The New Audi Q7 Is Almost Ready to Enter Its Third Generation

The current second-generation Audi Q7 has already celebrated its tenth anniversary. Although it has received two rounds of updates, the SUV still hasn’t moved on to a new generation — leaving it struggling to compete with newer, more modern rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes GLE, even if those are slightly smaller. For Audi, bringing the Q7 up to date next year is essential to revive interest in one of its most important models.

According to the French outlet Auto-Moto, the upcoming third-generation Q7 will undergo a major transformation. European journalists report that the SUV will switch to the PPC platform — the same architecture used in the latest Audi A5, A6, and Q5 — and will receive a completely new exterior design.

Expect a redesigned front and rear end, along with reworked side panels that will do away with traditional door handles.

Instead, Audi will use the E-Latch system — a setup already found in the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Ferrari Purosangue. It features touch-sensitive capacitive buttons located beneath small protrusions under the side windows, which electronically activate the door locks.

Unlike some of its siblings, the new Q7 won’t carry any e-tron badges, as it won’t be sold as a fully electric vehicle. Instead, the lineup will include mild-hybrid powertrains, along with gasoline and diesel engines, plus plug-in hybrid versions offering over 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) of electric range.

The new Audi Q7 is expected to make its debut in the coming months, with sales starting in 2026.