A Charming Audi

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2025 Audi Q7

If you know the history of Audi, then you can appreciate where they are at today. 

Today, they are among the luxury brands that you aspire to own. It took them over five decades to be the focus of any automotive conversation. Although, they already arrived four decades ago to solidify their place in the luxury vehicle marketplace. 

We have seen a transformation at Audi that mixes an electrified strategy with a proven internal combustion lineup. To mix e-tron with Audi Sport, while delivering on desirable vehicles for upwardly mobile consumers. The Bavarian purveyors behind the iconic four-ring badge have the most diversified lineup in its history. So many models to talk about. 

It becomes a responsibility to approach a new Audi for review. You have to get it right. Rather, the vehicle has to be right to make it so.  

Among the wide variety of models, the 2025 Q7 is an entry in a popular segment among luxury vehicles – the midsize SUV. The Q7 is a model that not only has a pedigree, but also a loyal following among brand enthusiasts. You will find many Q7s on the road today.

What makes the Q7 the right vehicle to bring to the chat? 

The 2025 Q7 is quite charming. The four rings are just an invitation. It neither looks too big or too small. Just the right size to a lot of things. 

It seems that it is a bit below the radar. Maybe it’s the black badging? Maybe it’s the Tamarind Brown paint job? The tester we have has a dark and ominous presence – right in fashion of the times. 

The grille has a massive presence with its bold design integrating horizontal and vertical elements integrated with sensors and the four ring badge. The headlamps are matrix-design LED that include turn signals and driving lamps. This leads to a profile that is unassuming and practical. The belt line allows depth in the side glass augmented by some creases along the side. The rear end finishes with a set of LED taillights and a wide sculpted liftgate. 

There is a reason for all of the black trim on our tester. It is called the Black Optic package, and it includes the 21-inch alloy wheels and dark finished exhaust tips on our tester. 

One thing you can count on in an Audi is an engaged cockpit. The digital instrument cluster is clear to read and comprehensive set of information. Everything is laid out for you to take control of the Q7. You will find some things that may to consider as it is uniquely Audi. The cruise control stalk is on the left side below the turn signal. The shift-by-wire transmission actuator is thick, yet it is also very logical. 

The infotainment system is controlled by a very well-organized touchscreen. It also houses MMI Navigation along with Audi connect services, along with wireless smartphone mirroring and some vehicle controls. When you turn up the volume, Bang & Olufsen pipes in 3D sound throughout the cabin. Don’t forget about the pop-up speakers at the corners of the instrument panel. 

Our Prestige Package tester adds the touch of Saiga Beige Valcona/Cricket leather upholstery for up to seven passengers over three rows. The front seats are comfortable, supportive and yielded no fatigue over longer stints behind the wheel. The second row is split to accommodate three passengers with superb comfort. However, third row room is best for small children, yet access is quite good from the outboard second row seats. 

With all three rows up, you do get 14.2 cubic feet of space available. If you fold the third and second rows down, the Q7 can accommodate up to 69.6 cubic feet of anything our heart desires. 

Audi provides a couple of choices to power your Q7. Our tester came with the 55 TFSI 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, putting down 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

The most overused word on Victory & Reseda for the past few years is “smooth.” How do you describe the performance of the 2025 Q7? You guessed it: Smooth. You do not feel anything from the accelerator pedal. That is exactly what you expect from a luxury midsize SUV. It’s not going to win races – save that for any Audi Sport variant. Yet, it will get you to anywhere you want to be in an effortless manner. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 20.7 MPG.

Speaking of smooth, our tester came with Audi’s comfort adaptive air suspension. This made a world of difference. While the driveline hummed along, the air suspension kept things on an even keel. It absorbed a lot of road imperfections and bad stretches of road. It also enabled the Q7 is corner with nominal lean and roll. 

If there was one thing that absolutely surprised me, it was the Q7’s all-wheel steering. Making tight maneuvers that most SUVs of its size could barely execute early is one of the Q7’s superpowers. Overall steering action and response is fantastic, as is its on-center feel. The same should be said about the Q7’s braking system. With great pedal feel and response to the wheels, the Q7 exhibited excellent stops in normal and panic situations. 

Pricing for the 2025 Audi Q7 starts at $60,500. Our 55 TFSI V6 tester equipped with the Prestige Package came with a sticker price of $88,790.

There is no question that the Q7 represents a sweet spot for Audi’s SUV lineup. It offers a driving experience that you expect in an Audi. It also delivers on the luxury you expect in one. As a complete package, the Q7 offers something that is unpretentious and cool without going over the top to capture your attention. 

That’s what an Audi should be, right? A brand that started by bring you something different with a premium feel. Today’s Audi continues to be premium without having to scream it from a mountaintop. That is why it continues to be a desirable brand. 

Working with an Audi again brings back everything I appreciate in the brand. The Q7 is one of those vehicles you should definitely consider when you’re shopping in that segment. It is one of those SUVs you would happily drive up to anything you do in your life. It will put a smile on your face – the ultimate response one should have when driving any vehicle. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Audi of America

All photos by Randy Stern