Audi is losing out to newer rivals in the mid- and full-size crossover segments
It’s been over 10 years since the second-generation Audi Q7 was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. We know that an all-new Q7 is in the works after the hot SQ7 was spied recently, but for now, the regular Q7 soldiers on for the 2026 model year.
After a substantial update for 2025, Audi has added plenty of equipment updates for the 2026 Q7 in an effort to conceal its age. It’s the same trick Volvo has employed with the XC90, another three-row SUV that has been repeatedly updated since its original launch. Let’s see what’s new for the 2026 Audi Q7.
New Packages And Standard Features
There are still three main Audi Q7 trims: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige.
A new Convenience Plus package for the Premium improves the SUV’s appearance with 20-inch wheels, Audi rings in an Anthracite Gray finish, Black optic exterior trim, and dark chrome exhaust tips. Inside, this package adds four-way power lumbar support for the front-seat passenger, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound, more extensive LED interior lighting, a heated steering wheel, and a top-view camera system. At $1,900, this package seems like reasonable value. All Q7s now get traffic sign recognition as standard.
The mid-range Premium Plus trim now comes with dual-pane acoustic glass for the front windows, ventilated front seats (with four-way power lumbar support for the front passenger), heated rear seats, four-zone climate control, power soft-close doors, and sunshades for the rear door windows and tailgate.
Audi
Buyers who opt for the top Prestige trim now get OLED taillights and all-wheel steering as standard. For this trim, there is a new Sport Plus package with items like 21- or 22-inch wheels, a Sport adaptive air suspension, red brake calipers, and a Valcona leather interior, among other things. This pack adds $4,800 to the price of the Prestige.
Related: 2025 Audi Q7: Sharpens its style, enhances tech, and stays relevant in the luxury SUV game
More Equipment Equals Higher Prices
Whereas the 2025 Q7 started at $60,500, the 2026 model kicks off at $62,000 for the Premium. Pricing goes up to $65,800 for the Premium Plus, and these MSRPs are both for the 45 TFSI model with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that makes 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
The 55 TFSI gets a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. Its prices are $67,600 for the Premium, $73,200 for the Premium Plus, and $76,900 for the Prestige. Finally, the high-performance SQ7 gets a 4.0-liter turbo V8 with 500 hp and 568 lb-ft. It’s only available in Premium Plus and Prestige trims, which cost $93,800 and $99,800, respectively.
BMW’s 2026 X5 starts at a pricier $67,600, but that gets you a 375-hp turbo-six model that easily outperforms the base Q7. The V8-powered X5 M60i costs $92,600, slightly less than the SQ7.Â
Q7’s Three-Row Problem Remains
Although it’s a comfortable SUV and now has more creature comforts than ever before, the Audi Q7 is being comprehensively outsold by the BMW X5 in America this year. Not only is the Q7 fundamentally an older design, but it has had to fill one role too many for Audi.
Price-wise, the Q7 not only has to compete against the two-row BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, but it also has to fend off those brands’ dedicated three-row crossovers, the X7 and GLS. The Q7 does have a third row, but it’s disappointingly cramped.
What Audi really needs is a proper three-row luxury crossover, and that’s on the way in the form of the Q9. Already spied looking close to production-ready, this will be Audi’s biggest and most luxurious SUV yet. A range of hybrid powertrains are expected, and we hope to see an official reveal late this year or early next year.
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