Radical change for the German giant: Audi officially launched the third generation Q7 – SF technology and signage projected onto the asphalt
Audi is writing a new chapter in the history of the large premium SUV segment with the official launch of the third generation Q7. The model that originally debuted in 2005 returns completely transformed, adopting a much more aggressive design, an imposing presence on the road and a suite of cutting-edge technologies, some of which represent absolute premieres in the automotive industry.
"For more than 20 years, the Audi Q7 has represented the perfect premium SUV. With this new generation, we are taking the mission further. The model combines a sporty and powerful design with an extremely versatile interior, first-class materials and a wide range of top technologies," said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi.
Aggressive exterior design and revolutionary lighting technologies
The new Audi Q7 impresses at first glance with a massive silhouette and much more pronounced muscular lines. The front has been completely redesigned: the brand-specific Singleframe grille is now higher and flanked by oversized functional air intakes. The wheel arches are strongly flared (for the first time, up to 23-inch wheels can be accommodated ex works), and the shoulder line elegantly plunges towards a more vertical D-pillar, a detail that increases the interior space for passengers.
Smart headlights and taillights with micro-LED and OLED
Lighting plays a central role in the identity of the new Q7. At the front, the Digital Matrix LED headlights use micro-LED modules capable of projecting high-resolution light patterns directly onto the road, providing lane guidance functions and visual warnings (such as projecting an ice crystal when the road becomes slippery).
At the rear, the new Q7 features third-generation OLED digital taillights, connected by a continuous light strip. They offer up to eight selectable light signatures and play an active role in safety: if another car is dangerously close to the rear in traffic, the OLED panels light up at full intensity to warn the driver behind.
World Premiere: SIGNAL LIGHTS PROJECTED ON ASPHALT
The most spectacular safety innovation is the advanced signal light system, projected directly onto the asphalt. At night, in sync with the car's dynamic signals, a stylized graphic indicator is projected onto the ground. This technology instantly warns road users in blind spots, especially cyclists and pedestrians, of your intention to turn or change lanes.
Digitalized interior, smart doors and maximum flexibility
The interior of the new Audi Q7 is a masterpiece of geometric minimalism and digital luxury. The dashboard integrates the curved panoramic Audi MMI display (with OLED technology) and a dedicated front passenger display with privacy mode to avoid distracting the driver.
AUTOMATIC OPENING DOORS and welcome function
The new Q7 redefines comfort even before you get in. The automatic door system and the foot-operated tailgate are complemented by an intelligent body lowering function: the air suspension automatically lowers the car by 62 mm to facilitate access. In addition, when the doors are opened, an integrated LED module projects light diamonds onto the asphalt that flank the car and illuminate the access path. If the monitoring system detects a vehicle or cyclist approaching from behind, the door opening is delayed and a warning signal is projected onto the asphalt.
ILLUMINATED PANORAMIC CEILING with adjustable transparency
Another top feature is the new illuminated panoramic roof. Thanks to a redesigned, thinner structure, passengers benefit from more headroom. The roof no longer uses a classic roller blind, but features liquid crystal technology that allows the transparency to be switched in 9 distinct segments – from completely transparent to completely opaque. When the car is parked, the roof automatically becomes opaque to protect privacy and reduce the temperature in the passenger compartment.
Flexible configurations: 5, 6 OR 7 SEATS
The new SUV offers exceptional modularity, being available in 5, 6 or 7-seat configurations. All seats are electrically adjustable, and the second row allows the installation of three child seats side by side (all equipped with ISOFIX). Access to the third row is made easy, with a simple push of a button, the middle seats tilting forward without the need to remove the child seats. The luggage compartment offers a generous volume ranging from 581 liters (with all 3 rows of seats raised) to an impressive maximum of 2,075 liters.
4D Audio System: Music you can feel
For audiophiles, Audi has integrated the premium Bang & Olufsen system with 4D sound. This takes the acoustic experience beyond traditional boundaries:
- 22 speakers powered by a total power of 1,360 watts.
- Special actuators integrated into the front seats generate fine vibrations synchronized with the bass of the song, providing the physical sensation of a live concert.
- Speakers integrated into the headrests for private phone calls and navigation instructions directed exclusively to the driver.
- The Ambient LED strip in the dashboard (IAL) visually synchronizes with the beat of the music.
Performance: Power variants and three different suspensions
At launch, the new Audi Q7 relies on a powerful and extremely efficient powertrain: a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine that develops 299 hp and an impressive 630 Nm of torque.
