2023 Audi Q7 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

When it comes to comfort and build quality, few family SUVs can top the 2023 Audi Q7. Whether you’re running day-to-day errands or decide to take an extended road trip, everyone in the crew will be able to enjoy the ride. Available high-end amenities allow travelers to experience even more luxury. While the Q7 isn’t the best SUV for traversing extremely rocky terrain, Audi’s legendary Quattro AWD system enables it to confidently handle rough weather and muddy trails.

Sporty driving dynamics also make the Q7 a surprisingly fun vehicle. For serious driving enthusiasts who desire a high-powered family vehicle, Audi offers the racier SQ7 model. There are a total of four trim grades to select from, which enable buyers to choose their preferred level of performance and luxuriousness. Here’s a look at the key differences between each trim.

 

Compare the Q7 Premium vs Premium Plus Trim Levels. What is the difference?

Although the Q7 Premium is considered to be the lineup’s base model, it’s still more luxurious than most mainstream SUVs. Buyers will like its amenity-filled cabin and competitive level of performance. Prices start at more than $57,000 before checking off any optional equipment.

For the 2023 model year, the Premium trim has been updated with a new mild-hybrid powertrain. It combines a 12-volt hybrid battery with a turbo four-cylinder engine. Total production rises to a more than sufficient 261 horsepower. All trims make use of an eight-speed auto transmission.

In terms of performance, this SUV accelerates to 60 mph in as briskly as 6.6 seconds. The base engine is also strong enough to tow up to 4,400 pounds.

With the extra brawn under the hood comes a slightly lower city fuel economy rating. When traveling through town, drivers can expect to get around 19 mpg. By comparison, last year’s model delivered 20 mpg in the city. However, highway efficiency remains at 25 mpg. Like many other luxury vehicles, the Q7 runs on premium gasoline.

A major asset is Audi’s safety-enhancing Quattro AWD system, which is standard throughout the Q7 range. When the weather turns dicey, drivers can trust this system to improve grip. Folks who must travel in wintry conditions will especially appreciate the dependable traction.

Attractive styling cues help give the base Q7 Premium an appealing look. Featuring a five-star-arm design, the standard 18-inch wheels promote a sporty enhance. To give the rear a sleeker profile, Audi installs a roof spoiler and conceals the exhaust pipes. LED headlamps and LED tail lights with dynamic indicators also come standard.

Heated exterior mirrors prepare the Q7 to face cold weather. An auto-dimming function is also built into the mirrors. When loading luggage and other gear, drivers can take advantage of the hands-free power tailgate. There are eight available color options for the Premium trim, including Navarra Blue Metallic and Glacier White Metallic.

The Q7 can carry up to seven passengers. While its third row doesn’t provide the most legroom, a power-folding function enables it to be easily laid flat. Families will then have more space for cargo. Leather seating surfaces are standard. Audi gives buyers four upholstery colors to choose from.

Audi equips the entry-level Premium trim with enough amenities to satisfy the average luxury car shopper. Reclining second-row seats enable passengers to lounge. Other highlights include heating modes for the front seats, three-zone auto temperature control, and a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with shift paddles. Another nice perk is the SUV’s panoramic sunroof, which features a power sunshade.

The Q7 Premium packs some of the segment’s best in-vehicle technologies. Audi’s MMI infotainment system features a dual-screen setup with navigation. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay simplify the task of connecting a smartphone. A 10-speaker stereo with HD Radio and SiriusXM is included as well.

Audi’s high-tech Virtual Cockpit Plus digital gauge cluster is essentially an extension of the infotainment system. It provides a highly customizable screen that can display more than just basic driving info. When traveling, drivers can switch the system to show high-resolution road maps.

Some thoughtful safety features are found on the Premium trim. If Audi Pre Sense Basic anticipates a crash, the system will automatically shut the windows and clench the seat belts. Meanwhile, blind-spot awareness enables drivers to be warned of approaching traffic. Other driving aids consist of auto emergency braking, front/rear parking sensors, and auto high beams.

There are some options available for the Premium trim. Drivers who desire stronger acceleration or more muscle for towing will be interested in the available turbo V6 engine. It packs a healthy 335 horsepower, which lowers the vehicle’s 0-60 mph time to around 5.0 seconds. The extra punch also raises the Q7’s tow rating to 7,700 pounds. Fuel economy with the more potent powertrain stands at 17 mpg town/21 mpg freeway.

The available Convenience Package is even more popular. It decreases driving stress by adding an intelligent cruise control system with lane guidance and Traffic Jam Assist. When parking, a 360-degree camera system gives drivers an expanded view. Lane-keeping technology provides drivers with an additional security blanket. A heated steering wheel and wireless phone charging are also part of the package.

For a tad more than $62,000, Q7 fans can step up to the mid-level Q7 Premium Plus trim. This trim offers the same powertrain choices as the entry-level Premium trim. However, it provides an extra number of luxury features. With the optional engine also comes a larger set of 20-inch wheels.

