Audi has formally unveiled the third-gen Q7, which will slot between the Q5 and the upcoming Q9 in the German carmaker’s SUV portfolio. The new Q7 replaces the second-gen model (codename: 4M) after an 11-year lifecycle, and brings major upgrades in every aspect. - Split headlamps, connected tail-lamps, and more muscular proportions - All-new interior gets triple screens, panoramic sunroof, B&O sound system, and more - 5-, 6-, and 7-seat layouts available; 6-seat config gets second-row captain chairs - Offers mild hybrid diesel V6, twin-turbo petrol V6, and twin-turbo petrol V8 options Among the headline additions to the third-gen Q7 is a 6-seat layout with second-row captain chairs, in addition to 5-seat and 7-seat configurations. As before, the new Q7 rivals luxury SUVs like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. 2026 Audi Q7 exterior design Overhauled styling carries more visual brawn Compared to its predecessor, the new Q7's styling is more muscular and upright, with cues adopted from newer Audi SUVs like the Q3. The front end features split headlamps, where the slim DRLs above have pixel lighting elements and the main Matrix LED units are vertically oriented in gloss black housings. There's also a large grille and a wide air dam with honeycomb patterns, along with a satin silver shroud for the latter. Over to the side, the new Q7 has a clean profile, a mildly upswept window line with a chrome surround, pull-type door handles, slim roof rails and body-coloured cladding in the S-Line package. 20-inch alloy wheels come fitted as standard and can be optioned up to 23 inches. The new Q7 also gets soft-close doors, and Audi will offer fully powered operation for them as an optional extra. The most prominent element on the new Q7's posterior is a split tail-lamp setup, with the lower units