2020 Audi Q7

Starting from $60,800, the Audi Q7 lineup consists of three trims - Premium, Premium Plus, and the top-trim Prestige. What makes the Q7 a good proportion for its money is the fact that even the base trim, “Premium” is loaded with all the necessary options that you would expect from any car in this segment. And as you move up the trim ladder, it just gets better and better. The top-trim, Prestige”, sits way above the segment as it comes packed with many revolutionary features such as Rear-wheel steering system, adaptive air suspension and night vision camera.

Trim	Premium	Premium Plus	Prestige
MSRP	$60,800	$63,800	$71,200
Key features	Audi pre sense basic and Audi pre sense front	3D Bose Surround Sound System	20-inch 5-spoke turbine design gray/polished-finish wheels
	MMI Navigation plus with MMI all-in-touch	Audi virtual cockpit	LED Interior lighting plus package
	Panoramic sunroof with sunshade, power tilt, and slide features	Audi side assist with Audi pre sense rear (includes rear cross-traffic assist and vehicle exit assist)	Warm Weather package (four-zone climate control, front-seat ventilation, rear sunshades for doors and tailgate.
	Audi advanced key (keyless start) with handsfree tailgate open/close	Top view camera system	Heads-up display
	Power folding 3rd row	Audi phone box with wireless charging and signal booster	Compatible with Driver Assistance package (ACC, Active lane assist, Park steering assist, High-beam assistant, Traffic sign recognition)

We Recommend

 The middle trim, “Premium Plus” is just as loaded as any other vehicle from this segment, if not more, and would surely make a perfect buy. Moreover, Audi also provides a plethora of options in order to bring some exclusivity to your pick. So, even if you can stretch to the top trim, we’d suggest you rather spend that money on the optional list by choosing the features that appeal to you.

Unlike its earlier iterations, the 2020 Audi Q7 features just one motor under the hood as of now. A turbocharged, 3.0L, V6 unit assisted by a 48-volt hybrid system collectively churns out 335 HP and throws a force of 369 lb-ft on the crank. Sound familiar? Yes, it is the same “B9” generation engine that was earlier seen in the Audi S4, and also the high-performance trims of the Q7 lineup. However, this time Audi has replaced the supercharger with a turbocharger for better performance output.

Carried forward as it is with just a couple of tweaks here and there, this motor comes mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic, hydraulically assisted torque-converter transmission that replaces the earlier dual-clutch gearbox. All this power is directed to all four wheels - courtesy of Quattro All-wheel drive, which, by the way, comes as standard across the lineup. The gearbox isn’t as peppy as its predecessor, however, it ensures that there’s plenty of power all across the rev-band. Plant your foot flat on the accelerator, and this 3.0L, V6 unit is sure to put a wide grin across your face.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
MSRP	$60,800	$58,900	$58,150	$59,500
Engine	3.0L, V6, Turbocharged	3.0L Turbo I6	3.5L V	2.0L Turbo I4
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Horsepower	335 hp	335 hp @5500 rpm	290 hp @6200 rpm	296 hp @5600 rpm
Torque	369 lb-ft	330 lb-ft @1500 rpm	267 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	295 lb-ft @1500 rpm

The 2020 Audi Q7 emerges as the most powerful vehicle of the lot with the maximum torque on offer too. The BMW X5 does come quite close in terms of power figures but has to do with the second position itself due to the low torque figures. The Acura MDX lands up at the last position in this comparison aligning itself just behind the Jaguar F-Pace in the third position.

How fast is the Audi Q7?

The 2020 Audi Q7’s newly refreshed 3.0L, V6 unit propels this 7-seater SUV to the 60MPH mark in 5.7 seconds which is just pure power. Especially considering the fact that this SUV weighs north of 4,500 pounds, a sub-6-second 0-60MPH acceleration is worth an applause.

The power delivery is linear and the peak torque kicks in at a very low RPM ensuring that power is always available on tap. On flat-footing the accelerator, just like any other SUV, the front-end lifts up mimicking a take-off on an airstrip. There is some torque steer that might scare you off, however, the Q7 manages to hold its own without much investment from the driver.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
0-60 MPH	5.7 s	5.2 s	6.3(est.)	5.8 s
Quarter mile	N/A	13.7 s	14.5 s	N/A
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15k mi/yr)	7.9	9.3	8.0	8.8

In terms of acceleration, the Q7 surely uplifts its reputation here when pitted against the competition. The BMW X5 might be the fastest here, let’s not forget that with the Q7, you get 2 extra seats as well with a compromise of about half a second. The Acura MDX stays out of the league with its 6.3-second 0-60MPH timing while the Jaguar stacks up at the third position behind the mighty Germans.

