It's winter testing season for Europe's automakers, and the latest new car to be spied undergoing development is the facelifted 2024 Audi Q7. This is somewhat surprising, as the Q7 was predicted to be replaced by an all-new model to carry it through the next few years, considering all internal combustion engines in the automaker's lineup are to be phased out by 2033. Instead, it seems that Audi will allow the existing version to soldier on with some minor updates, at least in terms of styling. We do not yet know if any changes will be coming to the powertrains, but if so, it's possible that hybrid assistance will be prominent.

Like the recently spotted Audi Q8 development vehicle, this new Q7 has most of its front end, fenders, side skirts and rear quarters, and the rear bumper obscured. Nevertheless, we can see that a new design will appear for the headlights, with fresh graphics. Their shape will get sharper as each headlight cluster takes on the angular look associated with vehicles like the 8Y Audi A3/S3/RS3. The daytime running lights will also move to the top of each headlight, and the bumpers show a new side intake grille design that is becoming common on modern Audi vehicles. The grille will also change, taking on a design that is vaguely reminiscent of Polestar's grilles.

Audi's new 2D logo is expected to feature at each end, and the rear of the car will also get updated graphics in the taillights. These new changes to the lamps appear to be less obvious, but a massaged rear bumper should help make it clear that this is the 2024 variant.

Inside, we're expecting little more than an updated infotainment system and potentially some new colors and trim options.

Since this is the first time we've spotted the vehicle, the development program is likely still far from finished, so don't expect to see the new Q7 revealed before the end of 2023. If so, it will launch as a 2024 model, but since Audi may try to stretch this car's lifecycle to the end of its combustion era, it may arrive in 2024 for the '25 model year. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.