THE 2024 AUDI Q7: THE RIGHT BLEND OF COMFORT AND SPORTINESS WRAPPED IN AN UPSCALE SUV

The 2024 Audi Q7 remains an enticing choice in the competitive field of midsize luxury SUVs. The Q7 does an admirable job of showcasing Audi’s legendary blend of comfort and sportiness, all wrapped in an upscale SUV with seating for seven and good functionality. The Q7 offers the choice of a turbocharged 4-cylinder or V6 engine, while the high-performance SQ7 packs a 500-horsepower twin-turbo V8. It competes in a segment full of compelling choices ranging from the Mercedes-Benz GLE and BMW X5 to the Lexus TX, Lincoln Aviator and Genesis GV80, to name a few.

What’s new for 2024:

Adaptive cruise control becomes standard, and remote start is now available via the Audi connect app. The Executive package gains traffic sign recognition, and the Q7 55 Prestige can be had with an S line sport package.

2024 Audi Q7 pricing

The 2024 Audi Q7 begins at $59,500. That’s for a base 45 Premium trim, with the “45” signifying models with the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Q7 models with the turbo V6 have the “55” designation. Options on any of the trims can easily and quickly raise these prices by thousands, and any exterior color other than white costs extra.

These are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and do not include the $1,195 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge).

The Q7 starts below its German rivals, the Mercedes-Benz GLE (starting over $62K) and BMW X5 (over $65K). The Genesis GV80 is closer, starting at $57,450, while the Lexus RX is just under $50K. We should note that those models are primarily sold as 2-row SUVs, while the Q7 is strictly a 3-row. In that vein, the 3-row Acura MDX begins shy of $50K, as does the Infiniti QX60. The Lincoln Aviator is just over $53,000, the Volvo XC90 begins at $56K, and the Cadillac XT6 is a hair under $49K. Finally, a Land Rover Discovery starts at just under $60K. We told you this field is highly competitive.

See: The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE raises the bar for luxury SUVs, and now there’s a plug-in hybrid version, too

Before buying a new Q7 or SQ7, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area paid for theirs. The Lexus RX and Acura have the strongest resale values in this class, with the Audi Q7 faring at least as well as the X5 and GLE.

The Audi Q7’s resale value is similar to the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 and below the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, and Lincoln Aviator.

Related: 10 of the best new luxury compact and subcompact SUVs

Power, ride, and handling

In our experience, Audi Q7 models with the base turbocharged 4-cylinder engine have enough muster to handle around-town errands confidently and longer highway runs without drama. Its 6.9-second 0-60 mph time won’t set streets on fire, but this model is quick enough for most needs.

That said (you knew it was coming), we can’t help but appreciate the turbo V6 in the 55 models. Its 74 additional horses grant plenty of grunt, not to mention extra towing power if that’s your thing (the V6 is rated for an ample 7,700 pounds, while the 4-cylinder maxes out at 4,400 pounds).

Regardless of engine, we applaud how the Q7 rides and handles in general. Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is standard (an added cost in some rivals), and this sophisticated system superbly handles a variety of roads and weather conditions. Like other Audi models, the Q7 finely balances sportiness with comfort, meaning it’s agile and fun in the corners yet hunkered down and hushed on the highway. This is even more respectable considering this is a 3-row family SUV, not a sports sedan.

Where some rivals use 9- and 10-speed transmissions, the Q7 sticks with eight, and we think that’s great. We’ve found the ratios just right for this application.

Also see: The 2024 Lexus RX review: The bestselling luxury SUV offers a serene ride and great resale value

If you’re lucky enough to be among the niche shoppers with the desire and necessity for a 500-horsepower 3-row SUV, the SQ7 is a wolf in sheep’s clothes. It will blast to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and carve roads with aplomb. School runs — or perhaps the drive afterward — will never be the same.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and testing the current pack of midsize luxury SUVs, including the Audi Q7.

Fuel economy

Interestingly, the 2024 Audi Q7 earns 21 mpg combined with either the turbocharged 4-cylinder or the turbo V6. The only difference is the 4-cylinder is rated slightly higher in highway driving – 25 mpg – compared to 24 mpg for the V6. Each is rated at 19 mpg in the city. This combined figure is about average for the class, with an AWD Acura MDX arriving at the same figure and an AWD Infiniti QX60 doing one better.

