Audi has taken the wraps off the third-generation Q7 large SUV, which has been made larger and even more luxurious than before. There’s a whole host of new features, including trick lighting tech, self-closing doors and a range of mild-hybrid drivetrains.

One of Audi’s biggest-selling models globally since its original debut in 2007, the Q7 has debuted just ahead of the next BMW X5 and will launch in Australia before the end of 2026.

Using the same design language as other new Audi SUVs like the smaller Q5 and Q3, the new Q7 uses a split headlight front end and large grille that’s illuminated for the first time. The headlights feature optional Digital Matrix tech with 25,600 micro-LEDs that not only use adaptive high beam functionality but can also light up pedestrians to make them more visible to the driver.

There are also optional OLED tailights that can switch lighting patterns and also automatically switch to warning symbols if somebody is getting too close. With both lighting units ticked, there’s also a new turn signal system that projects the symbols onto the ground to make the car’s intended direction more obvious to those around it.

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Larger in every direction than the previous Q7, the new model measures 5056mm long, 2010mm wide and 1800mm tall, making it 4mm longer but a significant 42mm wider and 59mm taller than before. The extra boxiness in the rear end is noticeable compared with the previous model, as is the new extra width: The new Q7 looks noticeably more planted.

Adding to the planted look are new alloy wheel designs, which start at 20-inches in size, with three 21-inch and four 22-inch designs available. For those wanting the largest size, factory 23-inch wheels are available for the first time, and six-piston 400mm front and 350mm rear brakes are standard. Other cool tech for the exterior includes automatic doors, much like in a Rolls-Royce, and an opacifying panoramic glass roof.

Inside, the new Q7 uses a similar dashboard layout to the Q3 and Q5, though its materials are more high end and luxurious than before. As we’ve seen in other new Audi products, screens make up a big portion of the interior: The driver’s display measures 12.3-inches, and the central touchscreen 14.5-inches, and both are integrated into a single curved display. In addition, there’s also an optional third display for the front passenger.

The centre console is wide and features two wireless phone chargers with magnetic pads to hold devices in place, while there is also a variety of new trims and upholsteries such as open pore wood and soft cloth around the cabin. A new 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D sound system will be optional, this time featuring speakers in the front headrests for passengers to really experience the music.

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Overseas, five-, six- and seven-seat variants will be available and Audi quotes boot spaces figures from between 722-litres with the third row folded (in the seven-seat model) to 2075 litres with all rear seats folded (in the five-seater). All rear seats are electrically operated, and they also all feature ISOFIX child seat points.

Drivetrains are yet to be announced for Australia, but European models use a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech in either 180kW/500Nm or 220kW/630Nm tunes. North American models use a 2.9-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine making 320kW, and there’s also a 4.0-litre V8 turbo-petrol making 441kW in the SQ7, enabling it to sprint to 100km/h in under four seconds. A plug-in hybrid is also due to be added somewhere in the future.

The current Q7 is available with both petrol and diesel V6 (as well as petrol V8 in the SQ7) engine options in Australia, so we’re expecting all of the above to be offered locally.

Pricing and specifications for the new Audi Q7 will be announced closer to its Australian arrival, which is due before the end of 2026.