What’s New?
The Audi Q7 is an all-new model that represents Audi’s interpretation of what a luxury SUV should be. The Q7 is the automaker’s first true SUV; it replaces the Allroad model, a luxurious station wagon that featured Quattro all-wheel drive and height-adjustable suspension (to help it drive through deep snow or traverse small off-pavement obstacles).

Overview
The Audi Q7 shares some of its underlying structure with two other SUVs from different brands, the Porsche Cayenne and the Volkswagen Touareg, which are chassis platform-mates. Audi’s interpretation of this theme features a standard equipment list that includes automatic adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps, leather-covered seating for seven, a power-opening tailgate, automatic dual-zone climate controls, 18-inch wheels, and 5500 pounds of towing capacity. Customers can select from five-, six-, or seven-passenger seating configurations. Standard safety equipment includes front and side air bags, side-curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Side air bags for the outboard rear seats are optional. There’s also an insert for the cupholder in case you want to drink from one of those ultra-thin energy drink cans.

A long list of optional equipment includes a cold-weather package with heated seats (for the driver, front passenger, and for those in the second row), a rearview camera system, “side assist” monitors that check the driver’s blind spots, a three-panel panoramic sunroof that stretches more than 5 ½ feet in length, four-zone climate controls, satellite radio, and DVD navigation. Also available are adaptive cruise control and an air suspension system that not only provides a smooth ride but also adjusts ground clearance for enhanced off-pavement performance.

Power for this all-wheel-drive (quattro) wagon comes from a 4.2L V-8 engine that produces 350 hp. A six-speed Tiptronic-style automatic transmission distributes the engine’s output. In normal conditions, more power (58%) is sent to the rear wheels to give the Q7 a more dynamic and sporty driving style.

The Competition
The Audi Q7 competes in the Midsize Premium Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) segment, which consists of 14 models. Buyers in this segment look for quality, reliability and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study. ^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Lexus RX-Series (108,348 units sold), Acura MDX (54,121), and Volvo XC90 (33,200). The Audi Q7 sold 10,003 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Midsize Premium CUV segment include the Mercedes-Benz M-Class and R-Class, BMW X5, Infiniti FX-Series, and Cadillac SRX.