The Q7's standard full-time quattro all-wheel drive system requires no driver input. Normally, power is delivered to the front and rear wheels in a 42/58 percent split in order to create a rear-wheel-drive sensation for confident dry-weather handling. When driving conditions become such that traction becomes compromised at, the torque split is automatically adjusted between the parameters of 65/35 to 15/85 percent, front-to-rear.

The electronic stability control, or ESP, manages any additional wheel slip by applying the brakes at the slipping wheel without interrupting power deliver to the wheels with grip. ESP helps maintain stability in corners by lightly applying the brakes to individual wheels when the vehicle's path doesn't match the driver's intentions. The Q7's ESP system is enhanced with an off-road mode that can be switched on to allow some slip for smooth power delivery on gravel roads. For steep, slippery grades, a downhill assist function automatically maintains a 12-mph speed by applying the brakes to individual wheels without driver input, allowing him or her to concentrate on steering.

Fuel economy for the 4.2 is surprisingly favorable at an estimated 17 miles per gallon city and 23 highway, thanks in part to waste-reducing advancements such as fuel stratified injection (FSI) and electronic throttle control (ETC). This compares well to competitors such as the Cadillac SRX V8 (15/20 mpg) and the Mercedes-Benz ML500 (15/19 mpg).

Towing capacity starts at 5500 pounds for all models. Tow capacity rises to 6600 pounds with the optional tow package, available on most Q7 models. The optional Adaptive Air suspension features a trailering mode that helps manage the unique physics of trailering. The Q7 also offers a separate Tow mode for the electronic stability control that is calibrated to counteract swaying motions that can become dangerous when pulling a trailer.

The power steering is speed-sensitive, reducing the amount of assistance as the Q7 accelerates to deliver more road feel at higher speeds. On-center feel is outstanding and with steering inputs met by quick response, thanks to just 2.66 turns from lock to lock. Steering isn't as heavy as that in the BMW X5, for example, but nor is it as light as that of the GMC Yukon.

Handling is superb. Both of the 4.2 models we drove featured the optional adaptive air suspension, featuring electronically controlled, air-filled shocks in place of traditional steel springs. The air suspension allows the driver to select one of three firmness settings, as well as raise the vehicle to a ground clearance of 8.5 inches for deep snow or off-road driving.

The Comfort setting allows the suspension to absorb more road impacts for a relatively smooth ride at all situations. The Automatic mode offers compliance during straight-line travel, but stiffens up during cornering for tauter handling. The Dynamic mode lowers the vehicle 0.6 inches to a ground clearance of 6.5 inches, which lowers the center of gravity and enhances aerodynamics. Generally, we found the Q7's ride to be acceptable though firm, even in the softest Comfort setting. That's typical of a German sedan. We preferred the Automatic setting during normal driving, as it offered the best ride/handling balance. The Dynamic setting was noticeably stiffer; rewarding during enthusiastic driving, but hard enough that most will switch back to Automatic or Comfort for around-town motoring.

We didn't get a chance to attempt any serious off-roading, but given its short overhangs, generous vertical wheel travel and aforementioned traction/stability-related technologies, the Q7 promises to be quite capable. We were very impressed by the off-road capability of the Volkswagen Touareg on some aggressive trails near Moab, Utah.

The Q7's four-wheel disc brakes feature ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and Brake Assist, all of which can help the driver maintain control after slamming on the brakes. Not surprisingly, the Q7's brakes proved to be terrific: responsive, with a firm yet communicative pedal. There was no hint of brake fade whatsoever on our spirited drives.

The optional Rearview Camera and Parking System incorporates a camera in the liftgate to provide a view behind the vehicle when backing up. The image is clearly projected on the MMI screen, with parking guide lines showing the path the vehicle would take given the steering wheel angle at the time. As the wheel turns, the guide lines change accordingly. We found this to be an extremely useful feature that would be valuable when backing up to a trailer. It's also a great safety feature, whether backing out of the driveway or out of a space in a crowded shopping center parking lot, because it helps spot people or objects that might be difficult to see from the driver's seat. Plus, it allows the driver to back within an inch of the vehicle behind, making parallel parking easier.

The optional Adaptive Cruise Control goes a step further than conventional cruise control systems by using radar to maintain a constant distance between the Q7 and the vehicle ahead, accelerating and braking as necessary, such as during rush hour. The Q7's system is unusual in its ability to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, and then accelerate again all the way to speeds up to 90 miles per hour without any driver input. The driver can even specify how aggressively the system will operate, from sporty to leisurely.