There’s some intrigue in Ingolstadt as “reliable sources” are saying the ‘Q9′ prototypes that have been spied undergoing testing are actually the next-generation Q7. If that’s correct, it would make a lot of sense as the prototypes appear to be roughly the same size as the current model.
While Audi is staying tight-lipped, a prototype was recently spied undergoing cold weather testing in Europe. It’s heavily disguised, but features far more changes than the minor facelift that was introduced a few weeks ago.
As you can see, the crossover adopts a shorter and wider grille with a distinctive pattern. The prototype has also been equipped with split lighting units and a larger lower intake, which sports a honeycomb mesh insert.
More: 2024 Audi Q7 Gets Digital Lights With Laser Beams For Its Second Facelift
Camouflage does a pretty good job of hiding styling details, but the model has flowing bodywork and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by a more curvaceous shoulder line and reimagined third-quarter glass that appears to take a cue from the Q6 e-tron.
The rear end is evolutionary, but it sports a modernized bumper as well as a more traditional liftgate. We can also see a dual exhaust system as well as temporary taillights that droop down at the outside edges.
Spy photographers haven’t gotten a good look inside yet, but the cabin is expected to draw inspiration from the soon-to-be revealed Q6 e-tron. While that remains to be seen, the crossover could be outfitted with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch infotainment system. They could potentially be joined by a 10.9-inch front passenger display.
The engine lineup is hazy at this point, but we can likely expect petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid options as well as an S variant. We’ll learn more closer to launch, but the the redesigned Q7 could be introduced next year as a 2026 model.
