3rd Gen Audi Q7 Revealed Globally With A V8 Engine Option, New Interiors, And Three Seating Configurations

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TL; DR
  • Third-gen Audi Q7 debuts globally with new design, Q9 interiors, and three seating configurations.
  • Engine options range from a 245 hp diesel V6 to a 591 hp twin-turbo V8 in the SQ7 variant.
  • India launch is widely expected but unconfirmed, with European deliveries beginning in September 2026.

Audi has revealed the third-generation Q7, bringing the most comprehensive update in the lineup’s history after an 11-year run of the outgoing (second-gen) version. 

Built on the new Premium Platform Combustion architecture, the 2026 Q7 features an entirely new design, interiors that look like they’ve been sourced from the Q9, is available in three seating configurations, and multiple engine options. 

Also Read: Maruti WagonR Is India’s First Flex-Fuel Car, E85 Fuel To Be Available At 500 Stations By December 2026

2026 Audi Q7 3rd Gen: Variants & Pricing

To be clear, the Q7 isn’t available in India yet, nor has the company announced any plans for a future launch. However, given that the current-generation Q7 has been one of Audi India’s strongest-selling luxury SUVs, an Indian launch is widely expected.

Anyways, European order books open this month, with deliveries expected in September 2026. Pricing for the new Audi Q7 starts at €87,900 (approximately ₹97 lakh) for the baseline 245hp diesel V6 variant, and rises to €90,500 (approximately ₹1 crore) for the 299hp diesel variant. 

Pricing for the Petrol variants hasn’t been announced yet. 

Also Read: Upcoming Car Launches In India (June 2026): Maruti Flex Fuel, Mercedes S-Class PHEV, BMW X6 M60i & More

2026 Audi Q7 3rd Gen: Design & Features

The exterior sees major changes, moving away from the outgoing Q7’s conservative proportions to a more muscular, upright stance (that’s just the new norm in 2026). On the front, you can see the split headlamp setup with slim pixel DRLs on top and vertically-aligned Matrix LED units below, flanking a wide grille. 

The rear gets connected tail-lamps with a slim light bar and, much like an electric vehicle, an illuminated Audi logo. The side profile is dominated by 20-inch alloys (standard), but buyers have an option to extend it up to 23 inches. 

Inside, the 3rd Gen Q7 adopts the Q9’s triple-screen layout, which consists of curved OLED displays for the instrument cluster (or the driver’s display) and the infotainment screen. 

Also Read: Tata Updates The Tiago Inside Out, Launches All Petrol, CNG, And EV Powertrains

Apart from this, the interiors get Wood inlays, leather trim, ambient lighting in door panels and headrest bases, and a panoramic sunroof with switchable opacity (something that might attract a lot of buyers in the Indian market), rounding out a noticeably more premium interior than before.

2026 Audi Q7 3rd Gen: Powertrain Options 

The 3rd Gen Audi Q7 comes with electrified diesel and high-performance petrol powertrains, providing both long-distance efficiency and outright performance. 

All variants feature Quattro all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, while the diesel models benefit from Audi’s latest 48-volt mild-hybrid technology for improved efficiency and responsiveness.

Also Read: Why the Ferrari Luce is the Most Important Car of the Decade

Audi has also confirmed that the new V6 TDI engines are compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO100) renewable diesel fuel. It is worth mentioning here that not all markets will get the car with diesel engines. 

VariantEnginePowerTorque0-100 kmph
Q7 TDI (base)3.0L V6 diesel mild hybrid245hp500NmNot confirmed
Q7 TDI (higher)3.0L V6 diesel mild hybrid299hp630NmNot confirmed
Q7 TFSI2.9L twin-turbo V6 petrol429hp599Nm4.8 seconds
SQ74.0L twin-turbo V8 petrol591hp800Nm3.7 seconds

2026 Audi Q7 3rd Gen: Safety Features

The Q7 comes with a comprehensive ADAS suite, which includes an autonomous emergency stop feature, pulling the car to the side, and contacting emergency services if the driver is unresponsive. All-wheel steering and electronically controlled adaptive damping are also available.

Audi’s lighting systems have been among the best in the world, and the 3rd Gen Q7 is no different. It can project turn indicators onto the ground, along with warnings, alert people when a door opens, and warn following traffic about hazards ahead. These features might sound unnecessary, but on the road, they could alert the drivers and cars around the owner. 

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Review: Makes The Question ‘Kitna Deti Hai?’ Irrelevant

Adaptive air suspension uses map data to prepare for road obstacles ahead. It can memorize five parking spots for autonomous reversing as well, so your office and your home garage are sorted anyway. Further, it can make the car come to a stop and call emergency services if the driver doesn’t respond.

2026 Audi Q7 3rd Gen: Competitors In India

When it arrives in India, the third-generation Q7 will compete with the BMW X5 (₹95.40 lakh to ₹1.11 crore), Mercedes-Benz GLE (₹1 crore to ₹1.17 crore), Volvo XC90, and the Land Rover Discovery.

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Shikhar MehrotraShikhar Mehrotra
Shikhar Mehrotra is a seasoned technology writer and reviewer with over five years of experience covering consumer tech across India and global markets. At Smartprix, he has authored more than 1,700 articles, including news stories, features, comparisons, and product reviews spanning automobiles, smartphones, chipsets, wearables, laptops, home appliances, and operating systems. Shikhar has reviewed flagship devices such as the iPhone 16, Galaxy S25+, and Sennheiser HD 505 Open-Ear headphones. He also contributes regularly to Smartprix’s growing automotive section.

With a deep understanding of both iOS and Android ecosystems, Shikhar specializes in daily tech news, how-to explainers, product comparisons, and in-depth reviews. His DSLR photography in product reviews is recognized as among the best on the team.

Before joining Smartprix, Shikhar wrote for leading publications including Forbes Advisor India, Republic World, and ScreenRant. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow.

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