The 3rd-generation Audi Q7 takes lighting very, very seriously

Lighting is something that Audi has been pioneering in the automotive space ever since. From being the first brand to debut OLED technology to allow for funky, high-definition segments on their lights, to one of those who pioneered laser lighting and eventually advancing projector tech that actually have usable images projected from its headlights onto walls – Audi has easily been at the forefront of automotive lighting tech.

With the third-generation Audi Q7, many things are attractive about it, especially given how long the second-generation model has been around (11 years!), but the all-new Q7’s biggest draw comes with its lighting.

Opt for the digital Matrix LED headlights that feature micro-LED modules, and you get a world full of capabilities such as advanced adaptive light distribution, lighting assistance, and most importantly, integration with driving assistance functions.

Examples include being able to aid with lane guidance or orientation, with the lighting being able to show the driver the lane markings when unintentionally crossing a lane, or to warn the driver if the road turns icy by projecting an ice crystal on the surface, and of course, having pedestrian marking lights that individually highlight people nearby.

This same projection tech works for people and cars around, by having both the front and rear turn signals projected on the ground whenever they are activated. It’s also used to welcome people into the car when opening the doors to warn approaching cyclists or cars that a door is about to open, or to provide helpful hints on where to activate the kick sensor for the hands-free tailgate.

The digital OLED panels found in the rear brake lights offer much more personalization, but can also help communicate to cars behind by displaying different images to show if a car’s hazard lights are on, to warn approaching traffic from behind when parked, or to tell the car behind if they get too close in stationary traffic.

Of course on top of all this, the Q7 gets a refreshed design that’s more in line with the current Audi lineup, featuring split lighting front and back, a massive Singleframe grille with accent lighting, and generally cleaner lines all around with an upright D-pillar for more interior room for the third row.

And for the first time, there are optional automatic doors with an electric soft-close mechanism and tons of sensors all around to prevent accidents.

The significantly improved interior comes in three seating configurations—a two-row five-seater, a three-row six-seater with captain’s chairs, or the family favorite three-row seven-seater configuration. 

The first row comes with available ventilation and massage functionality, while the second and third row seats are partially power-adjustable, with comfort entry available up front or behind. Cargo space also ranges from 806L up to 2,075L for the five-seater, and the seven-seater is from 722L up to 1,980L.

Similar to the outside, Audi’s lighting is a step above your usual ambient lighting. Contour lighting and an LED light strip that spans the entire dashboard can indicate the turn signals, hazards, and much more, and there’s even lighting embedded within the panoramic switchable transparency glass roof.

The Q7 also sports a new dashboard design with three high-resolution OLED displays for the MMI interface, wood veneer, and leather upholstery, hidden electrically adjustable air vents, the new steering wheel stalks first seen on the Q3, and two Qi 2.2 charging points (magnetic and 25W support) complemented by 60W and 100W USB-C ports. There’s also an optional 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen 4D premium sound system with seat actuators to give localized bass, depending on the configuration..

Finally, the Q7 comes with three engine choices: a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel with a 48V mild hybrid architecture with high output (299 horsepower and 630Nm), or standard output (245 horsepower and 500Nm) for Europe. North America meanwhile gets the choice between a 2.9-liter turbo gasoline V6 with 429 horsepower and 599Nm of torque, or the 4.0-liter twin-turbo gasoline V8 with 591 horsepower and 800Nm of torque. All are mated to the traditional Quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

North America and Europe will be getting the Bratislava-sourced Q7 in September onwards, and it’s more than guaranteed that Audi Philippines will introduce this to our market either later this year or early next year.

^{Photos from Audi}