Q7 vs Lyriq
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Q7 from Audi or the Lyriq from Cadillac. The spec sheets tell two different stories. The Q7’s strength is space & practicality; the Lyriq’s is engine & performance.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Lyriq wins
- Space & Practicality Q7 wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance0.5
- Engine & Performance2.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Lyriq has 104 hp more power
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the Lyriq makes its strongest case: 365 hp against 261 hp. The Lyriq’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Q7 has room for 7 seats
The Q7 clearly leads on seats, and 7 seats versus 5 seats is a difference that reaches well beyond the spec sheet. Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
-
The Lyriq has 52 lb-ft more torque
On torque, the Lyriq posts 325 lb-ft against 273 lb-ft for the Q7, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Engine & Performance
Lyriq leads
The Q7 has a tough time in the engine & performance section, where the Lyriq pulls well ahead. In its favor, the Lyriq has 104 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. If this section decides it for you, choose the Lyriq.
Total system output
Q7: 261 hp Lyriq: 365 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Q7: 273 lb-ft Lyriq: 325 lb-ft The Lyriq’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Space & Practicality
Q7 leads
For space & practicality, the verdict is easy: the Q7 leads, and not by a little. Point to the Q7 for room for 7 seats. The Q7 has room for more passengers, useful for growing families and carpools. Bottom line for space & practicality: the Q7 has the edge.
Seats
Q7: 7 seats Lyriq: 5 seats Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on off-road & towing; the numbers are close throughout. The off-road & towing verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Battery electric |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | Single-motor electric |
| Total system output | 261 hp | 365 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 273 lb-ft | 325 lb-ft (winner) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Single-speed |
| Drivetrain | AWD (quattro) | RWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 22 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Electric range | N/A (not specified) | 326 mi |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats (winner) | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | N/A (not specified) | 28 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | N/A (not specified) | 60.8 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 4,400 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 196.7 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 77.8 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 121.8 in |
Price
| Spec | Q7 | Lyriq |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | N/A (not specified) | $58,595 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Q7 if…
- you need more seats (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you already know your way around Audi’s products
Choose the Lyriq if…
- you want more power (365 hp vs 261 hp)
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (325 lb-ft vs 273 lb-ft of torque)
- you trust Cadillac and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Q7 or the Lyriq?
It depends on your priorities: the Q7 is stronger on space & practicality, while the Lyriq leads on engine & performance.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Q7 and the Lyriq feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. Honestly, room for 7 seats on the Q7 does a lot of the persuading for me. I’ll admit the Lyriq has a point with 104 hp more power.
Think about your week. Heavy on space & practicality? The Q7. More about engine & performance? The Lyriq.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since space & practicality means the Q7 and engine & performance means the Lyriq.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.