throughout the cabin, you’ll feel cocooned in safety. Add in the Electronic Stabilization Program, and the Q7 proves its worth as a family-friendly fortress on wheels.
Step inside, and the Q7 welcomes you with a hint of cedar. Audi’s interior design philosophy continues to prioritise quality and simplicity. Everything you touch feels premium, from the Saiga Beige leather upholstery to the ergonomic controls on the centre console. Cedar Brown, a new upholstery option, adds an organic warmth to the cabin that’s rare in SUVs. The seven-seat layout remains, but let’s not sugarcoat it: the third row is best for kids or unusually small adults. Fold it down, though, and the Q7 morphs into a cavernous transporter of suitcases, shopping hauls, or even bicycles for the more adventurous types.
As always, technology is a big talking point. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus returns with sharper graphics and an almost seamless user interface. It’s intuitive, customisable, and beautifully integrated into the dashboard. The MMI Navigation Plus system offers touch response controls with haptic feedback that are as responsive as smartphones, though Audi still insists on wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a letdown. Special mention must go to the Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. With 19 speakers and 730 watts of output, the Q7 turns into a thumping box.
The new two-dimensional Audi rings on the front grille and tailgate are a subtle nod to the brand’s modern identity. They’re cleaner, crisper, and very much of the “less is more” school of design. That’s not to say the Q7 lacks presence. In reality, it is far from it. Its single-frame grille now features a vertical droplet inlay design, adding depth and stature to the front end. Paired with the redesigned bumper and air intakes, it’s a front fascia that could double as a luxury yacht’s prow. New Matrix LED headlights are striking with new DRL signatures. Audi’s obsessive attention to detail also extends to the rear, where the diffuser and real exhaust trims have been subtly reworked. And the new alloy wheels—a five twin-spoke design that whispers “understated elegance” rather than shouting “look at me.” The refreshed Q7 is available in five colours, each carefully chosen to complement its character. Sakhir Gold is an especially bold choice for those who want a Habibi spec into their daily grind, while Samurai Grey offers understated sophistication for our pragmatists.
Specs:
Engine: 3.0-litre V6 8-Speed Tiptronic transmission 335 BHP and 500 Nm 0-100 kmph: 5.6 seconds Top speed: 250 kmph Quattro all-wheel drive