What about the braking performance of the Audi Q7?

The 2020 Audi Q7 impresses us fairly with its braking abilities as the SUV feels sure-footed even in panic braking situations. The adaptive air suspension setup further enhances this as it keeps a check on the nosedives efficiently - a factor surely appreciated by the purists.

To further enhance this experience, Audi also offers an optional set of 21-inch rims as a replacement for the stock ones which certainly improve the braking of the SUV by a wide margin. But such upgrades always come with their own compromises, and in this case, it is the stiffened ride quality that emerges as an issue.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
Brake Front (in.)	14.8	15	12.6	13.8
Brake Rear (in.)	13.8	14.8	13.0	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4927	4758	4303	3895
60-0 MPH (ft)	N/A	116	N/A	N/A

Unfortunately, we do not have the braking details of the contenders here in this comparison. Nevertheless, the 2020 Q7, being the heaviest of the lot, is expected to lose out in this department. The BMW X5’s 116 ft stop is an impressive number though, but we expect the Jaguar to win this comparison due to the lightest curb weight here.

What about the Audi Q7 driving dynamics?

The Q7 series is the largest vehicle to wear the four-ringed badge and it clearly reflects in its handling characteristics as well. This almost-5000-pound wooly mammoth is a slouch when it comes to twisties. Get behind the steering and the first thing you would appreciate is the commanding view of the seat. The A-pillars have been constructed cleverly without interfering with the outward visibility. The 2020 iteration of the Q7 has a more upright hood which is now visible clearly from the driver’s seat. This also encourages the female drivers for a more confidence inspiring position.

For the purist in you, fret not as the Q7 has a few tricks up its sleeve too. The adaptive air suspension works efficiently by offering the best of both worlds, be it performance or calm and composed ride quality. As per segment standards, we believe that the Audi Q7 holds its own, but do not assume this Audi to be as quick and interactive as its other siblings. That said, we have to admit that the Bimmer’s 5-seater SUV - the X5, is much more engaging than the four-ringer and surely pumps more adrenaline despite the lag in power figures.

The 2020 Audi Q7’s heavy curb weight and the large dimensions of the SUV translate to a meager fuel economy of 17 MPG for the city. Come to the freeways and this number manages to escalate itself only up to 21 MPG. These figures may not be the most impressive by segment standards, but hey! Don’t forget, you get a 7-seater luxury SUV at a price of a 5-seater.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
MPG (city)	17	21	19	22
MPG (highway)	21	26	26	27
MPG (combined)	18	23	22	24
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gal.)	22.5	21.9	19.5	21.7
Range (City/Highway)	383/473	460/569	371/507	477/586

The Q7 is completely overpowered by the competition in this regard. It’s the Jaguar F-Pace that takes the crown for the best fuel economy out of the contenders here. The other two rivals, Acura MDX and BMW X5 are pretty evenly matched in this aspect with the Bimmer narrowly inching ahead of the former.

When it comes to the luxury SUV segment, barely would you have to compromise on any factor. And if your heart is set on the Audi Q7, this notion just gets fortified even further. It is so because the Q7 has always been one of the favorite picks for the business class who love to be chauffeured around town. The cabin is airy, loaded with features and doesn’t fall short of any amenity that you’d ask for.

The front seats are all electrically adjustable including lumbar support as well. As you move up the trim ladder, the upholstery gets updated too. For instance, the “Premium” models get a leatherette seating surface and the top-end trim gets upgraded to actual leather. Moreover, the comfort factor too further gets enhanced with the addition of heating and ventilating functions. The large bolsters on either side further assist in keeping the body roll well contained.

The rear row has been taken care of equally well too. There are loads of room on all sides and the availability of air suspension restricts the abruptions of the road pretty efficiently. The abundance of legroom and thigh support just add more to the comfort factor and surely make it a hospitable environment altogether.

