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Audi Q7 2026 review: 45 TFSI

2026 Audi Q7 45 TFSI (Image: Laura Berry)
EXPERT RATING
7.9

Likes

Great value and plenty of features still
Comfortable ride and good handling
All-wheel drive

Dislikes

Four-cylinder lacks the effortless push of a V6 or V8
Thirsty work for the four-cylinder engine
No head-up display
Laura Berry

Senior Journalist

4 min read

Audi’s Q7 45 TFSI is the new entry-grade in the brand’s big seven-seater SUV line-up.

The big deal about that is it offers a way into the Q7 range for less money. And while that sounds great it also sounds like this Q7 might not come with all the features the more expensive Q7s have. That was on our mind when we tested the 45 TFSI recently.

The Q7 45 TFSI has a list price of $108,815 which is a lot more affordable than the next grade up 45 TDI at $120,530 and the petrol 55 TFSI for $136,815.

Explore the 2026 Audi Q7 Range
Explore the 2026 Audi Q7 Range
Read More About Audi Q7

Having spent a few days living with the 45 TFSI and knowing the Q7 range quite well, it's easy to see what’s different about this Q7 compared to the rest.

Probably the most noticeable difference is the engine. The 45 TFSI is the first Q7 to have a four-cylinder petrol engine. Until now Q7s have only been V6 diesel and petrol or a V8 petrol. 

If you’re used to the feeling of V6- and V8-powered SUVs you’re going to notice the ‘missing’ cylinders in this 45 TFSI. While the specs say the turbo-petrol four-cylinder produces a very reasonable 185kW and 370Nm and 0-100km/h acceleration is a fairly quick 7.3 seconds, this engine feels out of place in a two-tonne SUV and appears to work hard to pull it around.

That hard work means a biggish thirst, too. After three days and 150km covering mainly city roads with some motorway kays thrown in average (dash indicated) fuel consumption was 13.8L/100km.

While the big effortless grunt isn’t there, like any Q7 the 45 TFSI drives superbly well with air suspension providing a comfortable ride but also dynamic handling. The steering is exceptional in its accuracy and feel.

The 45 TFSI is also all-wheel drive and that’s a relief because a two-wheel drive Q7 while fine would lose the nice planted feel the Audi quattro system brings.

2026 Audi Q7 45TFSI (Image: Laura Berry)
2026 Audi Q7 45TFSI (Image: Laura Berry)

As for the 45 TFSI’s standard features there’s not a lot missing compared to higher grades. I noticed straight away the lack of privacy glass for the rear windows, and as soon as I started driving realised there isn't a head-up display, either. They aren’t essential items but probably the first two things I’d option.  

The rest of the features list is quite generous. Coming standard are 20-inch alloys in 'Graphite Grey', adaptive air suspension, matrix LED headlights, multiple drive modes, proximity unlocking, leather upholstery, heated and power adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, a 10.1-inch central media screen, 12.3-inch digital driver display, a 10-speaker stereo and sat nav plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

@carsguide.com.au The 2026 Audi Q7 45TFSI undercuts even the most affordable BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE #Audi #Q7 #SUV #car #fyp ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

There's also all the safety kit standard you would expect, from AEB and lane keeping assistance to blind spot warning and front and rear parking sensors.

The only option on our test car was the 'Mythos Black Metallic' paint ($2400).

The 45 TFSI is covered by Audi’s five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-year servicing plan is available for $3820.

Read the full 2025 Audi Q7 review

Audi Q7 2026: 45 Tfsi Quattro

Engine Type Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Fuel Efficiency 9.3L/100km (combined)
Seating 7
Price From $108,815

Verdict

No, the 45 TFSI four cylinder engine doesn’t serve up the effortless push that comes with a big V6 or V8, but it is a completely competent member of the brand’s big seven-seater SUV range and the price is outstanding given the superb driving comfort and features it delivers.

Pricing Guides

$108,742
Price is based on the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the lowest priced Audi Q7 2026 variant.
LOWEST PRICE
$108,742
HIGHEST PRICE
$136,742
Laura Berry

Senior Journalist

Laura Berry is a best-selling Australian author and journalist who has been reviewing cars for more than 15 years. Much more of a Hot Wheels girl than a Matchbox one, she grew up in a family that would spend every Friday night sitting on a hill at the Speedway watching sprint cars slide in the mud. The best part of this was being given money to buy stickers. She loved stickers… which then turned into a love of tattoos. Out of boredom, she learnt to drive at 14 on her parents’ bush property in what can only be described as a heavily modified Toyota LandCruiser.   At the age of 17 she was told she couldn’t have a V8 Holden ute by her mother, which led to Laura and her father laying in the driveway for three months building a six-cylinder ute with more horsepower than a V8.   Since then she’s only ever owned V8s, with a Ford Falcon XW and a Holden Monaro CV8 part of her collection over the years. Laura began her career as a journalist in the entertainment industry writing about music for The South China Morning Post; television for tvChoice; fashion and celebrities for The Mirror before combining her passion for cars with her profession and moved into motoring. In 2008 she joined News Custom Publishing as Managing Editor of its motoring titles, including Australia’s Best Cars and the official programs for V8 Supercars, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. In 2011 she joined CarsGuide (for the first time), back when it was part of a newspaper, and learnt to test and review cars. This followed a move to Motor as Production Editor, then Wheels as News Editor while also writing for Street Machine and Top Gear Australia. As the media landscape shifted she left print journalism and joined online motoring publication GoAuto as a senior writer. A brief stint in automotive public relations then followed before she joined CarsGuide in 2015 (for the second time) as Senior Journalist where she remains to this day. A wife and mother, and author of two books, her current daily driver is a chopped 1951 Ford Tudor with a V8, of course. You can find Laura on LinkedIn, TikTok and Instagram. Expertise Performance and custom cars Family cars and SUVs Education Bachelor of Arts | Macquarie University Featured Publications The Mirror (UK) | 2002-2006 South China Morning Post | 2004-2006 tvChoice (UK) | 2004-2006 TVQuick (UK) | 2004-2006 Mercedes-Benz Magazine | 2005-2006 Australia’s Best Cars | 2008-2010 V8 Supercars Official Program | 2008-2010 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Official Program | 2008-2010 Australian MotoGP Official Program | 2008-2010 Motor | 2012-2013 Street Machine | 2012-2015 Wheels | 2013 Top Gear | 2013-2014 GoAuto | 2014-2015 CarsGuide | 2015-present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$108,815
Lowest price, based on new car retail price.
For more information on
2026 Audi Q7
See Pricing & Specs

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