Unlike the base model, the Q7 Premium Plus receives Audi’s innovative Matrix-design LED headlights. Not only do these advanced lights better illuminate the road when traveling beyond the city limits, but they also have an especially eye-catching design. Illuminated door sills and a standard Convenience Package further differentiate the Premium Plus trim.

Music fans seeking a stronger thump will enjoy this trim’s sweet-sounding Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Upgraded interior accents give the cabin a more elegant feel.

Drivers who seek a flashier look will be enticed by the Premium Plus trim’s optional Black Optic appearance package. It enhances the SUV’s aesthetics by adding high-gloss black accents. A larger set of wheels also come with the package.

Another option is Audi’s Executive Package. Ventilation front seats, heated second-row seats, and quad-zone auto temperature control further raise the SUV’s comfort level. Multicolor ambient interior lighting is also included.

Compare the Q7 Premium Plus vs Prestige Trims. What is the difference?

With a starting MSRP of more than $73,000, the extra-plush Prestige will be a bit pricey for some people. Nevertheless, it does come loaded with quite a few high-end upgrades. Audi’s stronger turbo V6 engine is this trim’s standard power source. Meanwhile, an adaptive air suspension enables families to enjoy an even more pleasant ride.

On the inside, dual-pane acoustic glass for the side windows helps quiet the cabin. Another useful feature is the Q7 Prestige’s heads-up display, which helps eliminate the need for drivers to repeatedly glance down at the gauge cluster to view speed and navigation directions. Soft-closing doors and the Premium Plus trim’s optional Executive Package also come standard.

When moving up to the Prestige trim, buyers will receive additional safety technologies. Intersection Assist constantly monitors for crossing traffic. With Audi’s futuristic Remote Park Assist Plus feature, drivers can actually park the SUV using a mobile app. Traffic sign recognition is another useful feature.

On the Prestige trim’s list of options is a Luxury package. It elevates the cabin’s lavishness by adding a synthetic suede headliner and exclusive leather upholstery. Specially contoured front seats with ventilation and massage settings enable passengers to further decompress.

A Laser Headlights Package is also offered on the Q7’s Prestige trim. It upgrades the SUV with laser-light technology and a headlamp washer. Special animation for the headlights and taillights are included as well.

Compare the Q7 Prestige vs SQ7: What is the difference?

Driving enthusiasts who desire an elite level of performance will drool over the exciting SQ7 model. Audi outfits it with a twin-turbo V8 engine, which pumps out a staggering 500 horsepower. The mighty punch under the hood results in a very quick 0-60 mph time of roughly 3.5 seconds. Naturally, fuel economy dips to 14 mpg town/20 mpg freeway. Prices start at a steep $88,500 before adding any options.

To tighten up the SQ7’s road handling, Audi adds an adaptive air suspension with sports-tuned dampers. A 4-wheel steering system also helps the SUV to corner with greater stability. When activating the SQ7’s Comfort setting, ride quality is still excellent. Beefier brakes help ensure a shorter stopping distance.

Unsurprisingly, the SQ7 is the lineup’s meanest-looking trim. It receives a racy appearance package and unique 21-inch wheels. Many of the same exterior color options are available. Interior upgrades include leather-covered sport seats and Carbon Vector accents. Keep in mind that Audi offers the SQ7 model in Premium Plus and Prestige sub-trims.

Drivers who desire an even more capable performance machine can check off the optional Sport Package. When driving on curvy back roads, active roll stabilization further limits body lean. Meanwhile, a sport rear differential helps the SQ7 to better grip the pavement. Red brake calipers add another racy touch.

For another $5,000, buyers can obtain a world-class Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system. This 1920-watt unit features a total of 23 speakers. A large, floor-mounted subwoofer enables music lovers to truly feel the bass.

 

Final Thoughts

It’s hard to not endorse the entry-level Q7 Premium. It packs plenty of desirable creature comforts and modern infotainment features. Standard Audi safety technologies, such as blind-spot detection and forward collision prevention, help drivers to avoid being involved in a crash. The arrival of a stronger powertrain also enables the Q7 Premium to offer a more gratifying performance than before. Furthermore, Audi’s standard Quattro AWD system lives up to its impressive reputation.

While the Premium Plus trim is certainly nice, most people can live without its upgraded list of features. Drivers who desire a cooler look should consider investing in the Premium Plus trim’s Black Optics appearance package. On the other hand, Q7 fans who demand nothing less than the best will not mind the Prestige trim’s higher price tag.

Few three-row family vehicles are as electrifying as the Audi SQ7. Its remarkably quick acceleration and sporty handling will win over a lot of driving enthusiasts. On the downside, this race-inspired model’s exorbitant price may scare away some buyers. Fuel economy also isn't this model's best attributes.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2022 Audi Q7 Trim Levels