Audi launched the third-generation Q7, and there's a huge discrepancy in engine offerings between the European and North American versions. In Europe, the luxury SUV is available at launch exclusively with a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 featuring mild-hybrid technology, producing 295 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. In the United States, the Mercedes GLE rival comes with twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines.
According to Audi, the powertrain was prioritized because it's expected to be the most popular choice among buyers. "Based on customer demand, we start with the most important engines per market or region. In Europe, this is the V6 TDI with 295 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines have MHEV plus technology with an additional 24 horsepower," said a company spokesperson.
View Price on AmazonAudi plans to expand the lineup with a V6 gasoline engine in Europe between late 2026 and early 2027. A plug-in hybrid powertrain will also join the range around the same time. An electrified version is no surprise, given that the Volkswagen Group already offers plenty of six- and eight-cylinder PHEVs across its vast portfolio.
There's no word yet on whether Europeans will ever get the V8-powered SQ7, which is available at launch in North America, where the 4.0-liter engine produces 591 horsepower. Audi aficionados may remember that the Four Rings once sold the SQ7 with a V8 diesel in Europe before switching to a gasoline engine a few years ago.
The Q7 starts at $87,900 in Germany for the lower-powered version. There's a good chance the V6 TFSI arriving in roughly six months will undercut the diesel.
Source: motor1.com
