The third-generation Audi Q7 will be available at launch only with a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6.
The luxury SUV has V6 and V8 gasoline engines in the United States.
Audi will expand the European model's lineup with a plug-in hybrid and a gas-fueled V6.

When Audi introduced the third-generation Q7, engine choices differed sharply between Europe and North America. Buyers on the continent receive the luxury SUV at launch with only one option: a turbodiesel 3.0-liter V6 that includes mild-hybrid assistance. Across the Atlantic, the model competes against the Mercedes GLE using twin-turbo V6 and V8 powertrains.

The single-engine European strategy surprised observers given diesel's declining share. The fuel type once exceeded half of new-car sales in the mid-2010s yet fell to just 6.7 percent of registrations in the first four months of this year.

Audi addressed the decision directly. A spokesperson noted that the diesel was chosen first because forecasts showed it would lead sales in the region.

Photo by: Audi

'Based on customer demand, we start with the most important engines per market or region. In Europe, this is the V6 TDI with 295 hp and 241 hp output. Both engines have MHEV plus technology with an additional 24 hp.'

Diesel First. Gasoline And Plug-In Hybrid Later

Audi confirmed plans to add a gasoline V6 in Europe by late 2026 or early 2027. A plug-in hybrid variant will follow around the same period. The Volkswagen Group already fields multiple six- and eight-cylinder plug-in hybrids, so the addition fits existing strategy.

Details remain unclear on whether Europe will receive the V8 SQ7 sold in North America with 591 horsepower from its 4.0-liter engine. Previously, Audi offered a diesel V8 SQ7 on the continent before switching to gasoline power.

The Q7 has been Audi's flagship SUV since 2005, yet that role will soon shift. The larger Q9 arrives later this year with added luxury and space while sharing the same platform.

In Germany the lower-output diesel Q7 opens at 87,900 euros. The forthcoming V6 gasoline model may carry a lower starting price.

2027 Audi Q7

Source: Audi

What do you think?

Motor1's Take: Diesel continues to appeal in Europe's upper luxury segment even as overall demand drops. Stricter emissions rules have pushed many makers to remove the fuel from smaller models, accelerating the decline.

Audi maintains diesel availability from the A3 and Q3 up through the new Q7 and likely the coming Q9.

Audi's Lineup Is Going Through Major Changes: