Audi Q8 vs Q7 Dimensions – Which Luxury SUV Fits Your Life Best?
Audi is one of the world’s top premium automakers, producing vehicles that effortlessly blend luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Two of Audi’s flagship SUVs—the Audi Q8 and Audi Q7—are no exception. Both SUVs are packed with features that aim to satisfy even the most demanding drivers. However, choosing between these two luxury SUVs can be challenging, especially when it comes to their dimensions, which impact everything from interior comfort to maneuverability.
While both SUVs share the premium Audi DNA, their dimensions differ significantly, catering to different driving needs and lifestyles. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the dimensional differences between the Audi Q8 and Q7, exploring everything from exterior size to interior space. We’ll also look at the advantages and disadvantages each model offers based on its size.
Audi Q8 vs Q7 – A Quick Overview of Both Models
Before we get into the specifics of dimensions, it’s helpful to understand what these two SUVs are all about.
Audi Q8 Overview
The Audi Q8 is a sleek, sporty SUV coupe that combines the spaciousness of an SUV with the dynamic, sporty design of a coupe. Introduced in 2018, the Q8 is the flagship model in Audi’s SUV lineup, representing a blend of style, luxury, and performance. It's designed for drivers who want more flair without sacrificing too much practicality.
Key Highlights of Audi Q8:
- Sporty and aggressive exterior design
- Packed with advanced technology features
- Offers seating for 5 passengers
- Focused on luxury and high performance
- Smaller footprint but still feels roomy
Audi Q7 Overview
The Audi Q7, on the other hand, is the larger and more family-oriented sibling of the Q8. The Q7 has been a part of the Audi lineup since 2005, and it offers more seating, a larger cargo space, and more of a traditional SUV look compared to the Q8. If you’re looking for an SUV that can handle both daily commutes and long family trips, the Q7 fits the bill.
Key Highlights of Audi Q7:
- Spacious 3-row seating, accommodating up to 7 passengers
- Versatile and practical for family use
- Large cargo capacity
- Emphasis on comfort and utility
Exterior Dimensions – Size Does Matter
When you’re comparing the Audi Q8 vs Q7, one of the most noticeable differences is their exterior dimensions. These dimensions affect how easy it is to park, how it feels on the road, and how much presence it has. Let’s break down the key measurements:
Overall Length
- Audi Q8: 196.6 inches (4,995 mm)
- Audi Q7: 199.3 inches (5,065 mm)
The Audi Q7 is longer than the Q8 by nearly 3 inches. That extra length is noticeable when parking in tight spaces or trying to navigate busy city streets. The Q8, with its more compact length, feels sportier and more nimble, making it a better choice for urban environments where maneuverability is key.
Width
- Audi Q8: 78.5 inches (1,994 mm)
- Audi Q7: 77.6 inches (1,970 mm)
The Audi Q8 is slightly wider than the Q7, giving it a more imposing stance on the road. This extra width contributes to the Q8’s aggressive, sporty look, but it can also make it feel a bit more cumbersome in narrow spaces like parking garages. The Q7’s slightly narrower width makes it easier to navigate, but it still has a commanding presence.
Height
- Audi Q8: 67.2 inches (1,706 mm)
- Audi Q7: 68.5 inches (1,740 mm)
The Audi Q7 is taller than the Q8 by a little over an inch, which translates to more headroom inside. The lower height of the Q8 gives it a sportier profile, but taller drivers and passengers might appreciate the extra height of the Q7, especially if you’re using the third row regularly.
Wheelbase
- Audi Q8: 117.9 inches (2,998 mm)
- Audi Q7: 117.9 inches (2,994 mm)
Both models share the same wheelbase, which ensures a smooth and stable ride. However, since the Q8 is slightly shorter overall, its proportions feel tighter and more dynamic, while the Q7’s longer overhangs make it feel more like a traditional SUV.
Interior Dimensions – Space to Stretch
While exterior dimensions can affect how an SUV handles on the road, interior dimensions are just as important for determining how comfortable and functional the vehicle will be for passengers. Let’s compare how the Q8 and Q7 stack up inside.
Seating Capacity
- Audi Q8: 5 passengers
- Audi Q7: 7 passengers
The Q7’s third-row seating is a major selling point for families or anyone who needs to transport more than five passengers. The Q8 is limited to 5 passengers, which is ideal for those who don’t need the extra seating but want more cargo space and sportier handling.
Front Row Dimensions
- Audi Q8: 40.2 inches of headroom, 41.6 inches of legroom
- Audi Q7: 39.9 inches of headroom, 41.7 inches of legroom
Both the Q8 and Q7 offer plenty of space for front-row passengers, but the Q8 has a tiny bit more headroom, while the Q7 has a bit more legroom. The difference is negligible, and both vehicles will feel luxurious and comfortable for front-seat passengers.
Second Row Dimensions
- Audi Q8: 38.2 inches of headroom, 40.2 inches of legroom
- Audi Q7: 38.8 inches of headroom, 38.8 inches of legroom
The Q8 provides more legroom for second-row passengers, while the Q7 offers more headroom. This makes the Q8 feel slightly more spacious for adults or taller passengers in the second row. However, if you need the extra headroom—especially for fitting child seats—the Q7 might be the better choice.
Third Row Dimensions (Q7 Only)
- Audi Q7: 35.9 inches of headroom, 29.2 inches of legroom
One of the major advantages of the Audi Q7 is its third row, though it’s best suited for children or smaller adults. The legroom is tight in the third row, so it’s not ideal for long trips, but it does add versatility if you need extra seats in a pinch.
Cargo Space – How Much Can You Fit?
For SUV buyers, cargo capacity is a critical consideration. Whether it’s groceries, luggage, or sports gear, having enough space to store everything is essential. Let’s see how the Audi Q8 and Q7 compare in terms of cargo space.
Audi Q8 Cargo Space
- With seats up: 30.5 cubic feet
- With seats down: 60.7 cubic feet
The Audi Q8 offers a generous amount of cargo space for a 5-passenger SUV, especially with the rear seats folded down. The cargo area is also easy to access thanks to the Q8’s lower roofline, making it simple to load and unload bulky items.
Audi Q7 Cargo Space
- With seats up: 14.2 cubic feet (behind third row)
- With third row folded: 35.7 cubic feet
- With all seats down: 69.6 cubic feet
The Audi Q7’s cargo space is more versatile, thanks to its three rows of seating. However, with all seats up, the cargo area behind the third row is limited to just 14.2 cubic feet, which isn’t much more than a small sedan’s trunk. If you fold down the third and second rows, though, the Q7 offers nearly 70 cubic feet of cargo space, making it perfect for larger hauls.
“If you’re someone who needs to carry more than just your golf clubs or gym bag, the Q7 might be the better choice. I’ve personally driven both, and while the Q8 feels sportier, the Q7’s practicality is unbeatable when it comes to space,” says Alex Collantes, an avid SUV enthusiast.
Potential Drawbacks – What You Need to Know
No vehicle is perfect, and while both the Audi Q8 and Q7 have plenty of strengths, there are some potential drawbacks to keep in mind.
Audi Q8 Drawbacks
- Limited seating: The Q8 only seats 5, which could be a dealbreaker for larger families who need the third-row seats.
- Cargo capacity: While the Q8 offers decent cargo space, it’s still less versatile than the Q7, especially if you regularly haul large items.
- Price: The Q8’s sportier design and higher performance features make it more expensive, especially when equipped with advanced options.
Audi Q7 Drawbacks
- Bulkier design: The Q7’s larger size can make it feel less nimble, especially in tight parking lots or when driving in the city.
- Third-row comfort: While the Q7 offers third-row seating, the legroom is limited, making it less comfortable for adult passengers on long trips.
- Fuel efficiency: The larger body and extra weight of the Q7 can reduce fuel efficiency, especially compared to smaller SUVs like the Q8.
Conclusion – Audi Q8 vs Q7: Which SUV Fits You?
When comparing the Audi Q8 vs Audi Q7, it ultimately comes down to your personal needs and lifestyle. If you’re after a sportier, more compact SUV with a bold design and luxurious features, the Audi Q8 might be the better choice. It’s great for those who want high performance without sacrificing too much practicality.
On the other hand, if you need more space and the ability to transport larger groups of people, the Audi Q7 is hard to beat. It offers greater versatility with its third-row seating and larger cargo space, making it perfect for families or those who need extra room for their gear.
As Alex Collantes sums up, “Both the Q8 and Q7 are fantastic SUVs, but it really depends on how much space you need and how you use your vehicle. If you’re leaning toward a luxury family car, the Q7 is the obvious pick. But if you want to make more of a statement with something that still feels premium, the Q8 is the way to go.”
Whichever model you choose, Audi delivers top-notch luxury, technology, and performance in both the Q8 and Q7. You really can’t go wrong either way.
References:
- Audi Official Website: https://www.audi.com
- Edmunds.com