Audi has started on-road tests of a new, third-generation version of its three-row Q7 SUV.

Set for UK dealerships in early 2026, the SUV will be one of the last combustion-powered cars Audi launches. The firm plans to launch only electric cars from that year, on the way to phasing out ICE models completely in 2033.

Design-wise, the new Q7 follows Audi's upcoming Q3 and Q5 in adopting a new-style front end, with an expansive new version of the octagonal grille and sleek, split-cluster LED light designs and a clamshell bonnet.

Its straight-backed rear end and high roofline point to an emphasis on interior space and boot capacity, but it's not yet clear whether it will be tangibly larger than today's Q7.

It will sit on an evolved version of the MLB architecture that underpins the current Q7, no doubt with revisions made to accommodate new powertrains - including longer-range plug-in hybrids that will allow it to better compete with rivals.

The latest version of the smaller MQB platform – which underpins a raft of Volkswagen Group cars – can now accommodate a 19.7kWh battery that gives an electric-only range of up to 62 miles in the PHEV versions of the new Volkswagen Passat and Tiguan.

The extra floorspace in the MLB platform means it will no doubt be able to accommodate this battery or even a larger pack, boosting the Q7 PHEV's EV range beyond the 26 miles of today.

Official details on the new Q7's powertrain offering remain under wraps, however, beyond Audi's earlier confirmation that its final generation of ICE cars will be powered by a "completely new family of engines".

The Q7 will no doubt continue to be offered with a choice of mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, with a warmed-up SQ7 variant topping the line-up with a tweaked version of Audi's twin-turbocharged petrol V8.

Inside, the Q7 will take the lead from the new Q6 E-tron, which sets the tone for a wide-reaching revamp of Audi's approach to cabin design. There will be a panoramic curved interface for the driver display and infotainment, together with a separate touchscreen for the front passenger and an optional augmented-reality head-up display for real-time navigation guidance projections.

The Q7 is set to relinquish its position as Audi's biggest SUV, as a larger and more luxurious Q9 is due to arrive at around the same time to rival the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

Audi hasn't officially acknowledged the Q9's existence, let alone confirmed plans to bring it to Europe, but the popularity of its direct rivals will no doubt have reassured product planners that there is a market for such a car.

The fact that the UK is Audi's second biggest market in Europe (after Germany) makes it highly likely that the new luxury flagship will come here too.

Speaking recently to Carsales.com.au, Audi's Australian boss Jeff Mannering hinted at a launch by the end of 2025, saying: "If you just look at volume versus different brands, we're not in some segments that others are in. Let's see what happens in the next 24 months."

He also acknowledged that 'Q9' would be a sensible name for the new SUV, which is larger than the Q7 and Q8.