While the first two rows are bang on point, the third row just seems like a formality. There is negligible legroom here and its low set bench further enables a knee-in-the-nose posture. If anything, the third row is just good enough for kids. In case you plan on taking the challenge to spend hours here, do not blame us for having a bad night later.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
Seating Capacity	7	5	7	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.9/59.5/41.7	40.7/60.0/39.4	38.1/61.1/41.4	37.8/57.7/40.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.8/58.5/38.8	38.7/58.1/37.4	38.3/59.1/36.6	37.5/55.8/37.2

The Audi might be pretty spacious but the Bimmer just overpowers it completely in terms of passenger volume. This is why the 2020 Audi Q7 sits in the second position, leaving the Acura for the third and the Jag for the last position.

Does the Audi Q7 comes loaded with tech inside?

With the new refreshment undertaken for the 2020 avatar of the Q7, the interior now welcomes not one or two, but three touchscreen units to cater to the occupants’ needs. While it may sound a little fancy to some, let us break the ice by telling you that all the functions that were carried out by a single unit have now been distributed among the three units. Each display has been designed by Nvidia - a renowned graphics processor company. The interface is bang on point and is fluid smooth. However, if you’re not a tech-nut, operating this infotainment could get your hands full.

Having said that, some of the juiciest features associated with the infotainment system of the 2020 Audi Q7 are:

• 1-inch primary (upper) display
• 6-inch lower display for HVAC Unit and comfort options
• 3-inch display (Audi Virtual Cockpit)
• Colored Heads-up Display (HUD)
• 3D surround system with 19 speakers and 15 channel amplifier
• Bluetooth mobile connectivity
• Two USB ports
• Satellite radio with Navigation
• Active vehicle car display
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Creature comforts on offer in the Audi Q7

Apart from the technology front, the Q7 still brings along a host of other features pertaining to the comfort and convenience of the passengers as well. Some of the key highlights of this feature-rich list are:

• Q-design three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Heated eight-way power front seats with four-way power lumbar adjustment
• Split tumble-folding 35/30/35 second-row seatbacks with fore/aft position and seatback angle adjustments
• Five LATCH child seat-mounting points
• Power 50/50 split-folding third-row seats with electric fold and return functions
• In-cabin air filter

What about the hauling abilities of the Audi Q7?

Flaunting its utilitarian abilities proudly here, the Q7 manages to carry 14.8 cu.ft worth of luggage while still carrying seven occupants inside - a feat very rare in the cars that belong to this segment. Both the second and the third row are power-operated and can be folded down with the touch of a button. Doing so will just increase the cargo capacity exponentially giving the Q7 an edge over its rivals.

In case you’re still not satisfied with the Q7’s space inside, then you can opt for Audi’s optional Towing package that adds a towing kit to your Q7. This kit enables the Q7 to tow up to 7,700 pounds worth of luggage behind itself. Talk about a utilitarian!

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
Cargo Volume (behind 3rd )(cu.-ft)	14.8	-	15.0	-
Behind 2nd row	37.5	33.9	38.4	33.5
Behind 1st row	72.4	72.3	90.9	63.5

According to the numbers, the Q7 sits just behind the Acura which just narrowly inches ahead of the former. Apart from these two, the 5-seater contenders just stay out of question here.

The “blend into the crowd” ideology that seemed to be the motto of the Audi Q7 since 2016, has now been scratched off. Welcome the 2020 Audi Q7, with a bolder, sharper and an SUV like stance which brings along its own identity and not just relies on its four rings to grab eyeballs. The A-pillars are slightly more upright now and the hood has also been uplifted by some inches. And how can we miss the Q8 inspired, octagonal single-frame front grille that now adds to the bold characteristics of the Q7. The front Matrix design LED headlamps are a treat for sore eyes, further accentuated with the Dynamic Swipe indicators.

Come to the sides and the Q7 remains reminiscent of its earlier iteration here. However, Audi has cleverly added a few bold creases just to add a bit more SUV-like character to the Q7. It works well indeed and imparts a bold statement to the onlookers.

The rear of the SUV sums up quite well with a chrome lining highlighting the breadth of the car. The rear LED taillamps also come integrated with the dynamic swipe indicators which, over a period of time, have now become Audi’s identity. All in all, it feels good to see how Audi has brought the 2020 Q7 back into the game with its all-new design language.

