Generation history
The Audi Q7 has been through 2 generations, starting in 2005 and 2015. The gaps were 10 years, an average of 10.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2015. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2024 through 2026, centered on 2025. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The second generation Audi Q7 was unveiled in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Audi Q7 model page.
Every generation
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| First generation | Typ 4L | 2005–2015 | The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. |
| Second generation | Typ 4M | 2015–present | The second generation Audi Q7 was unveiled in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. |
The Audi Q7 spent 10.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 11 years old. Treat 2024 to 2026 as a range, not a date.
Source: Audi Q7 (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Audi Q7 model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) utilizes a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Previewed by the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use, and was not meant for serious off-road use where a transfer case is needed. In an off-road test through the Australian outback it fared well for a "soft roader". Development began in 2002 under the code AU 716, primarily focused on the Pikes Peak Concept.
The second generation Audi Q7 was unveiled in January 2015 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The diesel- and petrol-powered versions were released for retail sales in 2015, followed shortly by diesel-powered plug-in hybrid variant, which is sold in Europe, but not in Canada. Regardless of engine, all Q7's come with a ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission and a Quattro Permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and a default 40:60 front-to-rear torque split.
Generation notes adapted from Audi Q7 (Wikipedia).
Today's Audi Q7
NHTSA rated the 2025 Audi Q7 overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 4 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.
Owners filed 16 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Audi Q7, most often about unknown or other (5), electrical system (4), forward collision avoidance (4).