This 2025 Audi Q7 is first CKD Audi in SE Asia, hitting Malaysian showrooms in May, RM469k est. price

Audi has officially kicked off local assembly of the facelifted 2nd-generation Q7 at DRB-Hicom’s plant in Pekan, Pahang, marking a brand milestone as the first-ever locally-assembled (CKD) Audi not just in Malaysia, but in the entire Southeast Asian region. It is set to launch next month and is currently open for booking at an estimated price of RM469,000 to RM489,000.

The Pekan facility, which also assembles several Volkswagen models like the Golf, Arteon, Tiguan Allspace, and Touareg, now has another feather in its cap with the more prestigious Audi marque. With an annual capacity of 5,000 units, the plant received an initial investment exceeding RM12 million to support this new venture, and yes, there are plans for a wider spectrum of CKD Audis on the horizon.

Back to the Q7, it’s offered in a single 3.0 TFSI S line variant, and is now rather competitively priced against its segment rivals in the premium space, undercutting the BMW X5 xDrive50e (which starts from RM495k) and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450, (priced at RM525k). Like the Mercedes and unlike the BMW, the Audi Q7 also seats seven spread over 3 rows.

Powering the Q7 is the familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged TFSI V6 engine shared with the Volkswagen Touareg, producing 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque. The Q7 also gains a 48-volt mild hybrid system that allows engine-off coasting for up to 40 seconds between 55 and 160 km/h. The engine is paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Despite identical mechanicals, this setup enables the Audi to out-sprint the VW, hitting 100 km/h from standstill in just 5.6 seconds before going onto an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

Visually, the facelift brings a sharper, more aggressive front end with new headlights featuring eyebrow-style DRLs, and a bold octagonal Singleframe grille. Malaysian units come fully decked out with the S line package, black styling pack plus, HD matrix LED headlights with laser high beams, and pretty massive 22-inch Audi Sport V-spoke wheels.

Inside, the Q7 channels Q8 e-tron vibes with a tech-laden cabin featuring three high-resolution screens: a 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit that now displays nearby road users in 3D, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with the MIB 3 system, and an 8.6-inch screen for climate and vehicle controls.

The interior is upholstered with quilted Valcona leather seats that are heated, ventilated, and come with memory and power lumbar support while a flat-bottomed steering wheel, in typical Audi fashion, completes the S line ambiance.

Standard features are also quite generous, including a head-up display, soft-close doors, manual rear sunshades, Qi wireless charging, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system, a 360-degree camera, park assist, adaptive air suspension with sports tuning, rear-wheel steering, and a hands-free powered tailgate.

Finally, on the safety front, the Q7 is fully loaded with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including AEB, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reverse AEB, and even a door opening warning.

“Today marks more than just the launch of a car. It is a symbol of vision, partnership, innovation
and progress,” said Dr Susanne Lehmann, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

Naturally, we’ll have more for you as this locally assembled Q7 nears its Malaysian launch, but there’s much to be excited about with a resurgent Audi that’s competitively priced against other German brands. For example, we can’t wait for the new A5 sedan and Avant - fingers crossed!