The Audi Q7 just received a comprehensive facelift in 2024, including new headlights and taillights. In addition, a twin-clutch torque-vectoring differential and electromechanical active roll stabilization are available.
The automaker is now hard at work on an all-new Q7. These spy shots catch the SUV during cold-weather testing. This example wears a little less camouflage than earlier versions, so there’s a better look at the upcoming styling changes.
Check Out The New Q7
Adopting a split headlight design is one of the most significant changes to the new Q7’s front end. The running lamps are on the outer edges of the hood, and the primary illumination comes from rectangular sections that are lower on the vehicle’s face.
The grille looks very similar to the one on the newly refreshed Q7. It features a broad opening with a hexagonal mesh pattern on the inside. This example appears to have a new lower fascia with three openings and a more aggressive look than the existing model.
In profile, this Q7 rides surprisingly low to the ground. The wheels fill up most of the fender well, and there’s also very little ground clearance between the road and the body sills. Audi offers an adaptive air suspension on the current Q7, and we might see it on the new model in these photos.
The general proportions suggest the new Q7 might be taller and wider than the outgoing model.
The next-gen Q7 adopts a light bar connecting each side’s tail lamps. Illuminated hockey-stick-shaped elements adorn the corners, and additional lights are above them.
This vehicle seems to lack exhaust finishers. Two circular pipes are visible at the back, but they look like trapezoidal elements that should fill the large holes in the bodywork.
Time For A Change
The existing Q7 premiered at the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Since then, Audi has refreshed it twice – for 2020 and again for 2024. We expect the new one to arrive in early 2026, but the automaker might preview the next-gen variant sometime in 2025.
The next-gen Q7 reportedly rides on the MLB Evo platform, which is also underneath the current Porsche Cayenne.
Audi already offers the SUV with mild-hybrid powertrains. Given the increasingly stringent emissions rules worldwide, expect the company to continue selling the Q7 with electrically assisted engines.
TopSpeed’s Take
The new Q7 is shaping up nicely, judging by these pictures. The split headlights add some spice to the front, and the taillights are bolder than the existing pieces. The SUV also looks bigger and brawnier. It’ll probably be a year or more before the model goes on sale, so there’s still a lot to learn about the next-gen vehicle.
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