Dynamic performance is ensured by the introduction of the new generation MHEV plus (Mild-Hybrid) technology, which uses a generator capable of temporarily providing an extra 18 kW (24 hp) and 370 Nm. The powertrain also includes an electrically driven compressor that completely eliminates the phenomenon of "turbo lag", the turbine rising to 90,000 rpm in just 250 milliseconds for an instant response to acceleration. In addition, the engine is compatible with the environmentally friendly fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil). Power is permanently transmitted via an 8-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox and the quattro all-wheel drive system.
To cope with any terrain, Audi offers customers the choice of three different suspensions, specially tuned to balance supreme comfort with sporty agility. As standard, the car comes equipped with an adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled damping, capable of adjusting its ground clearance depending on the driving speed or geo-spatial data received from the navigation (such as preparing the suspension before crossing a railway line). Options include a variant with sports tuning and an advanced all-wheel steering system that reduces the turning radius at low speeds and increases stability on the highway.
Technical data sheet – Audi Q7 V6 TDI MHEV plus
| Feature | Technical Details |
| Engine Type | 3.0-litre V6 Diesel + Electric-Powered Compressor |
| Hybrid Technology | MHEV plus (temporary boost of 18 kW / 24 PS) |
| Total Power Output | 299 PS (295 hp) |
| Maximum Torque | 630 Nm (+370 Nm electric assistance) |
| Transmission | 8-speed tiptronic / quattro permanent all-wheel drive |
| Luggage Capacity | 581 – 2,075 litres |
Artificial Intelligence and NEW ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
The Audi Q7 also takes a giant leap forward in the area of ??autonomous and assisted driving. The infotainment now includes a self-learning voice assistant that automatically calls on ChatGPT technology for general questions that the car system cannot answer.
The long list of new assistance systems includes:
- Emergency Assist with shoulder pull: If the system detects driver inactivity and the driver does not respond to visual and tactile warnings, the car takes control, signals and pulls itself to the emergency lane or shoulder, stopping safely and calling emergency services.
- Trained Parking: Allows the car to learn and reproduce up to 5 complex parking maneuvers on its own (for example, entering a narrow garage), over a distance of up to 200 meters, without the driver having to intervene.
- Reverse Assist: Memorizes the last 50 meters traveled forward and can automatically guide the car backward, at a speed of up to 10 km/h, an ideal function for tight dead ends.
- Intelligent Lane Departure Warning: Features two modes (low and normal). In low mode, the car applies subtle steering corrections only when traffic conditions dictate, reducing intrusive alerts on open roads.
The new Audi Q7, assembled like previous generations in the Bratislava factory, is announced to be one of the most advanced, safe and technologically advanced SUVs on the market, setting new standards in terms of intelligent lighting and human-machine interaction.
Availability and price for Romania: When will it arrive and how much will the new SUV cost?
With the official unveiling of the new generation Audi Q7, the interest on the Romanian market is huge, given the historical popularity of this model in the large premium SUV segment. Although the official importer has not yet published the final price lists for our country, we can outline a clear launch calendar and a realistic cost estimate based on the German market.
Availability calendar: When will we see it in showrooms? In Germany, the order book for the new Audi Q7 opens this summer, and the first deliveries to customers are scheduled for September.
For the Romanian market, authorized dealers will most likely start taking orders in the same period (June-July), with the first physical units set to hit the country's roads in the fall of this year (October-November). As usual, priority will be given to launch-configured models and top-of-the-line versions.
Estimated prices for Romania. In Germany, prices start at 87,900 euros for the basic version of the V6 diesel engine (245 hp) and reach 90,500 euros for the more powerful 299 hp version (equipped with the advanced MHEV plus system and electric compressor).
Given that the value added tax (VAT) in Romania is 19% (the same as in Germany), the base prices will be extremely close. However, due to differences in standard equipment offered on the local market (where importers often include additional comfort packages in the starting equipment), our estimates look like this:
Audi Q7 V6 (245 HP): Estimated starting price from approx. 88,500 – 89,500 euros (VAT included).
Audi Q7 V6 MHEV plus (299 hp): Estimated starting price from approx. 91,000 – 92,500 euros (including VAT).
Watch out for the optionals: The sci-fi tech elements that define this third generation – such as the asphalt-projecting headlights, the self-opening doors, the panoramic roof with adjustable opacity and the revolutionary Bang & Olufsen 4D audio system – will most likely be found on the optional equipment lists or in higher equipment packages.
A "full-featured" configuration, which highlights the entire technological arsenal of the new Q7, will easily exceed the threshold of 105,000 - 110,000 euros.