Models	Audi Q7 Premium	BMW X5 sDrive40i	Acura MDX SH-AWD w/Advance Package	Jaguar F-PACE 30t R-Sport
Length (in)	199.6	194.3	196.2	186.3
Width (in)	77.5	78.9	77.7	81.5
Height (in)	68.5	68.7	67.4	65.0
Ground clearance (in)	N/A	8.7	7.3	8.4
Wheelbase (in)	117.9	117.1	111.0	113.1
Track width (in) F/R	66.1/66.6	66.1/66.9	66.3/66.3	64.6/65.1
Curb weight (lbs)	4927	4758	4303	3895

Talking numbers, the 2020 Audi Q7 features the maximum wheelbase in the comparison. It’s the BMW that comes quite close to it but still has to do with the second place itself. It is surprising to see that the Acura’s wheelbase is even smaller than the 5-seater - X5. The Jaguar emerges to be a dwarf amongst the giants here, with the smallest dimensions of the lot.

What are the eye-catching features in the Audi Q7?

Post the refreshment, the 2020 Audi Q7 brings along some unique styling cues of its own that set it apart from the segment. While some of them just add to the personality of the SUV, others add to the convenience factor as well. Having said that, some of the key elements on the Q7’s outside are:

• 20-inch 5-spoke Turbine-design wheels with all-season run-flat tires
• Automatic all-LED headlights with LED taillights and dynamic turn signals
• Chrome exterior window surrounds and roof rails
• Q8 inspired octagonal single-frame front grille
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade
• Heated and electrically operated exterior rearview mirrors
• Intermittent automatic wipers

Based on VW’s reliable MLB platform, the 2020 Audi Q7’s rugged architecture has proven its worth time and again. It shares its underpinnings with the more expensive vehicles such as Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus, so it should give you an idea of the Audi Q7’s rigid build quality. That said, the 2020 Q7 is yet to get under NHTSA and IIHS’s scanner.

Apart from the build quality, the Q7 also brings along a host of advanced driver-assist systems that keep a check on the occupants’ safety. Some of such features offered with the Q7 are:

• Active cruise control with lane-keep assistance
• Audi Pre Sense Front, Pre Sense Basic, Pre Sense Rear
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Rear Cross-Traffic alert
• Night vision assist
• Audi Park Steering assist

2020 Audi Q7 vs BMW X5:

The BMW X5 sits below the Q7 in the price bracket with a margin of around a couple thousand dollars. However, the 2020 Q7’s aggressive exterior and plush interiors make it all worth it. While the Bimmer’s interiors impart a sporty feel all around, the Q7’s triple-display touchscreen systems incline a bit more towards luxury. The X5’s handling characteristics are more engaging and playful as well, however, do not underestimate the Q7. It manages to match the Bimmer up to quite an extent and also comes loaded with a lot more features for its price. If handling is your priority enough to lose out on the third row, it’s the Bimmer you want. For all other priorities, the 2020 Audi Q7 is a better deal, any day.

2020 Audi Q7 vs Acura MDX:

Honda’s luxury brand - Acura is slowly climbing the ladder towards popularity. The MDX surely strikes a perfect deal with smaller dimensions accounting for better handling and maneuverability manners, but all in the sense of a calm and composed driving style. Do not take it to be flat-footer. In the latter case, the Q7 is the more engaging one and its oomph factor and the feature-list remain unmatched. Also, the 2020 Audi Q7 is faster than the Acura. Between the two, if you actually need a functional, tech-loaded third row and a punchy performer, its the Q7 you want.

2020 Audi Q7 vs Jaguar F-Pace:

Yet again, the first thing to notice here - the Audi seats seven and the Jag can manage only five. One for the Audi here. The Jaguar F-Pace makes up for it by offering stupendous handling dynamics for an SUV that big. However, the Q7’s interior is a bit more hospitable than the Jag’s especially because the former’s ride quality is much better. The feature-list also remains unmatched as the Jaguar lags here. Furthermore, the F-Pace’s laggy infotainment is way inferior to what can be seen in the Audi. Come to the reliability factor and the Audi is miles ahead of the British contender, especially after the Jag’s last refreshment cycle that underwent in 2016. Overall, between the two, it’s the Q7 that respects your money more.

 

The recent Q7 might have had lost the charm that its forefathers were known for, but the 2020 Audi Q7 is now back and uplifts the fallen flag proudly. It is no more a beefed-up wagon, but a proper SUV. With a new, more powerful powertrain, this one can be ruthless on the tarmac whenever you want it to be. And you can do all of that while engulfed in best-in-class luxury for seven people. If you seek the best luxury SUV to serve all your needs yet make a strong statement in the streets, the 2020 Audi Q7 is bang on point!