The Audi Q7, a flagship luxury SUV, continues to impress with its latest model. This is a comparison between the Premium (basic) and Prestige (premium) trims of the Q7, highlighting the key differences in performance, features, and overall driving experience.
Engine and Performance
The Audi Q7 offers two distinct powertrains, each catering to different driving preferences and needs.
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- Engine: 2.0L TFSI® four-cylinder turbocharged engine
- Power Output: 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in approximately 6.7 seconds
- Fuel Economy: Up to 20 city / 26 highway mpg (11.8 city / 9.0 highway L/100km)
- Towing Capacity: 4,400 lbs (1,995 kg)
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
- Engine: 3.0L TFSI® six-cylinder turbocharged engine
- Power Output: 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in approximately 5.5 seconds
- Fuel Economy: Up to 18 city / 23 highway mpg (13.1 city / 10.2 highway L/100km)
- Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs (3,493 kg)
Both trims have the renowned Audi quattro® all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission, ensuring optimal power distribution and smooth gear changes across various driving conditions.
The Prestige trim's more powerful six-cylinder engine offers a significant boost in performance, with quicker acceleration and substantially higher towing capacity. This power makes it an ideal choice for those who require more power for towing or prefer a more dynamic driving experience. However, the Premium trim's four-cylinder engine balances performance and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving and those prioritizing fuel economy.
Exterior Features
While both trims showcase the signature Audi design language, there are notable differences in their exterior features:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- 19-inch five-arm-star design wheels with all-season run-flat tires
- Matrix-design LED headlights with daytime running light signature
- LED taillights with dynamic indicators
- Power tailgate
- Aluminum roof rails
- Tailgate roof spoiler
- Chrome exhaust tips
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
- HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi Laser light technology
- 20-inch wheels (standard, with options for larger sizes)
- Dual-pane acoustic glass for enhanced sound insulation
- Power soft-closing doors
The Prestige trim elevates the Q7 exterior with more advanced lighting technology, larger wheels, and additional premium features that enhance aesthetics and functionality. The HD Matrix-design LED headlights with Audi Laser light offer superior illumination, while the dual-pane acoustic glass contributes to a quieter cabin experience.
Interior Comfort and Luxury
Both trims of the 2025 Audi Q7 offer a luxurious interior, but the Prestige trim takes opulence to the next level:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- Leather seating surfaces
- Heated front seats
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Power panoramic sunroof
- Power-folding third-row seat
- High-gloss gray oak wood inlays
- LED interior lighting package
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
- Valcona/Cricket leather seating surfaces
- Ventilated front seats with massage function
- Heated rear seats
- Four-zone automatic climate control
- Contour/ambient LED interior lighting package
- Sunshades for rear door side windows, and tailgate
The Prestige trim offers a more refined interior experience with higher-quality leather, advanced climate control, and additional comfort features like ventilated and massaging front seats. The extended ambient lighting package and rear sunshades further contribute to the premium atmosphere.
Technology and Infotainment
Audi is known for its cutting-edge technology, and both trims of the Q7 are well-equipped in this regard:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- Virtual cockpit plus with 12.3-inch display
- MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response
- Smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Audi sound system with ten speakers
- Bluetooth with audio streaming
- Audi Connect (with limited-time subscription)
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
All features of the Premium trim, plus:
- Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System
- Head-up display
- Audi phone box (wireless charging and signal booster)
While both trims offer a comprehensive suite of technology features, the Prestige trim enhances the experience with a premium sound system and the addition of a head-up display for improved driver information delivery.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Audi prioritizes safety across all trim levels, with both the Premium and Prestige trims offering an extensive array of safety features:
Common to Both Trims:
- Audi pre sense® front, basic, and rear
- Parking system plus (front and rear acoustic sensors)
- Rearview camera
- Side assist with rear cross-traffic assist and vehicle exit warning
- Active lane assist with emergency assist
- Adaptive cruise assist with traffic jam assist
- High-beam assist
Prestige (Premium) Trim Additions:
- Top view camera system with Virtual 360 view
- Intersection Assist
While both trims offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, the Prestige trim includes additional advanced systems like the top view camera and intersection assist, providing even greater situational awareness and accident prevention capabilities.
Suspension and Ride Quality
The suspension setup is another area where the two trims differ:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- Standard suspension tuned for comfort and handling
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
- Adaptive air suspension
The adaptive air suspension in the Prestige trim offers a more refined ride quality and the ability to adjust the vehicle's height for various driving conditions. This system can lower the vehicle for improved aerodynamics at high speeds or raise it for increased ground clearance when needed.
Customization and Options
Both trims of the Audi Q7 offer various options for customization, allowing buyers to tailor their vehicles to their preferences:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
- Optional 20-inch wheels
- Available 3.0L TFSI® six-cylinder engine upgrade
- Optional warm weather package (includes four-zone climate control and rear sunshades)
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
- Optional 21- or 22-inch wheels
- Available luxury package (includes upgraded leather and extended leather surfaces)
- Optional night vision assistant
The Prestige trim generally offers more extensive customization options, allowing buyers to enhance their Q7 luxury and performance characteristics further.
Driving Experience
The driving experience of the Audi Q7 differs between the two trims, primarily due to their different powertrains and suspension setups:
Premium (Basic) Trim:
The four-cylinder engine provides adequate power for daily driving, with smooth acceleration and good fuel efficiency. The standard suspension offers a comfortable ride while maintaining composed handling characteristics typical of Audi vehicles.
Prestige (Premium) Trim:
The six-cylinder engine delivers more robust performance, quicker acceleration and effortless highway passing power. The adaptive air suspension provides a more refined ride, with the ability to adjust for different driving modes and conditions. This trim offers a more dynamic and luxurious driving experience overall.
Both trims benefit from the Audi quattro® all-wheel-drive system, which enhances traction and stability in various weather and road conditions.
Choose The Right Audi Q7 Trim For You
The Audi Q7 offers two distinct experiences with its Premium (basic) and Prestige (premium) trims. The Premium trim provides a well-rounded luxury SUV experience with a good balance of performance, comfort, and technology. It's an excellent choice for those who want the Q7 core qualities without needing the most powerful engine or the most advanced features.
The Prestige trim, on the other hand, represents the pinnacle of what the Q7 has to offer. With its more powerful engine, advanced suspension, upgraded interior materials, and additional technology features, it caters to those who demand the utmost luxury and performance from their SUV.
Both trims showcase a commitment to quality, safety, and cutting-edge technology. The choice between them ultimately comes down to individual preferences, needs, and budget considerations. Whether opting for the Premium or Prestige trim, the Audi Q7 stands out as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and advanced features.
