After many months of seeing all kinds of next-gen Audi Q7 prototypes, some of which even tricked us into thinking they were the larger Q9, the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE rival from the Ingolstadt automaker has opened up its cockpit for the camera.
However, there is a big but here. In plain prototype fashion, the entire cockpit was under wraps, making it impossible to see some novelties. Still, it is clear that it looks similar to the one of the Audi Q6 e-tron. This applies to the dual-screen setup on the left side of the dashboard panel and the large display in front of the passenger.
The steering wheel also looks identical to the one inside the Q6 e-tron, and when the wraps come off, we will likely see other similarities between the two models. If we were to guess, we'd say the air vents will be the same, alongside some buttons and knobs. Mind you, the sub-menus in the large displays will be different, given that the Q6 e-tron is a BEV and the next Q7 packs ICE units.
We still don't know exactly what engines rest under the hood, but we suspect it might be an assortment of six-bangers assisted by forced induction and mild-hybrid tech. At least one or two plug-in hybrids may also be on the menu, and since diesels are still popular on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Europeans will also have this option. Topping the family will be the SQ7, which will develop more than the current one's 500 hp (507 ps/373 kW) and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque.
Photo: SH Proshots
But what about its exterior design? Well, one thing is certain: it won't send Ford Explorer vibes once the camouflage comes off. Audi gave the all-new Q7 a split-headlamp design, with the DRLs sitting above the main clusters. There is a wider and shorter grille, a large intake in the bumper, an almost clamshell-like design of the hood, flush-mounted door handles, and similar front and rear overhangs. Don't mind the taillamps on the latest scooped tester, as they're provisional units.
The official unveiling date is still unknown, yet given that the outgoing one recently stepped into the 2025 model year, the new Audi Q7 will likely be a 2026 model by the time it reaches our shores. Chances are it will debut sometime next year, with deliveries kicking off shortly on the other side of the pond.
We expect it to be a bit more expensive than the 2025 Q7, which starts at $60,500 in the United States. The SQ7 has an MSRP of $90,800. The rivaling BMW X5 can be ordered from $65,700 before destination and the Mercedes-Benz GLE from $62,650.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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