The Audi SQ7, with its twin-turbo V8, returns 15 mpg city/21 highway/ 17 combined.

More information on the 2024 Audi Q7’s fuel economy can be found on the EPA’s website.

Sophisticated cabin

All Audi Q7 models have three rows of seats and room for seven. Unlike some rivals, there is no option for second-row captain’s chairs that would reduce the passenger count to six; a 3-across bench is the only choice here, even in the Audi SQ7. We’ve found space in the second row, with its 38.8 inches of legroom, enough for adults. The third row, however, with just 29.2 inches, is best for occasional use by smaller humans.

Overall, the material quality is excellent, as is the design. The Q7’s cabin is filled with technology, yet not the kind that feels overwhelming. A 10.1-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties, while a smaller, 8.6-inch screen below handles functions like climate control. Audi’s signature 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit, a high-def instrument cluster, still looks sharp even though it’s been around a while. Overall, however, the Q7’s screen setup and graphics are starting to feel just a bit dated. This second-generation Q7 debuted for the 2017 model year, and was last updated for 2020, so we’re expecting a totally redesigned Q7 within the next year or two.

Genuine leather is standard and available in an array of colors. We’re particularly fond of Okapi Brown. We also like that the Q7 has an actual gear shift in the center column rather than buttons or switches like some rivals.

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Handsome body

Our eyes appreciate Audi’s handsome yet restrained design. It looks contemporary with elements like the Matrix-design LED headlights and a big but not overwhelming grille, yet it has an overall aesthetic that should hold up for years to come.

Wheels range in size from 19 inches for base models to 22 inches for the SQ7, and paint colors can pop. Our eyes are drawn to the metallic blues: Navarra and the darker Waitomo.

For 2024, Q7 55 Prestige models can be had with an S line sport package that brings 21-inch 5-spoke blade design wheels, red brake calipers, and black optic design elements. You’ll know you’re behind an SQ7 by way of the quad tailpipes.

Also on MarketWatch: The 2024 Infiniti QX55 review: This sleek, roomy fastback luxury SUV stands up to its European rivals

Our favorite features and tech

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Cable-free smartphone integration is standard across the 2024 Q7 range, so a passenger sitting somewhere other than up front can still connect with the infotainment system if desired.

Hands-free tailgate operation: Along with a powered tailgate as standard, every 2024 Q7 includes hands-free operation because anyone who needs a 7-seater SUV will probably have their hands full with something.

Virtual Cockpit: With the ability to show a range of information, including navigation and maps, this 12.3-inch digital driver information display is a most welcome standard feature in every new Q7 luxury SUV.

Remote Parking Assist Plus: This is a self-parking function for parallel and perpendicular spaces. The driver can stay in the Q7 or jump out and let the system work its magic.

Power soft-closing doors: There’s something special about bringing a car door near its jamb and automatically sealing shut. It brings feelings of elegance and security every time you get in or out of the Q7, and it’s included in Prestige trims.

Bang & Olufsen audio: We’ve heard a lot of automotive audio systems in our day, and those by Bang & Olufsen continue to amaze us. The system that’s standard, beginning with the Premium Plus trim, is a true joy for the ears.

Engine and transmission

All 2024 Q7 and 2023 SQ7 luxury SUVs have AWD as standard (Audi calls it quattro) along with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine goes into the 45 TSFI drivetrain. It creates an adequate 261 horsepower. The 55 TSFI version brings a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 developing a more enjoyable 329 horsepower. And the SQ7 sits at the top of the Q7 hierarchy with a twin-turbocharged V8 making 500 horsepower.

The 45 TSFI is capable of towing 4,400 pounds. The 55 TSFI and SQ7 are both rated to tow a maximum of 7,700 pounds. Note that each engine requires premium gasoline.

Warranty

Audi’s new-vehicle warranty is good for four years/50,000 miles, with the powertrain covered by the same numbers. This is in line with German rivals.

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Safety

All Q7 models come standard with active safety and driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control with lane guidance. The Audi Q7 scores the top 5-Star crash-test score from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) testing, it scored the top “Good” in all crashworthiness categories, with the only demerit being in the “headlights” category with a rating of “Poor.”

KBB’s car review methodology.

This story originally ran on KBB.com.