Due to product evolution the PPQ maintains compatibility with both P99 sights and P99 second-generation magazines and other accessories.

The striker of the PPQ variant does not protrude from the back of the slide, as the firearm is in a constant cocked state.

[3][11] Ergonomics and fully ambidextrous controls were a key focus in the design of the firearm, and as a result, three interchangeable grip backstraps are included (small, medium and large) to accommodate various hand shapes and sizes; this feature permits most shooters a comfortable and efficient grip on the firearm.

The hollow cross pin that secures the lower end of the backstrap was designed to function as a loophole for attachment of a lanyard.

Under the dust cover the grip frame has an integrated mounting MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail for attaching accessories, such as a tactical light or laser pointer.

[12] The Tenifer process produces a matte gray-colored, non-glare surface with a 64 Rockwell C hardness rating and a 99% resistance to salt water corrosion (which meets or exceeds stainless steel specifications),[13] making the PPQ particularly suitable for individuals carrying the pistol concealed as the highly chloride-resistant finish allows the pistol to better endure the effects of perspiration.

[12] PPQ pistols are delivered in a polymer pistol case containing the pistol, three backstraps of different sizes, two magazines (one standard length and one extended grip length), magazine loader, safety cable lock, instruction manual, warranty papers, factory test target showing five shots fired at 15 m (16 yd) distance, and an envelope with the case of the proof round fired during the proof test at the C.I.P.

[9] The PPQ pistol's 9×19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W chambered barrels are rifled with traditional lands and grooves to stabilize the bullet in flight.

The standard staggered-column PPQ magazines weigh 80 g (2.8 oz)[3] After the last cartridge has been fired, the magazine follower exerts upward pressure on the slide stop causing it to engage the slide stop notch thereby holding it in the "open" position.

The standard iron sights are made of steel or polymer depending on the country in which the pistol is sold.

[9] According to Walther "Plus-P" (+P) overpressure ammunition may affect the wear characteristics of the PPQ pistol or exceed the margin of safety.

[10] Factory accessories include: fixed metal 3-dot iron sights, fixed tritium night sights, adjustable sports iron sights, adjustable optic fibre iron sights, laser pointers, tactical lights, magazine flashlight adapters, holsters, magazines, magazine loaders, grip extenders and a suppressor kit with a 118 mm (4.6 in) barrel, protective cap for the muzzle threads and a sound suppressor of the Impuls II-A product line made by Brügger & Thomet are offered as factory accessories.

[8] For the recording of weapon specific data, a passive RFID transponder may be integrated into the backstrap of the pistol.

These pistols have PPQ First Edition roll marked on the slide and feature a 118 mm (4.6 in) long special barrel with a threaded muzzle for mounting a suppressor and fixed metal 3-dot tritium night sights.

It has the same features as the standard PPQ with the sole exception that the ambidextrous magazine release levers incorporated into the bottom of the trigger guard have been omitted and replaced by a thumb release push-button located behind the bottom of the trigger guard.

The PPQ M2 Navy SD was introduced in 2014 and is a 9×19mm Parabellum variant that has a firing mechanism that has been modified for operations in and near water.

The PPQ M2 5" Sport was introduced in 2014 and is a PPQ sport shooting orientated variant offered in 9×19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W chamberings featuring a longer 127 mm (5.0 in) barrel and slide assembly that offers a 183 mm (7.2 in) sight line.

The PDP represents an upgraded PPQ with an improved trigger, deeper slide serrations, and more aggressive grip texturing.

The PPQ Red Gun is a pistol identical in design and operation to the actual service weapons.

These pistols feature simple blowback actions where pressure generated by a firing cartridge is countered by a combination of the inertial weight of the slide assembly and the force of the recoil spring.