Audi Side Assist is a new option employing a radar sensor mounted in the rear bumper to monitor the presence of vehicles occupying or entering the Q7's blind spots. The presence of a vehicle traveling alongside the Q7 within the 16.5-foot range of the sensor will prompt subtle amber LEDs to illuminate in the corresponding outside mirror housing. If a turn signal is switched on, indicating a pending lane change, the LEDs become brighter and start to flash. The system is active at speeds above 35 mph and can be deactivated.

Summary

The new Audi Q7 represent a winning combination of comfort, style and space. With Audi luxury made even more enjoyable by a taller roof and a more commanding view of the road ahead, the Q7 has an interior package that will be an excellent match for today's luxury SUV customer.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Steve Siler filed this report from Scottsdale, Arizona.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup:Audi Q7 3.6; 3.6 Premium; 4.2 ($49,900); 4.2 Premium ($59,900)

Engines:280-hp 3.6-liter V6; 350-hp 4.2-liter V8

Transmissions:6-speed Tiptronic automatic

Safety equipment (standard):anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and electronic brake assist, electronic stability program (ESP) with rollover sensing and tow mode, three-position seat belts with pretensioners and load-limiters, dual front air bags, front side seat-mounted torso air bags, three-row side curtain air bags, tire pressure monitors

Safety equipment (optional):rear-seat side torso air bags

Basic warranty:4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled in:Bratislava, Slovakia