Audi Q7 Review

2008 Audi Q7 3.6 quattro SUV

The Audi Q7 is one of the newer large luxury SUVs to become available. It doesn't disappoint, and comes with all the quality and understated opulence buyers have come to expect from the respected German marque. The Q7's bloodlines are evident in its incredibly swank interior. Craftsmanship is first-rate throughout, and the big SUV is decked out with a wide array of sophisticated luxury and safety features.

The Q7 isn't without its flaws. The vehicle's full complement of features contributes to its ponderous curb weight, which strips some crispness from its acceleration. Fuel economy is poor. And those hoping to keep the kids occupied on road trips with showings of "The Incredibles" will be disappointed to learn that the Q7 isn't available with a factory-installed DVD entertainment system.

At the end of the day, though, these blemishes do little to compromise the attractiveness of Audi's exceptional hauler. If you're in the market for a luxury SUV, the Audi Q7 deserves a place on your list.

Current Audi Q7

Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Audi Q7 is a sport-ute that seats seven. Audi's crossover SUV emphasizes performance and luxury, as its car-based unit-body construction and flurry of high-end accoutrements attest.

Those looking to drive home in this new hauler have a choice of three trims. The base 3.6 trim gets you an impressive list of standard features, including upscale treats like leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. The midrange 3.6 Premium adds items like a rearview camera and Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, the top-of-the-line 4.2 Premium seeks to sweeten the pot with extras like a voice-activated navigation system. Numerous trim-specific packages are offered, along with stand-alone options like second-row captain's chairs and a sunroof.

Engine availability is tied to the corresponding trim levels. The Q7 3.6 comes with a 3.6-liter V6 cranking out 280 horses and 266 pound-feet of torque, while the more athletic 4.2-liter V8 offers 350 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both are mated to a six-speed transmission with manual shift control. All Q7s are equipped with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Within its cabin, the Audi Q7 manages to be both futuristic and warm at the same time. There's lots of burled wood on display, and come nighttime, the gauges light up with a pleasing red glow. This being an Audi, the cabin offers class-leading levels of style; an air of discreet affluence predominates, and materials quality is first-rate. The navigation, climate control and audio systems are all accessed via Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI). You'll have to flog a few brain cells to get up to speed on the system, but it's a lot easier to use than BMW's tricky iDrive. As is the case with most SUVs of this size, third-row seating is strictly for the kids. Both the second and third rows may be folded flat to swallow an impressive 88.7 cubic feet of cargo.

The Q7 shines on pavement. Its optional adjustable air suspension helps it navigate bumps and ruts with panache, and Audi's all-wheel-drive system keeps the wheels firmly glued to the road. The SUV is somewhat porcine, though, and this fact serves to compromise its acceleration. Additionally, drivers can expect to cough up some serious coin at the pump, since the large hauler isn't about to win any awards for fuel efficiency. In consumer reviews, buyers praised the ute's all-wheel drive and elegant interior, but deducted points for its less-than-pleasing fuel economy.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.