2026 Audi Q7 Review

The word luxury is a term that gets tossed around all the time whenever a premium car comes along. Now, while we all agree that luxury means opulence and extravagance, the imagery that comes to mind differs for everyone. For some, luxury may mean gold bars, Swiss watches, and designer brands. Maybe for car people, that could mean big, flamboyant cars with loud designs and chock full of features.

On the other hand, there is also quiet luxury, otherwise known as stealth wealth, a practice or lifestyle that’s been cropping up recently. Flying under the radar is the name of the game, and the car we have on test may be the embodiment of quiet luxury: the 2026 Audi Q7.

Subtle it may be, but is it any good? Or does it have a few surprises hidden under its unassuming face? Having given the keys to it, we’re here to report what we gathered.

The Q7’s reputation as an embodiment of quiet luxury is best explained by its exterior design. It faithfully carries Audi’s design philosophy, but never goes beyond it. The side profile is defined by clean, simple body lines, complemented by large yet restrained 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, subtle Quattro badging by the doors, and a deliberately understated front fascia.

The rear, however, is unmistakably Audi. On the road, the quad-ring logo, dual exhaust tips, and overall silhouette ensure the Q7 is instantly recognizable without being overt.

The Q7 is undeniably handsome. While it stands out on Japanese brand-dominated roads by virtue of its European character, it still manages to fly under the radar most of the time without feeling bland. It is a difficult balance to strike, but one that Audi’s designers have executed exceptionally well, especially considering its size. Some may say it’s quite lackluster, but, for those who want to keep to themselves, lackluster is better than flashy.

Under the Q7’s hood is the first thing that will surprise anyone quick to judge its low-key exterior. Powering the Q7 is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine with a mild-hybrid system that pushes 340 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This engine is then paired with an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system. All that means the Q7 can go from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds.

How does that power translate to the driving experience on the road? We’ll report back later on.

As we mentioned earlier, when discussing the exterior, the Q7 is a sizable vehicle. It measures 5,072 mm in length, 1,993 mm in width, and 1,748 mm in height. With those dimensions, you would expect a generous cargo bay, and you would be right. Open the Q7’s rear hatch, and it reveals 295 liters of cargo space with the third row upright. Fold the third row down, and the capacity more than doubles; fold the second row as well, and cargo space expands to nearly 2,000 liters.

Cargo space aside, the Q7 also offers several thoughtful touches that make loading and unloading luggage easier. On the left-hand side of the cargo area, a set of buttons allows you to raise or lower the Q7’s ride height, helping improve access when loading cargo. Next to these controls is another set of buttons for power-folding the third-row seats.

Handy as these features are, the powered tonneau cover stands out even more, automatically raising in sync with the powered tailgate.

Starting in the third row, the Q7, despite its overall size and heft, offers fairly limited legroom. Headroom is acceptable, but the bench seats themselves are quite flat and provide minimal thigh support. As is often the case in this segment, these seats are best reserved for children or smaller adults on short journeys. In terms of amenities, third-row passengers do not get much beyond overhead speakers and a pair of bottle holders on either side of the cabin.

The second row is where the Q7 truly shines in terms of space and comfort. There is generous legroom and shoulder room for adults, and three passengers can sit abreast without feeling squeezed.

Seat materials are plush and supportive, and the seats are mounted on rails, allowing them to slide forward or backward to prioritize either second-row comfort or additional space for third-row occupants, depending on how generous passengers are feeling. The large glass area and well-positioned roofline give the cabin an open, airy feel. Amenities in the second row are comprehensive and include dedicated air-conditioning controls and vents, cargo nets on the backs of the front seats, sunshades, a USB port, two USB-C charging ports, bottle holders in each door, and two cup holders integrated into the center armrest.

Up front, at the business end of the Q7, you will find the majority of Audi’s interior technology. The centerpiece is the Audi Virtual Cockpit, a fully digital driver display that delivers crisp, configurable readouts for speed, navigation, and vehicle information. This is paired with a 10.1-inch MMI infotainment system with touch response, which serves as the central hub for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. The system supports over-the-air updates and integrates smartphone connectivity via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ambient LED lighting throughout the cabin enhances the premium atmosphere and allows drivers to customize the mood during night driving. One minor complaint about the cockpit, however, is the generous use of piano black plastic across several dashboard surfaces, which can be prone to fingerprints and scratches.

More significant criticisms lie in the omission of several features that are now common even in far less expensive vehicles. These include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera system, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof or even a standard sunroof. For a luxury SUV that commands a price as high as the Q7’s, we feel these features should be standard.

That said, what you do get for the money is a strong sense of security, excellent material quality, meticulous attention to detail, and Audi’s famed German build quality. Everything inside the Q7 feels solidly constructed and, despite its luxurious appointments, robust enough to withstand daily family use without complaint.

All of those missing features are quickly forgiven once you spend enough time behind the wheel. Step on the throttle and the Q7’s twin-turbo V6 picks up pace effortlessly, surging forward with confidence. Paired with the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, that substantial power is delivered with impressive control and sure-footed agility—particularly remarkable given that the Q7 weighs over 2,000 kg.

The Quattro system keeps everything in check as you drive. Every steering, throttle, or braking input is met with immediate and composed responses, with the Q7 following through without hesitation. The drive modes do more than simply adjust throttle response; they actively influence how the vehicle reacts to its surroundings. Select an off-road mode and the Q7 raises its ride height to better clear obstacles. Switch to highway driving, and it lowers itself to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Our favorite, however, is the automatic mode. Here, the Q7 adapts seamlessly to your driving style. Drive conservatively, and it softens its responses to prioritize efficiency and comfort. Press your foot down, and it instantly sharpens up, ready to unleash the full potential of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 at a moment’s notice.

Amazingly, the power isn’t the main headline about the Q7; it’s the quiet and supremely comfortable ride that stood out to us the most. NVH is handled very well, with minimal road and wind noise entering the cabin even if you’re going at speed. Bumps and ruts are almost non-existent as you go over them, with the air suspension absorbing road imperfections with grace and the sheer size of the Q7 pummeling them into submission.

That beastly engine does come with a healthy appetite for fuel. On the highway, the Q7 returns around 13 km/L. In heavy city traffic, consumption drops to roughly 5 km/L, while lighter traffic conditions see efficiency improve to about 7.5 km/L.

All in all, the Q7 gets a lot right, despite a few notable downsides. It is a vehicle that can almost do it all, offering decent cargo space, seven seats, a comfortable ride, and, most importantly, a powerful engine that delivers an engaging driving experience.

That said, it is not a perfect car—because there is no such thing. There is no one-car solution that truly covers every need, but the Q7 comes close. It does have its shortcomings, including a handful of missing features and a few questionable interior design choices, yet it gives plenty back in return, as discussed earlier.

We have described the Q7 as an embodiment of quiet luxury, and it is worth clarifying what that means. It is not a flashy timepiece meant to grab attention. Instead, it is more like a faithful butler—exceptionally capable, always composed, and ready to deliver whatever is asked of it without hesitation. The Q7 is a classy and competent machine that does not need to boast, yet still manages to surprise.

Consider checking out the Audi Q7 on the Audi Car Guide on AutoDeal.com.ph.