New Audi Q7 spied

Work on the next Audi Q7 continues apace, with two heavily disguised variants caught testing by our spy photographers on the continent.

One shakedown seemed to be a fairly standard high-altitude run in southern Europe, but what looks like a plug-in hybrid model, complete with suggestive electrical safety badges, was also snapped lapping the Nurburgring. 

These images are the best indication we’ve had so far that Audi plans to add an e-tron powertrain to the Q7 line-up, alongside revised 3.0-litre and 4.2-litre TDIs, 3.0-litre and 4.0-litre turbo petrols, and possibly a new entry-level four-cylinder diesel. Each engine setup is expected to come with four-wheel drive and an eight-speed auto gearbox.

New MLB-based underpinnings will feature, too – made up of steel and aluminium, it should help account for weight reductions in the region of 350kg, as well as explaining a slight increase in width. The next Porsche Cayenne and forthcoming Bentley SUV will also use a version of this platform.

As you can see, visual changes are still very much under wraps, but even Audi’s deceptive camouflage can’t conceal a more compact front end, complete with narrow headlights, trapezoidal grille and revised intakes. Round the back there’s the same wide tailgate, although this now flows into a less pronounced rear bumper, resulting in a smoother overall look. 

Audi isn’t giving much away at this stage, but the Q7 is on course for a full reveal towards the middle of next year, with prices expected to start from around £45,000.