Premiere this summer: Audi publishes the first official image of the new generation Q7
The Ingolstadt-based manufacturer is preparing to open a new chapter for its longest-running and most successful SUV in its portfolio. Audi has officially confirmed the launch of the third-generation Q7 this summer, offering the public a first teaser image of the new large-class model.
The launch comes at a crucial moment for the German brand's product offensive, with the new SUV set to be presented in parallel with another absolute premiere: the future top-of-the-range Audi Q9.
Subtle but conservative details: What does the first official image hide?
The first photo provided by the German manufacturer does not reveal the full silhouette of the car, but focuses on a specific area – the front passenger door and the side wing. Even from this limited frame, automotive journalists and fans of the brand can extract some important clues about the design direction:
- Conservative approach: Audi has chosen to keep things classic and safe. In contrast to the current trend in the premium segment to use flush door handles or fully digital mirrors, the new Q7 features a traditional, robust handle and a conventional rearview mirror.
- S Line package confirmed: The iconic S Line badge is visible on the front wing, suggesting that the model in the image benefits from sporty accents and a more aggressive visual presence.
- New launch shade: The teaser highlights a deep metallic color, a refined shade of blue (unofficially called Alopias Blue), which promises to be the star of the customization palette.
End of an era: Current model retires after 11 years
The current generation Audi Q7 (the second in the series) has demonstrated remarkable longevity on the market. Originally launched in 2015, it has remained competitive thanks to an unusual update strategy, receiving not one, but two major facelifts:
- First facelift (2019): It brought a fully digitalized dashboard and an exterior style aligned with the design language of the time.
- Second facelift (2024): It redesigned the headlights, the front grille and integrated new connectivity technologies, extending the commercial life of the SUV to the present day.
The new generation, however, promises a complete revolution in terms of platform, driving technology and raw efficiency.
Cutting-edge technology and electrified engines
Although Audi is keeping technical details under wraps until the summer event, industry sources indicate that the new Q7 will be heavily focused on electrification. The engine range will include gasoline and diesel engines equipped with Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) technology, but the big bet will be the new Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) variants.
It is estimated that the PHEV versions will adopt higher capacity batteries, capable of providing an all-electric range of up to 150 kilometers, transforming the SUV into a highly efficient vehicle for daily urban commuting. The Quattro all-wheel drive system and Tiptronic automatic transmission will also remain standard equipment for most versions.
Availability and estimated price for the Romanian market
Considering the global launch schedule scheduled for the middle of this year, here's what we can expect on the local market:
When will it arrive in showrooms in Romania? The official launch will take place in the coming months, and pre-order lists for Romania could open in the fall of this year. The first physical units are estimated to arrive in the official Audi Romania dealer network at the end of the year or at the latest at the beginning of next year.
What will the starting price be? Currently, the current facelifted version starts in Romania at around 75,000 – 80,000 euros (VAT included), depending on the base engine. Given the advanced hybrid technologies, new-generation assistance systems and revised premium materials, it is expected that the starting price for the third-generation Audi Q7 will undergo a slight indexation.
Estimate: The entry-level versions (most likely the 45 TDI diesel or mild-hybrid petrol) will have an estimated starting price of around 83,000 – 86,000 euros. The higher-end S Line variants, equipped with plug-in hybrid engines or top-of-the-line engines (such as the SQ7), will easily exceed the 100,000 euros threshold.