The 2023 Audi Q7 is a luxury family SUV with some sports sedan in its DNA. With standard Quattro all-wheel-drive, powerful engine options, seating for seven, impressive driving dynamics, benchmark connectivity, advanced driver assistance technologies, and a host of other impressive features, the Q7 again proves why it is a sure bet and has been a safe choice for many years. When the second-generation Audi Q7 was launched back in 2017, it built on the strengths of the original, which ran on the market for 10 years. After a significant refresh in 2020, the 2023 Q7 stays largely the same with the exception of a few key new features. These updates keep the Q7 in the upper echelon of the luxury three-row mid-sized SUV class and on the shortlist for anyone shopping in the segment.

RELATED: 2023 Audi Q7: Performance, Price, And Photos

1 Healthy Selection of Trim Options Available

Black 2020 Audi SQ7
Audi USA

For 2023, the Audi Q7 is available in the following trims; Premium 45, Premium 45 Plus, Premium 55, Premium 55 Plus and Prestige. The Premium 45 models have a four-cylinder hybrid engine, and the Premium and Prestige 55 models have a turbocharged V-6 hybrid engine. The base trim comes as standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, a power sunroof, keyless entry with push-button start, a digital gauge cluster, a hands-free power liftgate, three-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. Both the Premium 55 and Prestige models not only gain the V-6 engine but also Matrix-design LED headlights. Premium 45 and 55 Plus get more driver assists, 20-inch wheels on the V-6, a heated steering wheel, and a better audio system, while the Prestige model has air suspension, four-zone HVAC, sunshades, and ventilated seats, among others.

2 New Powerful Hybrid Engines

2023 Audi Q7 Engine Bay
Audi USA

Audi has moved on from previous Q7 engines, namely the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. The 248-horsepower turbo four-cylinder that powered previous base Q7 models has been replaced by a 261-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with a 12-volt hybrid system (coupled with the hybrid system). Those seeking to maximize power and unlock the Q7's maximum 7000-pound towing capacity will be more interested in the new 3.0 liter turbocharged V-6 48-volt hybrid engine. The 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 produces 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Both engines pair with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with the V-6 engine, the Q7 achieves 0-60mph in five seconds.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why The Audi Q7 Is The Best Luxury SUV

3 The Audi Q7's Adaptive Air Suspension

Black 2023 Audi Q7
Audi

Audi tailored the Q7 to offer composed handling, making for a family SUV with a sports sedan spirit. The Adaptive air suspension system, which makes for impressive maneuverability, is available as an option and can be varied between four modes with the Audi drive select dynamic handling system. Depending on the driver’s requirements and the driving situation, it varies the level position of the body by up to 3.5 inches and also offers level control. On highway journeys, the ride height is lowered automatically by up to 1.2 inches, reducing aerodynamic drag and, in turn, efficiency. When driving off-road at low speeds, up to 2.5 inches of additional ground clearance can be selected via the “Raise” function in Audi Drive Select.

4 Subtle 2023 Audi Q7 Exterior Updates

AUDI-Q7-Front-Three-Quarters
Dinkun Chen

There is not much to shout about when it comes to the 2023 Q7's exterior as frankly nothing much has changed from previous years. It should suit those keen on an inoffensive design just fine. To others, it leaves a lot to be desired. The front end features Audi’s signature grille flanked by two intakes, available Matrix-design LED headlights (optional on the Premium Plus trim and standard on the Prestige), and a hood that slopes gently down to the front fascia with chiseled edges. In profile, there’s a single character line running just below the beltline with 19-inch alloy wheels as standard with 20-inch and 22-inch wheels available. At the rear, the liftgate slopes outward to increase cargo area, but again, its design is best described as innocuous, though slim and wide taillights and running lights on the rear bumper help to break up the monotony. Three new color options are available for the 2023 Q7, including Waitomo Blue, Tamarind Brown, and Satellite Silver.

RELATED: This Is Probably The Most Capable Audi Q7 Ever Built

5 A Spectacularly Stylish And Spacious Interior

2020 Audi Q7 Interior
Audi USA

One can describe the interior of the 2023 Audi Q7 as captivating, classy, and stylistically comfortable to the eyes and all round senses. One of the more notable features is the dual-screen setup in the dash. Fitted standard there is three-zone automatic climate control, one-touch up/down power windows, a power tilt/telescopic multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, ambient LED lighting, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Among the highlights are power soft-closing doors, a power panoramic sunroof, and third-row seats that fold down at the push of a button.

