2025 Audi Q7 is coming to Malaysia—ROI now open for the locally assembled luxury SUV!

KUALA LUMPUR:  ROI for the Audi Q7 has officially opened, and it's hardly a surprise to see this luxury SUV gearing up for local assembly in Malaysia—after all, its Volkswagen twin brother, the Touareg, is already rolling off the line in Pekan, Pahang.

Audi is making history with the Q7—it’s set to become the brand’s first-ever locally assembled (CKD) model, not just in Malaysia, but across the entire Southeast Asian region.

Also Read:  Audi Malaysia revises Q5 Sportback pricing to RM368,990

Production will kick off at a brand-new assembly line within the Pekan plant, with the official launch penciled in for May 2025.

Audi Malaysia has begun accepting registrations of interest for the updated Q7, clearly setting ambitious goals: they're eyeing a 10% slice of Malaysia’s competitive premium executive SUV market.

The Q7 will face tough competition from locally assembled heavyweights such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. If we're comparing it directly against another seven-seater SUV, its closest rival would be the soon-to-be-launched facelifted Volvo XC90, also locally assembled at Volvo Cars Malaysia’s Shah Alam facility.

The locally assembled Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC features a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine combined with a mild hybrid EQ Boost system, delivering 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque, paired with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. 

The BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid variant sold locally combines a 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a total output of 394 hp and 600 Nm of torque with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Volvo’s current locally assembled XC90 Recharge T8 features a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.0-litre turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque. With power sent through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive, alongside an electric-only driving mode ideal for city commutes.

Specs have not been confirmed yet, but we can expect the Malaysian-market Q7 to be the second-generation facelifted version launched globally in 2024. Design-wise, the 2024 Q7 sports a redesigned Singleframe grille featuring fresh inlays for both base and S Line trims. It also receives updated LED headlights and distinctive OLED taillights, enhancing its sleek, modern appearance.

Inside, the refreshed Q7 welcomes new trim and upholstery materials, boosting its luxurious ambiance. Tech lovers will appreciate enhanced connectivity, with Amazon Music and Spotify now integrated directly into the infotainment system.

Globally, the Audi Q7 offers robust engine options, including two potent 3.0-litre turbodiesels. However, Malaysian buyers can likely expect the punchy 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol variant, packing an impressive 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque.

For context, the Audi Q7 was last launched in Malaysia in 2015, priced at an astronomical RM590k. Back then, it featured a powerful 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 engine producing 333 hp and 440 Nm of torque from 2,900 to 5,300 rpm, accelerating the large SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds.

Exciting times ahead for Audi fans in Malaysia!

Also read: Audi Q6 e-tron offroad EV revealed with extreme climbing ability