The Audi Q7 offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds when equipped with the 55 TFSI V-6 engine and factory towing package[1]. Four-cylinder models (45 TFSI) can tow up to 4,400 pounds[2]. This places the Q7 among the most capable luxury midsize SUVs for towing, matching the Mercedes-Benz GLE and significantly exceeding the Acura MDX's 5,000-pound limit[1].
The Q7's towing capability depends entirely on which powertrain you choose. Both engines pair with an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system[1].
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 TFSI 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 261 hp | 273 lb-ft | 4,400 lbs[2] |
| 55 TFSI 3.0L Turbo V-6 | 335 hp | 369 lb-ft | 7,700 lbs[1] |
| SQ7 4.0L Twin-Turbo V-8 | 500 hp | 591 lb-ft | 7,700 lbs[3] |
The base 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque[2]. When properly equipped with the towing package, this engine supports up to 4,400 pounds—sufficient for smaller boats, jet skis, utility trailers, and compact campers. The 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds indicates adequate acceleration even with moderate loads[2].
The 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivers 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at just 1,370 rpm[1]. This low-end torque is crucial for towing—it allows the Q7 to accelerate smoothly from stops while pulling heavy loads. The 55 TFSI achieves 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and can tow the full 7,700 pounds[1].
The high-performance SQ7 features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing 500 horsepower and 591 lb-ft of torque[3]. Despite the significant power increase, maximum towing capacity remains 7,700 pounds—limited by the chassis and suspension rather than engine output. Real-world towing with the SQ7 includes enhanced features like adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering, and larger brakes that improve stability and control[3].
The Q7's maximum towing ratings require the factory towing package, which includes:
Without this package, towing capacity is significantly reduced or unavailable. Always verify towing equipment before purchasing or towing.
Beyond towing capacity, payload capacity determines how much weight you can carry inside the vehicle and in the bed/cargo area—including passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.
| Specification | 2025 Audi Q7 |
|---|---|
| Max Payload Capacity | 1,235 lbs[4] |
| Curb Weight | 5,049 lbs[4] |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 6,581 lbs[4] |
The 1,235-pound payload capacity is an important limitation. Tongue weight for a properly loaded trailer typically equals 10-15% of the total trailer weight. For a 7,700-pound trailer, tongue weight would be 770-1,155 pounds—consuming most of the available payload before accounting for passengers and cargo[4].
Audi has updated the Q7's towing specifications over the years as powertrains evolved:
| Model Years | Engine Options | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | 3.0L Supercharged V-6 | 5,500 lbs[5] |
| 2017-2025 | 45 TFSI (2.0L I-4) | 4,400 lbs[5] |
| 2017-2025 | 55 TFSI (3.0L V-6) | 7,700 lbs[5] |
| 2017-2025 | SQ7 (4.0L V-8) | 7,700 lbs[5] |
The current generation Q7 (2017-present) offers the highest towing capacity in model history when equipped with the V-6 or V-8 engines[5].
The Q7 competes well against other luxury midsize SUVs in towing capability:
| Vehicle | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Audi Q7 55 TFSI | 7,700 lbs[1] |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | 7,700 lbs[1] |
| BMW X5 | 7,200 lbs |
| Acura MDX | 5,000 lbs[1] |
| Audi Q8 | 7,700 lbs[5] |
The Q7 matches the Mercedes-Benz GLE for segment-leading towing capacity and significantly outperforms the Acura MDX[1]. The coupe-styled Q8 shares the same platform and offers identical towing capability[5].
With 7,700 pounds of towing capacity, the Q7 55 TFSI can handle:
The 45 TFSI with 4,400-pound capacity suits:
For buyers needing to tow near the maximum rating frequently, the V-6 engine provides substantially more torque reserve and is the recommended choice.
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