Audi has unveiled the third generation of its Q7 luury SUV, featuring a redesigned exterior and a singular powertrain choice. The seven-seater now utilizes a 3.0-litre diesel V6 engine capable of running on sustainable vegetable oil.

The 3.0-litre V6 and the Vegetable Oil Pivot

In a move that contradicts the industry's aggressive shift toward electrification, the third-generation Audi Q7 arrives with a sole 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine. According to the report, this powertrain incorporates mild hybrid plus (MHEV) technology and an electric-powered compressor to produce 295bhp and 630 Nm of torque. This setup allows the Audi Q7 to handle short city trips via partially electric driving, while the electric boost maintains power delivery across all speeds.

The most provocative feature of this engine is its compatibility with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). As reported, HVO is derived from waste materialls like used cooking oil and can be used as a pure fuel or an admixture. this alternative fuel source is a strategic attempt to lower the environmental footprint of a combustion engine, with the report stating that HVO can reduce CO2 emissions by 70 to 95 percent compared to traditional petroleum diesel.

The £82,000 Price Gap Against the Jaecoo 8

The new Audi Q7 enters the market with a minimum price tag of just under £82,000, positioning it as a high-cost legacy option in an increasingly crowded field. This pricing creates a stark contrast with emerging Chinese "luxe" competitors; specifically, the Audi Q7 costs over £36,000 more than the new Jaecoo 8 from the Chery Group... While the Jaecoo 8 offers plug-in hybrid systems with EV-only ranges reaching 91 miles, Audi has opted for the "Premium Platform Combustion" architecture, signaling a commitment to internal combustion over short-range electrification.

This strategy places the Audi Q7 at odds not only with Chinese disruptors but also with its primary European rivals. The Mercedes GLE and BMW X7 have both leaned heavily into a multi-powertrain approach, offering a diverse range of engines and pushing plug-in hybrids as the primary transition tool. Audi's decision to strip away the expansive mix of petrol and hybrid options found in previous Q7 models suggests a gamble on a specific type of long-distance, high-torque luxury buyer.

From Curvy Lines to a Boxier, GLE-Inspired Silhouette

Visually, the third-generation Audi Q7 represents a total departure from the second-generation model. Where the Mk2 was defined by sophisticated curves and an aggressive front, the Mk3 is significantly boxier. The new design features a squarer rear end, a higher bonnet, and a more prominent nose, giving the Audi Q7 a leaner appearance that mimics the aesthetic of modern electric vehicles. The report notes that the styling is not dissimilar to the Mercedes GLE at a glance.

Inside, the Audi Q7 has been entirely overhauled to emphasize a "business class" atmosphere. Key upgrades include a full-width infotainment display with integrated physical controls and a panoramic sunroof featuring switchable transparency. to enhance the cabin's futuristic feel, Audi has implemented indirect lighting behind the screen to create a "floating" effect, alongside new decorative trims and contour lighting in the doors and dashboard.

A 2,075-Litre Cargo Capacity and Business Class Seating

Utility remains a core pillar of the Audi Q7, which continues to offer seven seats as standard. However, the third generation introduces new flexibility, with five- and six-seat configurations now possible. The six-seat layout is specifically designed for a premium experience, mirroring the 4+2 configuration found in the Hyundai Santa Fe and the Jaecoo 8. All seating in the Audi Q7 is electronically adjustable to maximize passenger comfort.

Cargo versatility is equally emphasized in the new architecture. Depending on the second-row seat position, the boot space ranges from 581 to 722 litres when the third row is folded. For maximum utility, the Audi Q7 can expand its storage capacity to a massive 2,075 litres when both the middle and rear rows are folded flat.

Will the UK Get the Five-Seat Configuration?

Despite the detailed specifications of the new model, several critical details remain unconfirmed. Most notably, Audi has not yet verified if the five- or six-seat options will be available to buyers in the UK market. Furthermore, it remains unclear if the German automaker will eventually expand the powertrain lineup beyond the laaunch V6 diesel to include the petrol and plug-in hybrid options that characterized the previous generation.