Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019): Redefining Luxury and Performance
I remember the first time I slid behind the wheel of the Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019). Fresh coffee, a damp autumn morning, and a 200-mile run that mixed motorway slog with broken B-roads and a detour down a muddy farm track I definitely didn’t need to take. Within 10 minutes I noticed the big change: this generation feels lighter on its feet. That’s because it is. Audi shaved as much as 325 kg off the old model, and you feel it everywhere—from the way it turns in to how calmly it shrugs off rapid lane changes with a fully loaded boot and two kids arguing in row three.
On good tarmac, it’s composed. On rough stuff, the optional air suspension softens the edges—like driving in slippers, but the supportive kind. And when a cold front rolled in over the hills, the quattro all-wheel drive simply got on with it. No drama, no flashing lights, just grip.
How the Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019) Reset Audi’s Luxury SUV
Launched in 2015, the second-generation Q7 (chassis code 4M) pulled Audi’s big family bus into the modern era. It switched to the MLB Evo platform, adopted a cleaner, more architectural cabin, and added the sort of tech that makes long trips less fatiguing: a crystal-clear Virtual Cockpit, lane and traffic aids that don’t feel naggy when set up right, and infotainment that—most days—just works.
Years of Refinement: Audi Q7 4M Model Evolution
- 2015-2016: Early cars introduced the lighter platform, improved ride/handling, and a suite of driver assistance systems.
- 2017: Wider availability of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto in many markets; incremental updates to safety tech.
- 2018-2019: More refined driver aids and minor trim/option tweaks before the later facelift landed.
Engines and Performance: The Audi Q7 4M Sweet Spots
You’ll find a sensible spread of engines depending on your market. In the U.S., the 2.0 TFSI (252 hp) and the 3.0 TFSI V6 (333 hp, 325 lb-ft) did the heavy lifting. Europe also got the 3.0 TDI (up to 272 hp) and the storming SQ7 with its 4.0-liter V8 TDI (435 hp), a diesel sledgehammer that could hush a fast lane. Real-world numbers? The 3.0 TFSI does 0–60 mph in the mid-5s and returns around 21 mpg combined if you’re not trying to set land-speed records on the school run.
Quattro Confidence: How the Audi Q7 4M Handles Weather and Weight
Quattro is the backbone here: proactive, predictable, and happy to shift torque where it’s needed. On wet cobbles in the old town, it creeps without slip. On snow, it feels planted—confidence-inspiring for ski weekends when the parking lot turns into an ice rink. Pair it with the optional air suspension and, if fitted in your market, rear-wheel steering, and you’ve got an agile big SUV that wears its size lightly.
Living With It: Space, Seats, and the Stuff That Matters
- Seating: Seven seats are available, with a sliding second row to negotiate legroom. The third row is best for kids or short hops for grown-ups.
- Cargo: With all rows up, space is tight; drop row three and you’ll be fine for a long weekend. Total max is generous for IKEA trips.
- Quietness: At motorway speeds it’s hushed—quiet enough to hear the second-row treaty negotiations over who gets which USB port.
Cabin and Tech: Why the Audi Q7 4M Still Feels Premium
Open the door and you get the good stuff: solid switchgear, clean horizontal lines, and materials that look and feel worth the money. The Virtual Cockpit remains one of the best digital gauge clusters of the era—snappy, configurable, and great for mapping. CarPlay/Android Auto integration helps, though early cars can occasionally take a beat to wake up on a cold morning. It’s not a deal-breaker; just one of those little “come on, then” moments we’ve all had.
Best Interior Accessory for Your Audi Q7 4M: AutoWin Floor Mats
Spill a flat white, drop a muddy football boot, or simply want the cabin to look as sharp in year four as it did on day one? Premium mats make all the difference. I’ve tried a few, and the fit and finish from AutoWin are up there—tight tolerances, easy to clean, and they don’t slide around when you brace on a back-road. Explore the full Q7 range here: Audi Q7 4M.
Audi Q7 4M vs Rivals: How It Stacks Up
| Model | Powertrain (typical) | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Towing (max) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q7 4M (3.0 TFSI) | V6, 333 hp, quattro | ~5.7 s | 7,700 lb | Light on its feet, stellar cabin tech |
| BMW X5 F15 (35i) | Inline-6, 300 hp, xDrive | ~6.1 s | 6,000 lb | Sportier feel, firmer ride on big wheels |
| Volvo XC90 (T6) | I4 super/turbo, 316 hp, AWD | ~6.1 s | 5,000 lb | Scandi-chic, airy interior, great seats |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE W166 (GLE 400) | V6, 329 hp, 4MATIC | ~6.0 s | 7,200 lb | Relaxed cruiser, robust options list |
Ownership Notes: What I’ve Seen and What Owners Told Me
- Air suspension: Lovely to live with, but like any air system it can develop leaks with age. Listen for a sag after parking overnight.
- Electrics/infotainment: A few owners mentioned occasional MMI hiccups or Bluetooth grumbles. Keeping software updated helps.
- Regular service is key: The 3.0 TFSI is stout when maintained on time; use quality oil and don’t skip coolant/water-pump checks.
- Interior wear: The Q7 holds up well. Floor mats are a smart first upgrade—especially if you’ve got kids, dogs, or weekend sports gear.
Feature Highlights: Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019)
- Engines: 2.0 TFSI (252 hp), 3.0 TFSI (333 hp), 3.0 TDI (up to 272 hp, market dependent), SQ7 V8 TDI (435 hp, market dependent)
- Drivetrain: Quattro AWD, 8-speed automatic
- Performance: 0–60 mph from mid-5s (3.0T); combined economy roughly 20–22 mpg (U.S.)
- Towing: Up to 7,700 lb (3,500 kg) when properly equipped
- Tech: Virtual Cockpit, available CarPlay/Android Auto, adaptive cruise, lane/traffic assist
- Comfort: Optional air suspension, heated/ventilated seats, configurable 7-seat layout
Verdict: The Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019) Is Still a Benchmark Luxury SUV
There’s a reason I keep recommending the Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019). It blends composure with real-world usability in a way that makes busy lives easier—school runs, ski trips, late-night airport dashes. It’s not flawless (few are), but the balance of refinement, tech, space, and tow-friendly muscle is spot on. If you’re tidying up the cabin, have a look at AutoWin’s premium mats for the Q7 4M—a small upgrade that keeps a great interior looking great.
FAQ: Audi Q7 4M (2015-2019)
What are the most common problems with the Audi Q7 4M?
Most owners have a smooth run. Known issues include occasional air suspension leaks on higher-mileage cars and intermittent infotainment/electrical gremlins. Sticking to the maintenance schedule and updating software helps prevent headaches.
Is the 2015 Audi Q7 a good car?
Yes—especially the 4M generation launched in 2015 (arriving as a 2017 model in some markets). It brought a lighter chassis, better handling, and a far more modern interior. If you value refinement and tech, it’s a strong pick.
Which Audi Q7 4M engine is best?
For most drivers, the 3.0 TFSI V6 hits the sweet spot of performance and economy. If you’re in Europe and find an SQ7, that V8 TDI is a torque-rich showstopper. The 2.0 TFSI is fine for city duty and lighter use.
How reliable is the Audi Q7 4M engine?
Generally reliable when serviced on time with quality fluids and parts. Keep an eye on cooling components as the miles climb, and don’t ignore small warnings—sort them early and the Q7 tends to reward you with long, quiet service.
