Audi continuously impresses auto experts with a knack for effortlessly merging style and speed. T 2021 Q7 is no exception. Upholding a reputation built on tried-and-true tactics, the Q7 (and SQ7) continue to offer you a stylish ride, with plenty beneath the hood. Yes, the Q7 will keep up with any twin-turbo crossover.
If you’re in the market for a new luxury SUV, be sure to check out the 2021 Q7. We’ve brought together the information you need to decide whether or not it’s worth test driving. Below, you’ll find all the facts and figures. And if by the end of this article you think the Q7 might not fit the bill, our list of competitors will aid you in exploring similar options.
Performance Specifications
Available solely in all-wheel drive, the 2021 Q7 mates an eight-speed automatic transmission to either a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter turbo V6. The former makes 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the latter ponies up to 329 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The base 2.0-liter engine is capable of towing up to 4,400 pounds, while the V6 model ups that to 7,700 pounds.
The 2021 Audi SQ7 models are powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, making a whopping 500 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Technically, Audi’s website lists the SQ7 models as a separate vehicle. However, the one major difference is the more powerful engine. (Plus a few other performance tweaks.)
Available Colors
Audi paints the 2021 Q7 in the following colors.
- Carrara White
- Samurai Gray Metallic
- Vicuna Beige Metallic
- Navarra Blue Metallic
- Orca Black Metallic
- Barrel Brown Metallic
- Night Black
- Florett Silver Metallic
- Galaxy Blue Metallic
- Glacier White Metallic
Trimlines and Pricing
Premium
Premium Q7 models start around $54,950. The V6 will run almost $61,000 though. It includes standard equipment like LED headlights and taillights, leather seating, 19-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a power tailgate. The dual-screen infotainment center includes a 10.1-inch upper screen and an 8.6-inch lower screen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth are standard as well. You’ll also enjoy the heated front seats, power-folding third-row seats, keyless entry, and navigation. In short, there’s a lot of great features packed into this “base” model.
Premium Plus
Choose the Premium Plus model for the upgraded Bose 19-speaker sound system, along with wireless charging. You’ll also find a 360 top view camera system and paddle shifters. The standard engine version starts at $57,200, while the V6 is priced at $63,800. Models equipped with the V6 engine come stock with 20-inch wheels.
Prestige
Prestige models top out the lineup with features such as soft-close doors, Valcona leather seating, massaging front seats, and the 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. While it might not seem like the longest options list, there’s certainly a whole lot of value to appreciate on this top trim level. Plus the V6 is standard here, along with a pricetag of $72,000.
SQ7
The 2021 Audi SQ7 can be purchased in either Premium Plus or Prestige trims. Various features include S-tuned adaptive air suspension, 21-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and sport seating as well. Plus the incredible V8 engine, ripe with horsepower and torque. The starting prices go up to $85,000 (Premium Plus) and $91,200 (Prestige), but it’s hard to argue the SQ7 isn’t worth it. There’s plenty of luxury and sport to be had.
Safety
Though the 2021 Q7 has not yet been rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA), that doesn’t mean Audi skimped on any safety equipment on this newest model.
Standard safety features include front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, lane departure warning, automatic high-beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Audi Pre Sense Basic, Audi Pre Sense Front, Audi Pre Sense Rear, and Audi Side Assist. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection are included in Pre Sense Front, with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert part of Pre Sense Rear. Seatbelts will tighten and windows roll up in the event of an imminent collision.
Advanced safety features include technology such as a night-vision camera, traffic sign recognition, intersection assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view parking system. Traffic Jam Assist is also available for a premium.
Fuel Efficiency
The 2021 Q7 performs about as expected for an all-wheel drive SUV when it comes to fuel efficiency. With two liters of displacement, you should see a 19 city and 23 highway EPA-estimated miles-per-gallon rating. Boost up another liter and those numbers drop down to 17 and 21.
Finally, if you’re considering the SQ7, fuel efficiency ratings fall to 15 city and 21 highway MPG. Considering how much horsepower is beneath the hood of the SQ7, it’s really not a bad trade-off.
Competitors
Poised between the worlds of luxury and power, the Q7 might not be the best of both worlds. Either way though, it sure does a lot to make its presence known. For example, reviewers at U.S. News noted the SUV “ranks in the top third of the luxury midsize SUV class.”
“Sublime interior” appointments wowed experts at Kelley Blue Book. The folks at MotorBiscuit summed it up well, saying “the Audi Q7 stands out as offering an abundance of desirable standard features, having an exceptionally plush interior, and being powerful yet enjoyable to drive.”
Anyone looking for a modern SUV with enough pep to keep up with traffic would be well-suited to the Q7.
Along with the praise came a bit of criticism. KBB lamented the not-so-spacious third row and pointed out that “options are pricey.” However, considering the price tag of class-leading rivals, inflation is in the eye of the beholder. A “below-average predicted reliability rating” might make you shy away from this luxury SUV — especially when there’s not a whole lot of cargo space or impressive fuel economy. This is especially true for the SQ7, which prioritizes speed and power over savings in that regard.
All said, the 2021 Q7 is an excellent vehicle. There’s plenty of creature comforts to keep you satisfied on any drive, enough power to engage you on the highway, and a sophisticated design that harkens to fellow German luxury automakers like BMW or Mercedes.
Speaking of which, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE both compete with the 2021 Q7. You may also find the Volvo XC90 an equally-sophisticated and capable SUV — with perhaps a bit more attention paid to safety than most manufacturers. The Lincoln Aviator and the Porsche Cayenne and Macan are viable alternatives as well, each with their own prestigious features.
The Last Word
See what Audi’s all about with a test drive of the new 2021 Q7. We encourage you to sit in the driver’s seat, scroll through the infotainment screen, try out the speakers, and of course, push the pedal to the floor. Audi’s lineup of SUVs certainly strikes a unique and potent balance between sitting in a plush driver’s seat and still enjoying it too. Visit your local Audi dealership for more information on the 2021 Audi Q7. And as always, come back and visit us for more car reviews and industry news.
Source: Audi
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