Volvo XC90 vs Audi Q7: A Clash of Family-Oriented Luxury SUVs

Published March 7, 2025
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3 min read

Both SUVs are available with a seven-seat configuration, however, one delivers better performance, while the other has a slight advantage in convenience and safety

We recently received the Volvo's refreshed XC90, and not long ago, Audi updated the Q7 with refreshed looks and interior. Both SUVs cater to luxury seekers while offering the practicality of a seven-seat layout. With the launch of the 2025 XC90, it's time we put these large SUVs head-to-head and find out which premium three-row luxury SUV suits best for your family.

Dimensions

Parameter	Volvo XC90	Audi Q7
Length	4953 mm (-119 mm)	5072 mm
Width	1923 mm (-47 mm)	1970 mm
Height	1773 mm (+68 mm)	1705 mm
Wheelbase	2984 mm (-16 mm)	3000 mm

Except for height, the Audi Q7 is a larger SUV than the Volvo XC90 in every parameter. Although the Q7 is over 100 mm longer than the XC90, its wheelbase is just 16 mm more. That said, the XC90 stands taller than the Q7 by around 70 mm.

Features

Equipment	Volvo XC90	Audi Q7
LED headlamps with DRLs	Yes	Yes
Wheel-size	20-inch alloy wheels	20-inch alloy wheels
Infotainment	11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system	10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and 10.1-inch touchscreen unit for climate control
Digital Driver’s Display	Yes, 12.3-inch	Yes, 12.3-inch
Android Auto And Apple CarPlay	Yes, wireless connectivity	Yes, wired connectivity
Heads-up display	Yes	No
Powered front seats	Yes, with memory and massage function	Yes, with memory function
Seat Ventilation	Yes, along with heated function	No
Sunroof	Yes, panoramic	Yes, panoramic
Automatic climate control	Yes, four-zone	Yes, four-zone
Wireless phone charging	Yes	Yes
Sound system	19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins	19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system
Ambient lighting	Yes	Yes
Connected car tech	Yes	Yes
Airbags	7	8
ADAS Features	Yes	No
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	Yes	Yes
360-degree Camera	Yes	Yes
Electronic parking brake with auto hold function	Yes	Yes

Leaving aside a couple of convenience amenities like seat ventilation and the heads-up display, both the XC90 and Q7 offer nearly a similar feature set. The Q7 also comes equipped with an additional touchscreen unit for climate control but misses out on wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Meanwhile, the XC90 provides enhanced safety with Level 2 ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a collision avoidance system.

Powertrain Specifications

Parameter	Volvo XC90	Audi Q7
Engine Capacity	2-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech	3-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine
Power	250 PS	340 PS
Torque	360 Nm	500 Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel	All-wheel

With its larger engine capacity, the Audi Q7 offers better performance compared to the XC90, delivering around 100 PS and 150 Nm more. Notably, both SUVs come with an 8-speed automatic transmission, equipped with an all-wheel-drive system.

Price and Rivals

	Volvo XC90	Audi Q7
Price (ex-showroom)	Rs 1.03 crore	Rs 88.70 lakh to Rs 97.85 lakh

Pricing-wise, even the top-spec Audi Q7 is more affordable than the XC90 by Rs 5.15 lakh, while the entry-level Q7 costs around Rs 14 lakh less than the XC90. Besides going head-to-head, both models also take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the BMW X5.

Verdict

Of the two, the Audi Q7 turns out to be a better pick as it is not only more affordable but also offers a more powerful powertrain and a well-rounded package. While it misses out on a few niceties, it still provides better value overall. However, if ADAS is your main priority and you want your luxury SUV to enhance both convenience and safety, then the XC90 would be the ideal choice in this comparison.