Audi Q7 and Q8 2025 review

Back when it was unveiled in 2005, few could’ve expected that the Q7 would become the crowning glory among Audi’s burgeoning line-up of SUVs. Yet here we are, close to the end of the lifecycle of the excellent second-generation model, and you would never guess that this vehicle is now a decade old.

The closely related five-seat, frameless-doored Q8 isn’t quite so vintage, having launched in 2018, yet there’s a fundamental goodness in these large Audi SUVs that remains timeless.

They look better than ever, drive better than ever, have more standard equipment than ever, and remain just as relevant as ever. And this is despite the fact that a third-generation Q7 is looming – expected to debut some time in 2026.

For the Q7/Q8’s second lifecycle facelift, the focus has been on refining the details.

Matrix LED headlights are now standard across the board (and available for the first time on Q8) while the Virtual Cockpit and head-up display can now show Apple CarPlay directions, not just the embedded Audi graphics.

All models get new headlight designs (now mounted higher in Q8), toothy new single-frame grilles, new front bumpers, new rear bumpers with integrated diffusers, and model variant details are now etched into the B-pillars.

Plus there are new wheel designs, an in-vogue new colour (Sakhir Gold) and a new entry variant – the Q7 45 TFSI quattro.

Featuring a mild-hybrid, 48-volt 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 185kW and 370Nm, the ‘base’ Q7 is hardly a stripper special – not for $108,815 (before on-road costs).

The 45 TFSI and its 45 TDI stablemate ($117,284) feature a tonne of standard equipment – 20-inch alloys, adaptive air suspension, the trick new headlights, electric tailgate with gesture control, seven seats with an electric-folding third row, leather, three-zone climate control, 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and over 30 driver-assist systems.

The V6-engined Q7 50 TDI and 55 TFSI (both $136,815 before on-road costs) gain forged 21-inch alloys, S-Line styling package, a panoramic sunroof, Bang & Olufsen 3D surround-sound audio, and an S-Line interior package, while the Q8 versions ($143,415) offer broadly similar equipment.

Uniquely, the Q8 offers a plug-in hybrid variant – the 60 TFSIe ($154,284), which scores red brake calipers, a black exterior styling package, sports adaptive air suspension, and dual side flaps for fuel or charging.

Its stats are significantly enhanced for 2025 with a bigger battery (now 22kWh usable, up 7.6kWh), more electric range (74km WLTP, up 15km), extra power (360kW, up 20kW), greater efficiency (1.8L/100km combined, down 0.8L/100km) and stronger acceleration (0-100km/h in 5.0sec, down 0.4sec), as well as the same 700Nm of torque.

We spent our time at the Australian launch cycling between a Q7 50 TDI, Q7 55 TFSI, Q8 55 TFSI and Q8 60 TFSIe.

The mild-hybrid 210kW/600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel Q7 50 TDI featured a Luxury Seat package (including ventilated front seats, for $4200) and Premium Plus package (22-inch Audi Sport wheels, all-wheel steering, sports adaptive air suspension, high-gloss black finishes, for $5500), bringing its total to $148,915 (before on-road costs).

You could argue that the huge rims and sports suspension aren’t entirely befitting of a seven-seat diesel, yet the ageing Q7 conducted itself with refined effortlessness, offering superb cabin comfort and surprising agility thanks to its sophisticated suspension and four-wheel steering.

You gotta love a diesel that’s quick (0-100km/h in 6.1sec), efficient (combined fuel consumption of 7.1L/100km) and yet sounds velvety and strong when shifting the Q7’s girthy 2180kg heft.

The mild-hybrid Q7 55 TFSI featured identical options to the 50 TDI but with a 250Nm/500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 doing the talking. Same automatic transmission as well – an excellent eight-speed ZF.

It’s definitely raspier and sportier to drive yet features a similarly robust torque peak smeared across a huge 1370-4500rpm plateau. You also don’t need to deal with sticky diesel fuel at the bowser, though 9.0L/100km combined says you’ll be refuelling more often.

The Q8 55 TFSI is sportier again – a bit tighter in corners, a bit more intimate behind the wheel, and another 40kg lighter, though our test car felt a bit shortchanged by lacking the huggy ventilated S sports seats of the Luxury seat package.

But the most interesting variant is the facelifted plug-in hybrid Q8 60 TFSIe – one that made up eight percent of Q8 sales in 2024, though that number is likely to increase after this update (the PHEV reportedly accounts for 13 percent of Q5 sales).

The 60 TFSIe might weigh 315kg more than the petrol Q8, yet there’s plenty to like about this pseudo-enviro beast.

The PHEV’s electric range is decent (74km) and it can be recharged at a regular public charging station thanks to its plug type. Its progress in electric-only mode is suitably dignified and refined, yet if you ask for everything it has to give, 5.0sec to 100km/h is more than ample.

Indeed, painted in new Sakhir Gold, wearing $3600 of optional 22-inch multi-spoke Audi Sport metallic black alloys, the 2025 Q8 is a strikingly handsome and surprisingly modern-looking SUV.

And in combination with Audi’s excellent air suspension and the physics-defying cleverness of four-wheel steering, it’s suitably satisfying to drive as well.

Where the original Q7 started to look very old as the 10-year mark approached, the Mk2 Q7 (and related Q8) seem to almost be age-defying. Sure, more modern SUVs will have bigger interior screens, but I’d suggest the 2025 Q7/Q8 are amply endowed with the three screens they already have.

Plus there’s superb build and interior quality, terrific seating and packaging flexibility, and a tonne of room – whether your Audi SUV is a five- or seven-seater.

The Q8 remains the tough-looking choice – hence why over 80 percent of its buyers are male – but the Q7 remains a benchmark large seven-seat SUV in terms of its space, storage, seating flexibility and overall comfort.

It’s not a cheap vehicle – and can be made considerably less affordable once various options packs have been added – but this is a true luxury SUV, without the over-the-top flamboyance of even pricier ultra-luxury alternatives.

Even 10 years in, the second-generation Q7 remains the best SUV that Audi makes, aside from its even sexier, sharper Q8 sister. It’s the definition of the brand’s quality mantra, with a degree of style that somehow becomes more refined over time.

If ever there was a silver-fox luxury SUV, this is it.