Our Rides: Going Incognito

When it comes to premium and luxury vehicles, we automatically think of Audi among that group.

If you think exactly that way, then you’re correct. The four-ringed German badge has always been in the conversation, yet it does so with a low-key style and lack of pretense. No matter which model of Audi, all you have to do is to look at the badging.

The four-ringed logo is a calling card. No matter if it’s an e-tron all-electric model or a high-performance RS model from the Audi Sport family, that badge speaks volumes.

An Audi can also fly under the radar rather easily. Specifically, the one I am talking about here — a 2025 Q7 55 TFSI SUV.

“Please explain what that is?”

Sure. The Q7 is a three-row mid-size SUV that has been around for quite some time. This model is in its second generation — introduced for the 2016 model year. The current model had its second facelift, exhibiting a bolder look to meet current brand standards. The current lineup does not feature any e-tron battery-electric variants; strictly all internal combustion engines, including the performance-oriented SQ7.

This tester — denoted by the 55 TFSI moniker — packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. It is good for 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system. You can have your Q7 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, as well.

A turbocharged V6-powered luxury SUV is normal, right? Calling an Audi “normal” might be considered an insult. However, the Q7 is the norm in its class. It is also stealthy in design.

Our tester came in a Tamarind Brown paint job with the Black Optic package. The paint appeared to be a mix of dark brown and black with caramel flakes shining when the light hits its right. This package adds dark-to-black badging and trim all around. It also adds a set of 21-inch alloy wheels. There is nominal brightwork to be found on our tester.

Call it “incognito,” “chill” or “low-key.” This is one vibe Audi wants its customers to embrace for its vehicles. This works for the Q7.

The profile and silhouette are as stealthy as the paint job and dark finishes. There is a sense of the Audi’s build quality in its presence. The new grille texture points to an additional layer of boldness in a geometric and functional way. LED lighting is found both front and back — including Matrix-design lamps up front.

As stealthy as it looks, the Q7 is also quite functional. The liftgate opens wide for exceptional loading and unloading. The doors open and close with a reassuring “thud.” You won’t find any fault in the way the Q7 carries itself externally.

Stepping inside the Q7, you are welcomed with similar themes. There is nothing over-the-top in an Audi’s interior. The dashboard alone is designed for clear information and driver engagement. The combination of the digital instrument cluster screen and heads-up display offers more than enough information that is comprehensive. The rest of the dashboard and center console is well laid out, with plenty of screens and controls available to the driver.

There is a curve ball or two to grasp for those unfamiliar with an Audi. Maybe it’s an Audi feature, but the cruise control is on a stalk to the left of the steering column. It is not as visible as most of us like, but it works logically. The transmission is actuated by a chunky shift-by-wire controller. Again, this is found on a lot of Audi models.

The infotainment system and climate control have their own screen in the center stack area. Both are of a size for easy reading and control. You can connect your smartphone wirelessly and there is a wireless charging pad underneath the center armrest. Bang & Olufsen provides the soundtrack through a series of 3D speakers, including a pair that pop out of the edge of the dashboard.

Another expected luxury is the Saiga Beige Valcona/Cricket leather upholstery that is fitted across three rows of seats. The front seats yielded no fatigue on extended drives, as they are comfortable and supportive. The three-seat second row is accommodating with superb comfort. However, the third-row room is best for small children. Access is quite good from the outboard second-row seats.

Cargo management in the Q7 starts with 4.2 cubic feet of space with all three rows of up in place. Once you get both the third and second rows folded down, the SUV will accommodate up to 69.6 cubic feet of space overall.

Once everyone is settled into the Q7, driving it was simply wonderful. Ride quality was enhanced by a comfortable adaptive air suspension system. Depending on which drive mode you select, the dampers will be set accordingly — for example, selecting Dynamic will add a touch of firmness. Comfort mode keeps the dampers a tad soft, but very smooth. This works well when dealing with rougher roads.

An Audi should handle and corner flatly. The Q7 does exactly that. Not exactly like, say, an RS6 Avant, but enough to manage it through the curves with nominal lean and roll. This is augmented by an all-wheel steering system. This enables the rear wheels to turn along the curve of the front wheels, further tightening the radius to accomplish the maneuver. The steering wheel and response were quite good, as well as its on-center feel.

The brakes are also what you expect in an Audi. The Q7 offered a solid pedal feel that translated into good stops during normal and panic situations. Overall, the Q7 drove very well. It also yielded a fuel economy average of 20.7 mpg, while humming along the highway with ease.

Pricing for the 2025 Audi Q7 starts at $60,500. Our tester came with a sticker price of $88,790, equipped with practically everything you can tick off the package and options list.

If your expectation of an Audi — whether an SUV, Sportback, sedan, Avant, e-tron, Audi Sport or anything in-between — is a vehicle that is rewarding to drive and own, the Q7 delivers upon that. You may not need three rows of seats, but you can feel just right when driving around town or on a long journey. You also have the capacity to pack plenty of stuff for either drive.

All you have to do is look for the four rings on the grille to know that your expectations will be met.