The front bucket seats are superb: comfortable and supportive with power adjustment in most directions. Leather upholstery is standard on all models, while the V8 Premium array comes with upmarket Cricket leather. Leather also covers the three-spoke steering wheel, which also features redundant audio controls.

Dual-zone automatic climate controls are nothing new for this segment, but Audi made an effort to provide ventilation while reducing draftiness when the vehicle is being heated or cooled rapidly. Hence, the Q7 has an abundance of generously sized vents, including a diffused air vent at the base of the windshield in the front, as well as vents in the both the B-pillar and the rear of the center console for second-row occupants. One particularly upscale option is four-zone climate control (two zones in front and two zones for the second-row passengers), though its price is a bit upscale as well.

Four full-size adults can enjoy plenty of space in the five-seat array; the 60/40 split rear bench seat allows cargo/passenger flexibility while also allowing second-row passengers to slide rearward up to four inches for extra legroom. Second-row seatbacks are also designed to recline up to 10 degrees. The six-passenger configuration brings sport-inspired second-row bucket seats separated by a large console with storage and cupholders. The latter arrangement feels more upscale and makes the third row feel less confining, thanks to better forward vision.

Interior storage space is adequate, if not stellar. The glove box is tiny, but features a handy air duct that draws in air from the climate control system to help prevent the melting of one's lip balm (or lipstick) on hot days. Additional storage is found under the armrest and in pockets in the doors. The Q7 is available with up to six 12-volt power points, including one on the tailgate, as well as 10 cupholders, including molded bottle holders in each door.

Cargo space is on par with other luxury SUVs with three rows of seats, which is to say there's not much behind the 50/50 split third row. But thanks to the sliding second-row seats and flat-folding seat stowing, the Q7 makes the most of its available space. That said, hauling anything but groceries will likely require that at least one half of the third-row seat be stowed.

Loading cargo into the Q7 is facilitated by a wraparound tailgate that reveals a very wide aperture. A power tailgate is optional on 3.6 models, and standard on all Q7 4.2s. Particularly clever is the load assist feature that lowers the rear of the vehicle approximately three inches at the touch of a button in the cargo area (requires the Adaptive Air Suspension), handy when loading dogs as well as groceries. Numerous tie-down hooks and floor tracks are designed to fit accessory cargo securing devices available at the Audi dealership. Five-passenger models feature an additional storage compartment behind the rear seat.

One option that families will find particularly cool is the Open Sky System: a full-length, three-panel panoramic glass moonroof that brightens the interior significantly. About 5.5 feet in length, the system consists of three tinted glass panels spanning all seating areas. The front section slides back over the fixed second section for full exposure for front seat occupants; another glass panel over the third-row seat/cargo area tilts up for added ventilation. A power retractable sunshade helps keep heat down on hot days.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the Audi Q7 behaves much like an Audi sedan or wagon. The fully independent suspension delivers a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling. Road imperfections are managed without being transferred into unbecoming jolts or booming sounds in the cabin. Even at high speeds, interior noise level is low enough for conversation to be held without raising one's voice. Not as pillowy as the Lexus GX 470 nor as stiff as the BMW X5 or Infiniti FX45, the Q7's ride hits the sweet spot many luxury SUV shoppers are looking for.

Power from the 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 is more than adequate for most drivers, with plenty on tap for quick, smooth acceleration in spite of its high curb weight of over 5200 pounds. The V6 emits a satisfying growl under full throttle but goes virtually silent when coasting or cruising. The throaty 350hp 4.2-liter V8 offers even more impressive acceleration numbers (0-60 in just 7.0 seconds, according to Audi), but ultimately is more powerful than all but the most aggressive drivers need.

All Q7s come with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that shifts so smoothly it's almost imperceptible except during full-throttle acceleration. A Sport mode can be selected that provides faster shifts and automatically holds gears a bit longer for more responsive performance. If the driver wants to shift manually, the Tiptronic manual shift feature is selected by moving the shift lever to the right, then tapping it up or down as desired. The multi-information display in the instrument cluster clearly displays the selected gear.