The 2023 Audi Q7 is a midsize three-row luxury SUV, and the current model is one of our top-rated vehicles in its category. It competes with its fellow German luxury SUVs such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. Our editors have praised the Q7’s comfortable ride quality, premium-feeling interior, and athletic handling for a vehicle its size.
There were a few changes to the Q7 for the 2022 model year. The mid-tier model gained adaptive cruise with Traffic Jam Assist, and rear side airbags and heated, power-folding exterior mirrors became standard features.
The 2023 Audi Q7 inherits the more powerful 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain from the A4 sedan. This setup, used in models designated 45, has a 12-volt hybrid system. The Q7’s fancy LED matrix headlamps are now optional on the Premium Plus trim and standard on the Prestige, the latter of which also receives a new remote parking feature.
The Convenience package in Premium and Premium Plus models now includes adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a new faux-leather dashboard cover is now an option too. Waitomo Blue, Tamarind Brown, and Satellite Silver are new color choices this year.
ENGINE AND IMPLEMENTATION
A 261-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system is standard and should satisfy all but the most discerning drivers. Those seeking to maximize power will be more interested in the turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 that uses a 48-volt hybrid system to make 335 horsepower.
When we tested a 2020 Q7 with the turbo V-6, we recorded a brisk 5.0-second time to 60 mph, which was slightly quicker than what we saw with the mechanically similar two-row Q8 SUV. Despite its bulk, when the 2023 Audi Q7 is fitted with the optional performance tires on 21-inch wheels, it feels low and lithe, like a pumped-up sport wagon.
The adjustability of the optional air suspension, paired with the added agility of four-wheel steering, makes the 2023 Audi Q7 surprisingly fun to flog down a twisty back road. It also rides quite smoothly.
ENERGY AND REAL-WORLD MPG
The EPA fuel-efficiency ratings for the V-6–powered model are 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined. The turbo four-cylinder model has not yet been rated. When we are able to test-drive a 2023 Audi Q7, we’ll put its efficiency to the test in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test.
We expect the four-cylinder Q7 to return results similar to those of the 2017 model we tested, which delivered 26 mpg on our 200-mile highway route. For more information about the 2023 Audi Q7’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
INTERIOR, CONVENIENCE, AND BOOTH
With its minimalist, contemporary design matched with loads of technology and excellent comfort and build quality, a cabin is a special place.
Beautiful materials and design highlight the 2023 Audi Q7’s interior, as do the intelligent layout of its controls and the comfortable seats that feature both ample support and adjustability.
Entry-level Premium versions come nicely outfitted, and the abundance of upscale features can get supremely luxurious in the higher trim levels. As with most three-row SUVs, there isn’t a ton of cargo space in the Audi’s cargo area when all its seats are in use.
But its available space is comparable with its key rivals, and the rearmost row can be quickly raised or lowered via power controls, which makes up for the middle row’s somewhat clumsy operation. With all seats stowed, the 2023 Audi Q7 had room for 25 of our carry-on suitcases.
IN-VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT AND INTERCONNECTIONS
The 2023 Audi Q7 comes standard with a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and a smaller 8.6-inch located below that to control climate and adjust vehicle settings.
You may find the system delightful or devilish, depending on whether you enjoy using touchscreens while driving (our staff is split). Audi has added this new infotainment system across its lineup; it can be found in the A6, A7, and A8 sedans as well as in the Q8 SUV.
All Q7 models also come with the Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display, 4G LTE Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Audiophiles can revel in several audio options, topped by a Bang & Olufsen system with 23 speakers and 1920 watts of juice.
PROTECTION AND DRIVER-ASSISTANCE ASPECTS
Several driver-assistance features are either standard or optional on the 2023 Audi Q7, which will make it attractive to buyers transporting precious cargo.
For more information about the 2023 Audi Q7’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
PHOTOS
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
2020 Audi Q7 55 Premium Plus
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE AS TESTED
$71,990 (base price: $64,795)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
183 in3, 2995 cm3
Power
335 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque
369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 14.8-in vented disc/13.8-in vented disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport, 285/40R-21 109H AO
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 117.9 in
Length: 199.3 in
Width: 77.6 in
Height: 68.5 in
Passenger volume: 138 ft3
Cargo volume: 15 ft3
Curb weight: 5003 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
Rollout, 1 ft: 0.3 sec
60 mph: 5.0 sec
100 mph: 13.5 sec
120 mph: 21.1 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 6.5 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 4.3 sec
¼-mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph
Top speed (mfr’s claim): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.86 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 14 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 18/17/21 mpg