On par with most luxury seven-seat mid-size SUVs, the Q7 provides plenty of passenger space for those in the front two rows. With the second-and third-row seat backs folded down, cargo capacity is 69.6 cubic feet; even with the second-row seats in place, capacity is still a generous 35.7 cubic feet. With just 29.2 inches of legroom space, the third row certainly doesn't satisfy the notion of 'spacious', but works perfectly well for the kids.

6 Audi's Sleek Dual Screen Infotainment System

2021 Audi Q7 Infotainment Screen
Audi USA

The 2023 Audi Q7 has a high-tech infotainment system that has two touch screens on the center stack. The infotainment system comprises a 10.1-inch upper touchscreen for controls for the radio, mapping system, and vehicle settings, plus an 8.6-inch lower touchscreen for climate controls and additional controls like the garage door opener and the vehicle’s cameras. Both have haptic feedback, so the buttons feel nearly real. The screens are tilted at the correct angle, and the shifter is built in a way that provides a handy spot to rest your wrist, steadying it as you hit the screens. The bottom screen is always on and always displays the climate control. There’s a button that reveals shortcuts, too, so if the top screen is turned off, the driver can still change the radio to a preset. Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and two front-row USB ports are all standard. Audi’s latest infotainment system is impressive.

RELATED: 2022 Audi Q7 Review: The Luxury SUV For The Frivolous Family

7 Audi Virtual Cockpit

The Dashboard of a 2023 Audi Q7
Audi

The 2023 Q7 quite eloquently actions the virtue of 'out with the old, in with the new' thanks to the replacement of traditional analog gauges with the Virtual Cockpit digital 12.3-inch gauge display. The Virtual Cockpit is a single screen that fits above the steering wheel where a conventional instrument cluster would be. It’s a configurable system - the driver can choose the information that’s displayed - that offers more complexity than the information offered by traditional dials, from sat nav instructions to audio information. The Virtual Cockpit lets you toggle between several different menus. You can have it set up to show audio, phone book, and/or trip computer information, as well as having the sat nav appear as a nearly full-screen display. The Virtual Cockpit also allows you to change the sizes of the dials, and it can be configured to look like traditional dials if you prefer. The Virtual Cockpit isn’t a touchscreen and is instead controlled by buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

8 Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System

White 2020 Audi Q7 Off-Road
Audi USA

One particular stand-out feature that is afforded by the Premium Plus model is the high-end Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system. Whether you are cruising along a country road, flying down the freeway, or standing still, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System will provide you with a powerful sound experience. Selected loudspeakers in the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System are enclosed within their own sturdy, sealed cabinets, which means that they significantly minimize chassis vibration and external noise. This allows you to turn the volume up to enjoy your favorite music or take a confidential phone call without being overheard by someone on the outside. The second generation Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System has three additional unique sound settings, so you can customize your listening experience according to where you and your passengers are sitting.

9 Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control

2021 Audi Q7 Infotainment Screen
Audi USA

The Premium Plus Audi Q7 models feature a four-zone automatic climate control system with separate temperature and air distribution controls for front and rear passengers. This climate control system has separate front and rear HVAC modules with independent air controls for each zone. It includes Delphi heat exchangers and evaporators, and a battery disconnect safety device designed to help mitigate short-circuiting in collision events. Some additional features of this air conditioning system include; a sun sensor, rapid defrosting, key-coded settings, and a purity sensor.

10 Uncompromising Safety And Driver Assist Features

White 2020 Audi Q7 Side Profile
Audi USA

The 2023 Q7 comes standard with front and rear parking sensors and a host of advanced active safety features as part of the Audi pre-sense suite of accident avoidance systems, including lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, and Audi Drive Select, which allows drivers to adjust the Q7's driving characteristics based upon conditions. The Convenience Package adds adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, and the Prestige model is fitted with an automated parking system. Other advanced safety features include automatic windshield wipers and headlights, anti-lock brakes, stability control, front-impact, side-impact, overhead airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and a vehicle intrusion security system with a means of anticipating and/or detecting unwanted vehicle intrusion.