Audi has given the Q7, what it calls its “flagship family SUV”, a bit of a makeover for 2024. It’s the second facelift for the second-generation model, and brings along a refreshed design, alongside some equipment changes.
The updated looks certainly help the big SUV feel a lot sharper, especially thanks to the “reduced decorative elements” on the outside, further accentuating the huge sea of clean bodywork. This is complemented by the updated Singleframe grille with new vertical inlays on the octagon mesh, and also the reworked headlights that are now also placed slightly higher, giving the Q7 a more imposing stance.
In classic Audi fashion, the exterior lighting is a particular focus on the facelift exercise. The headlights are LED as standard, but buyers can opt for the range-topping HD Matrix LED items, which not only come with laser light technology for its high beams, but will also allow owners to choose between four light signatures through the MMI infotainment system, offering an extra degree of customisation.
The same is true for the tail lights if you’ve opted for the digital OLED rear lights, but we’re actually more amused by something called the “proximity indication feature”. When the car detects another vehicle approaching from behind to within two metres, it’ll apparently automatically light up every OLED segment, essentially warning other drivers for tailgating you.
Changes on the inside are more reserved, with the 2024 facelift Audi Q7 still retaining basically an unchanged dashboard layout. The touchscreen infotainment system has however been updated to the latest MIB 3 “modular infotainment toolkit”, providing direct access to popular apps such as Spotify and Amazon Music. Audi says that regular software updates will bring more apps to the system in the future, although exact app availability will depend on region.
The digital instrument cluster, which Audi calls “virtual cockpit display”, has also been updated to display more safety-related messages and visuals, including lane change warning, other road users such as trucks, cars, and motorcycles, distance warning, intersection assist, as well as traffic light info.
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Standard equipment for the model obviously depends on the trim levels, but a wide variety of offerings are available on selection, including wheels ranging from 19-22 inches in size, rear-wheel steering, as well as a dizzying array of safety and convenience features that even includes remote parking capabilities.
Powering the 2024 Audi Q7 facelift are four carry-over powertrain options, with the range kicking off with a pair of 3.0L turbodiesel V6 mills making 231 hp and 500 Nm, and 286 hp and 600 Nm respectively for the 45 and 50 TDI quattro variants.
The diesel duo is complemented by a 55 TFSI variant, featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine making 340 hp and 500 Nm, and at the top of the range is the 4.0L turbo V8 for the SQ7, making some 507 hp and 770 Nm of torque. Audi says the SQ7 can complete the century sprint in just 4.1 seconds, which is enough to make even some proper sports cars blush.
For better fuel efficiency, all non-S Audi Q7 variants employ a 48V mild-hybrid system that enables engine-off coasting for up to 40 seconds between 55-160 km/h. As for the SQ7, the engine will automatically shut off half of its cylinders to conserve fuel. Audi says the switch between four and eight-cylinder operation happens at a blink of an eye, and is virtually indistinguishable to the driver.
All variants of the Audi Q7 get quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard, with power sent to the four corners via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. The sportier SQ7 naturally gets a more aggressive chassis set-up, including the addition of a sport differential on the rear axle, as well as an electromechanical active roll stabilisation system for better cornering capabilities.
Pricing for the 2024 Audi Q7 facelift in Europe starts from EUR79,300 (approx. RM407k) for the 45 TDI quattro, rising all the way up to EUR112,000 (approx. RM574k) for the SQ7. There’s no confirmation just yet if the model will make its way over into Malaysia, although anything can happen with Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) now directly at the helm of the brand here in Malaysia. One thing we know is that it’ll definitely not come cheap, though…
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