Introduced in 2015, the second-generation Q7 is the oldest model in Audi’s line-up. It has received a second facelift, following the first refresh in 2019, to extend its lifecycle until the next-generation Q7 arrives in 2026. Interestingly, the Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid variant has remained unavailable in the U.S., where the company has just paused imports following tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on foreign-made cars.
While it remains to be seen how that plays out, I had an opportunity a few days ago to check out the electrified SUV in Thailand, and here’s what I found during my time with the Audi Q7 TFSI e.
Design
The Audi Q7 Plug-in Hybrid is based on the facelift that was announced globally in January 2024. At the front, I like the reshaped headlights, which are slightly boxier and have been positioned higher compared to the 2019 facelift. I still found the sharpness and assertiveness I’ve seen in the Q8 missing here, though.
The Singleframe grille has a more prominent look and is available in two designs. The unit I saw featured the more appealing and sportier design with honeycomb inserts, part of an S-Line option package. Elsewhere, I think the new model is hardly distinguishable from the older SUV. Overall, though, I liked the new exterior, especially in this sinister black paint and with the 21-inch six Y-spoke alloy wheels in a matching finish.
Interior
The Audi Q7 Plug-in Hybrid is designed for maximum practicality, as evident in its tall and conventional exterior. Thus, given my 5’7” height, I faced no issue with ingress or egress, and I felt even tall people would be able to enter or exit this model with ease. The all-around visibility was great, and the steering wheel with an electrically adjustable column felt grippy.
My head was well below the headliner in the front. The lumbar support was excellent, and the under-thigh support also felt good. I liked the material quality and the contrasting look of brushed metallic trim on the dashboard, center console, steering wheel, and door panels over the all-black color scheme.
Audi has been using a digital instrument cluster since 2014, so no wonder it has perfected the technology. However, while the (12.3-inch HD) unit it is offering in the Q7 Plug-in Hybrid looks good, it doesn’t appear to have an edge over rivals or stand out visually anymore.
The dual-screen (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower) infotainment system lacks power, as I found it lagging when swiping sometimes. Also, I think a dual wireless charger in the place of the lower screen would have been more useful. A single wireless charger is located in the glove compartment, which means you can’t glance at your smartphone while it charges. I appreciate Audi including a rotary volume controller, which can also be used to shuffle between tracks by tilting it left or right.
In the back, sitting right behind the driver’s seat that was still in my set position, I had decent legroom and knee room and about six inches of headroom. The under-thigh support was also good. I felt the default angle of the backrest was comfortable, and a recline function was available for longer trips. The rear center armrest includes two cupholders, but they could have been bigger. The rear AC vents were easy to control because of the physical buttons. Lastly, two USB Type-C ports were also present in the back, aiding connectivity.
Specifications
The new Audi Q7 Plug-in Hybrid is available in 55 TFSI e quattro and 60 TFSI e quattro variants. Pictured here is the economical base variant. Both variants use a 3.0-liter V6 engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, a new electric motor, and a permanent all-wheel drive system. A bigger lithium-ion battery pack with a net energy storage capacity of 22 kWh powers the electric motor.
The new Q7 55 TFSI e quattro has 290 kW (389 hp) of system power and 600 Nm (443 lb.-ft.) of system torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.7 seconds. The new Q7 60 TFSI e quattro packs 360 kW (483 hp) of combined power and 700 Nm (516 lb.-ft.) of combined torque and hits 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in five seconds flat. Both have a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) and a pure electric range of 84 km (52 miles).
Price
In Germany, the new Audi Q7 Plug-in Hybrid retails at EUR 87,300 (USD 99,171) in the 55 TFSI e quattro variant or EUR 91,000 (USD 103,374) with the S line package seen here. In the 60 TFSI e variant, the S line package is standard, and the price goes up to EUR 97,800 (USD 111,098).
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
