Audi Q7 Prestige vs Premium Plus: A Winning Comparison for Luxury SUV Buyers

When shopping for a luxury SUV like the Audi Q7, deciding between trims can get confusing. The Audi Q7 Prestige and Audi Q7 Premium Plus are two of the most popular trims. Both offer world-class performance, excellent tech, and Audi's signature style, but they differ in a few important ways that could sway your final decision. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about both trims—the pros, the cons, and who each version is perfect for. We'll highlight where each shines and where they fall a little short.

Overview of Audi Q7 Prestige and Premium Plus

The Audi Q7 is already well known for blending performance with family practicality. With all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, a well-tuned suspension, and premium materials inside, the Q7 is a true competitor in the luxury SUV market. While the Premium Plus trim aims to deliver value with essential luxury features, the Prestige goes all-in on top-tier luxury upgrades for those seeking the best driving experience Audi offers in the Q7 lineup.

Engine Performance and Driving Experience

Premium Plus:

• 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (261 horsepower) or 3.0L V6 engine (335 horsepower)
• 8-speed automatic transmission
• Quattro all-wheel drive system
• Smooth and responsive, but lacks the extra punch found in sportier SUVs

The Audi Q7 Premium Plus provides a refined drive that balances power and fuel efficiency. You can opt for the standard 2.0L turbo engine if you want better gas mileage or go with the V6 for more power. The suspension is tuned for comfort, so it glides over most road imperfections without making the ride feel too disconnected.

Drawback:

The base 4-cylinder engine might feel underwhelming for drivers looking for thrill behind the wheel.

Prestige:

• Standard 3.0L V6 engine (335 horsepower) with 48-volt mild hybrid system
• All-wheel steering for better agility
• Predictive adaptive air suspension

The Prestige trim elevates the driving experience. With the 48-volt mild-hybrid V6 engine, acceleration is quick and smooth. The all-wheel steering helps maneuver tight corners and enhances highway stability, especially given the SUV’s size.

Drawback:

While the air suspension is excellent for comfort, it can feel too soft for drivers who prefer a sportier edge.

Interior Features and Technology

Premium Plus:

• 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with navigation
• Virtual Cockpit with customizable displays
• Premium leather upholstery
• Available Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system (optional)
• Wireless charging pad

The Audi Q7 Premium Plus focuses on giving buyers a taste of luxury without inflating the price tag too much. With an intuitive infotainment system, digital displays, and wireless charging, the Premium Plus feels well-equipped for everyday luxury needs.

Drawback:

Some owners have noted that the MMI system can lag at times and take a bit to boot up when starting the car.

Prestige:

• Head-up display
• Heated and ventilated 18-way power front seats with massage function
• Extended leather package with additional stitching
• Dual-pane acoustic glass for improved cabin silence

The Prestige trim goes the extra mile with its luxurious touches. The head-up display provides helpful navigation instructions without the need to look away from the road. The massage seats are a standout feature that makes long drives far more comfortable.

Drawback:

Some might find the head-up display and massaging seats unnecessary, especially if they don't plan on taking long road trips often.

Exterior Design and Options

Premium Plus:

• Standard 20-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights and taillights with dynamic indicators
• Panoramic sunroof

The Premium Plus sticks with a classic design that balances elegance with sportiness. Its sleek LED headlights add a sharp modern touch, and the panoramic sunroof makes the cabin feel even more spacious.

Drawback:

Though stylish, the Premium Plus lacks some of the high-end exterior options that come with the Prestige trim.

Prestige:

• Available 21-inch Audi Sport wheels
• Matrix-design LED headlights
• Power soft-closing doors

The Prestige trim offers those extra exterior details that scream luxury. Power soft-closing doors are a nice touch that feels effortless and adds to the high-end vibe.

Drawback:

The optional 21-inch wheels look stunning but can make the ride bumpier, especially on uneven roads.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Both trims come loaded with advanced safety features, including:

• Audi Pre Sense Front and Rear (automatic emergency braking)
• Lane-keep assist
• Adaptive cruise control

Premium Plus:

The Premium Plus offers top-tier driver aids but leaves out some premium safety options that are exclusive to the Prestige.

Prestige:

With traffic sign recognition and night vision assist, the Prestige takes safety tech to the next level, providing more confidence in tricky driving situations.

Drawback:

The added safety features can feel like overkill for city drivers who don't often venture onto dark or unfamiliar roads.

Price Comparison

2024 Audi Q7 Premium Plus

• Starting Price: $63,800
• With optional V6: $66,700

2024 Audi Q7 Prestige

• Starting Price: $73,800
• Fully loaded: up to $78,000

Fuel Economy

• Premium Plus with 2.0L engine: 20 MPG city / 25 MPG highway
• Premium Plus with V6 engine: 18 MPG city / 22 MPG highway
• Prestige with V6 engine: 18 MPG city / 22 MPG highway

There is not much difference in fuel economy between the trims with the V6 engine, but buyers who choose the 2.0L engine in the Premium Plus will enjoy slightly better gas mileage.

What Do Drivers Think?

Alex Collantes, a Q7 owner based in New Jersey, shared his thoughts on the difference between the two trims.

“I initially went with the Premium Plus because it felt like the smarter choice financially. But after driving the Prestige at an Audi event, I could tell the difference right away. The Prestige just feels more refined—like every detail has been thought through. It’s more than just the features; it’s the overall driving experience. If you can swing the extra cost, the Prestige makes you feel like you’re driving something truly special.”

Which Trim Should You Choose?

Choose Premium Plus if:

• You want a more affordable luxury SUV without sacrificing core features.
• You prefer better fuel economy by sticking with the 2.0L engine.
• You don't need every high-end feature but still want a comfortable and stylish ride.

Choose Prestige if:

• You want every available luxury feature Audi offers.
• You enjoy taking long road trips and appreciate extra comfort features like massage seats.
• Top-tier safety tech is a must-have for you.

Final Verdict

Both the Audi Q7 Premium Plus and Prestige are fantastic SUVs with a lot to offer. The decision between them ultimately comes down to budget and personal preference. The Premium Plus offers great value and is perfect for those who want luxury without going overboard. On the other hand the Prestige is ideal for buyers who want the absolute best in terms of luxury, performance, and tech.

While the Premium Plus does everything you expect from a luxury SUV, the Prestige adds just that extra bit of refinement to make the driving experience truly memorable. If you have the budget and plan to make full use of the features, the Prestige is the clear winner. Otherwise, the Premium Plus still delivers on comfort and performance at a more accessible price point.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the V6 engine worth it in the Premium Plus?
  If you prioritize power and smoother performance, the V6 engine is a worthy upgrade over the base 2.0L engine.

• Does the Prestige trim come with better warranty coverage?
  No, both trims come with Audi's standard 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

• Are the extra features in the Prestige necessary?
  Not for everyone. The Prestige offers great luxury add-ons, but if you're mainly using the Q7 for city commutes, the Premium Plus will meet your needs just fine.

This in-depth comparison between the Audi Q7 Prestige vs Premium Plus should help you decide which trim aligns with your lifestyle and budget. Both have strengths—and a few drawbacks—but at the end of the day, either one will deliver a premium driving experience that Audi is known for. The question is just how far you want to take your luxury game.