The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that intends to blend the ride, handling, and performance of an upscale sport sedan with the rugged off-road capability of a traditional SUV. It is based on the same platform from which the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg spring, but the Audi is stretched to accommodate up to seven passengers and additional cargo. The Q7 is Audi’s first SUV, and it is new for 2007.

The 2007 Audi Q7 is offered in 3.6 or 4.2 trim, model designations based on the displacement of the engine under the hood. The 4.2 model adds a V-8 engine, a third-row seat, a power tailgate, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, a 12-way power front passenger’s seat, a memory system for the driver’s preferences, auto-dimming outside mirrors, and sunshades for the side and rear windows, among other features.

Each version of the Q7 is available with a Premium package. On the Q7 3.6, this includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, wood trim, premium audio with a six-disc CD changer, a power front passenger’s seat, privacy glass, and bi-Xenon headlights. On the Q7 4.2, this includes 19-inch wheels, a rear sonar sensing system with a reversing camera, a quad-zone automatic climate control system, a navigation system, six free months of satellite radio, heated captain’s chairs in the second row, a heated steering wheel, a power sunroof, keyless access and ignition, and remote engine starting.

The Audi Q7 is available with numerous options, either grouped into packages or offered separately. By mixing and matching these packages and options, Audi Q7 buyers can tailor the SUV to meet a variety of requirements and tastes. Among the more interesting available features for the Q7 are adaptive cruise control, a blind spot alert system, and an adaptive air suspension. The Q7 can also be equipped with an S line Sport package that includes the 20-inch wheels, steering wheel shift paddles, aluminum interior trim, and unique exterior detailing seen in the photos above.

The 2007 Audi Q7 3.6 is powered by a standard 3.6-liter V-6 engine with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 266 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm, running on 91-octane premium fuel. The 2007 Audi Q7 4.2 is powered by a standard 4.2-liter V-8 engine with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 350 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm, running on premium fuel. For the V-8, Audi says 95-octane fuel is recommended for maximum performance. In both models, a six-speed automatic transmission drives all four wheels through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Standard safety features on the 2007 Audi Q7 include six airbags: dual front, dual front side-impact, and side curtains with rollover protection. Additionally, the Q7 is equipped with antilock brakes and brake assist, traction control, stability control with rollover sensing, a tire pressure monitor, and hill descent control. Depending on model and trim, the Q7 can be equipped with a reversing camera and sonar sensing, adaptive bi-Xenon headlights that help to see around curves, a blind spot alert system, and an adaptive cruise control system. Side-impact airbags for the second-row passengers are optional on all models.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2007 Audi Q7 competes against other mid-size premium multi-activity vehicles like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Cadillac SRX, Lincoln MKX, Lexus RX, and Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

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