Audi updated Q7 recently. So, no big changes will be available any time soon, not only because of this but also the new projects the German carmaker is going to develop. The Q8 and Q9 SUVs are the priority. So, the 2022 Audi Q7 will be unchanged. Mostly. A few updates are going to refresh the offer. For example, some experts are mentioning the RS model. Well, the SUV already offers the performance-oriented SQ7. On the other hand, the E-Tron hybrid was discontinued and fans hope the company managed to fix issues with this system. Audi has a lot of catching up to do. Mercedes and BMW are already a step ahead.
Speaking of rivals, these two companies will be the biggest competition to the 2022 Audi Q7. BMW X5 is a legendary model with a performance-oriented M package and the coupe-SUV version X6. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz will be out with the new GLE SUV. Again, the AMG package is something that makes this carmaker so popular. Audi made a huge step by introducing the SQ7 with 500 hp. Nevertheless, it is still trailing behind the abovementioned high-performance SUVs.
Engine Options: TSFI 45, TSFI55, SQ7
Under the bonnet of the 2022 Audi Q7 will lay a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant if you select the base configuration. Don’t let the small displacement trick you. A 2.0-liter engine is capable of producing 248 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, a mid-size SUV will need more energy, especially those from the luxury segment.
A 3.0-liter V6 seems to be a better choice. With help from turbochargers, the engine will deliver only 330 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four corners (famous Quattro system). The gas mileage drops to 17/21 mpg, but the towing capacity jumps to 7,700 pounds. This is a better output than many mid-size pickup trucks can tow. Still, the competition is offering more energy.
The performance model in the lineup is wearing the 2022 Audi SQ7 badge. In this case, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 setup skyrockets the horsepower rating. With 500 hp, the SUV becomes more interesting. The SQ7 also creates 570 lb-ft of torque. The same gearbox is a power router on this version. The SUV will need 4.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from stop.
Packages: Premium, Premium Plus, Prestige
Three trim levels are available for the new 2022 Audi Q7. The base package is Premium and includes LED head- and taillights, 19-inch wheels, Panoramic sunroof. The driver-aid system offers parking sensors. At the back, there is a power tailgate. By selecting the V6 engine and TSFI 55 configuration, the package also gets the Virtual Cockpit bundle.
The Premium Plus is the only package available with all three engines. The TSFI 45 upgrades the previous trim level with wireless charging, Virtual Cockpit, and Bose audio (19 speakers). Also, the package brings LED taillights and a blind-spot monitoring system. The 2022 Audi Q7 TSFI 55 adds 20-inch alloy wheels, multiple camera view angles, and a few options for side mirrors (memory, self-dimming, heating, power-folding). The SQ7 takes the offer to the next level. Besides the high-output engine, there is a sportier setup to make a ride more impressive. A set of 21-inch wheels unveil the SQ7 outside, while the cabin brings premium Valcona leather and sports buckets in the front row.
The Prestige trim is available with six- and eight-cylinder units. The package is recognizable thanks to the Matrix headlights. Inside, you will find sunshades on windows, HUD, and ventilated front seats. Quad-zone climate control is automatic. Adaptive air suspension and cruise control will make a ride more convenient. Soft-closing doors system, heated steering wheel and rear seats are added with the 2022 Audi SQ7. This model also comes with the Driver Assistance Package as the standard features.
2022 Audi Q7 Pros and Cons
The SUV is very versatile with different engine options and trim packages. With three rows of seats, the 2022 Audi Q7 accommodates 7 persons. The interior is premium and elegant and makes a strong impression right after first sight. A towing capacity of 7,700 pounds makes the SUV one of the leaders in the mid-size luxury segment. The major downside is the price. If you are going after additional options, the cost rises pretty fast. The gas mileage is not good and Audi needs improvements, even for the 4-cylinder configuration.
2022 Audi Q7 Prices
The MSRP for the 2022 Audi Q7 will start at $55,000. This is already higher than you will pay for Acura MDX or Lexus RX. Plus, you won’t get a lot of power from a four-banger. A V6 will make the price go above $61,000. If you are after premium options, the Prestige package adds more than $10k. With all the available upgrades, the price can get closer to the six-digit realm. The SQ7 is the most expensive and the competitor to the BMW X5M and Mercedes GLE AMG SUVs.