► Next Audi Q7 spied in winter testing
► Third Q7 will be one of the last Audis to launch with combustion engines
► Lined up for 2026 debut
The current Audi Q7 has had more facelifts than a typical Hollywood celebrity, but a new third-generation of its large SUV is finally on the way, and our spy photographers have spotted it winter testing.
It’s expected to be one of the last Audis to launch with combustion engines when it arrives in early 2026, with all of the German firm’s future models then expected to become electric-only.
What will it look like?
Audi’s current Q7 is now its oldest car still in production, having first been introduced in 2015, and then being facelifted in 2019 and 2024 – the latter will be arriving in the UK in the middle of the year. Given its age, you can expect the next Q7 to be quite different in terms of looks, at least by Audi’s conservative standards.
Though only spied in heavy camouflage, there are some clear design details to look out for – not least the new split headlights, a trait that will be seen on various upcoming Audis, not least the new Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron.
It will also feature the latest version of Audi’s Singleframe grille, which adopts a more rounded shape compared to the big boxy look of its current cars. Our spy photographers said that it looked like the Q7 will retain similar dimensions to the current model, which is still the largest SUV that Audi sells. A larger Audi Q9 is rumoured to be in the pipeline, though.
What engines will be available?
The new, third-generation Q7 is tipped to be one of Audi’s last cars available with internal combustion engines, as the firm has previously said that all its new models launched from 2026 onwards will be electric-only. With the next Q7 likely to be introduced in early 2026, following a 2025 unveil, it could be the last new Audi available with combustion engines. Audi has previously said it will phase out engines altogether by 2033.
Expect mild-hybrid petrol and diesel versions to be widely available, along with significantly-updated plug-in hybrids compared to the current Q7, bringing a much longer range. The sportier SQ7 is likely to return too, given its popularity, and expect it to use a performance-orientated hybrid setup.
Anything else I need to know?
Given the slow phase out of internal combustion engines, Audi is not likely to develop a new platform for the next Q7, and will likely adapt the MLB underpinnings used in the current Q7 (pictured below).
They’ll be reworked, of course, to accommodate upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrains, as well as a new interior. You can expect the current Q7’s twin-screen infotainment setup to be discontinued, and in place a high-tech main screen with optional display for the front-seat passenger.
What’s this about an Audi Q9?
Yes, as large as the Q7 is, Audi is poised to go a step further and introduce a flagship SUV called the Q9 in 2025 or 2026. It’s been on the cards for some time, but given the growing popularity of the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS in the giant-SUV universe, Audi has clearly had enough of seeing them dominate.
Expect the Q9 to be targeted primarily at the US and China, where cars like this are most popular, but it would likely be sold in Europe, too. Audi is yet to officially confirm the Q9’s introduction, however.