2009 Audi Q7: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2009 Audi Q7 is the addition of the 3.0 TDI Quattro Premium, the first U.S.-market Audi with clean-diesel power. It is otherwise a light-update year, with equipment changes for the gasoline models rather than a redesign.
About the 2009 Audi Q7
1st generation Q7 (4L, 2007-2015 U.S.), fourth model year, pre-facelift year just before the 2010 styling and tech refresh.
Audi positioned the Q7 as a "performance SUV" rather than a trucklike luxury hauler. In 2009, its core appeal was combining three-row flexibility, standard quattro all-wheel drive, strong towing ability, and a premium Audi cabin with road manners that felt more like a big luxury wagon than a traditional SUV. Buyers chose it for its upscale interior, confident highway feel, and broad powertrain range, from a gas V6 to a torque-rich diesel and a V8 flagship.
The 2009 Q7 ranges from the simpler five-seat 3.6 Quattro to three seven-seat Premium models. The new TDI emphasizes strong pulling power and long highway range, while the 4.2 Quattro Premium remains the gas-powered flagship with a V8, navigation, BOSE audio, blind-spot monitoring, and voice recognition.
What changed, by category
2009 Audi Q7 specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V8, 4.2 Liter | V6, Turbo Diesel, 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic | Auto, 6-Spd OD Tiptronic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Diesel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 13 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 18 mpg | 25 mpg |
| Horsepower | 280 hp | 280 hp | 350 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 266 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft | 406 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 6600 lb | 6600 lb | 6600 lb | 6600 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft | 72.5 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.1 in | 29.2 in | 29.2 in | 29.2 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Remote Control Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Side Steps | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| 4-Zone Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2009 Audi Q7?
The biggest change is the new 3.0 TDI Quattro Premium. Its 3.0-liter clean-diesel V6 produces 406 lb-ft of torque and was positioned for strong pulling power, better fuel economy, and more than 600 miles of highway range.
Is the 2009 Audi Q7 a redesign?
No, the 2009 Audi Q7 is not a redesign. It remains part of the first generation and receives a new diesel model plus smaller equipment, safety, and emissions updates ahead of the 2010 refresh.
Which 2009 Audi Q7 models have seven seats?
The 3.0 TDI Quattro Premium, 3.6 Quattro Premium, and 4.2 Quattro Premium have seven seats. The base 3.6 Quattro has a five-passenger cabin.
What changed on the 2009 Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro Premium?
The 2009 Q7 4.2 Quattro Premium gains blind-spot monitoring and voice recognition. Its V8 also receives a cleaner ULEV emissions rating and a slight fuel-economy improvement.
Is the 2009 Audi Q7 meaningfully different from the 2008 model?
Yes, mainly if the diesel model or updated equipment matters to you. The 2009 range adds the 3.0 TDI Quattro Premium, while gasoline versions receive smaller audio, convenience, driver-assistance, and emissions updates rather than major mechanical or styling changes.