Two different engines are offered on the brand-new 2007 Audi Q7: a 350-horsepower 4.2L V8 or a 280-horsepower 3.6L V6. Both engines use direct-injection technology, which delivers more power without decreasing fuel economy, and are matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Q7 uses a new generation of Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, which employs a Torsen differential to help maintain the right balance of power between all four wheels to maintain traction. During most driving, the system sends 60 percent of power to the rear wheels for the best handling and stability.

The Q7 comes in either base or Premium trim for each engine. The base V6 comes loaded with conventional luxury features including dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker sound system with CD player, and remote entry, while the Premium V8 comes with heated front and rear seats with leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, Bluetooth hands-free capability, rain-sensing wipers, a Panorama sunroof, a voice control system, DVD navigation system, rear Parktronic with rearview camera, and a Bose 14-speaker sound system with six-disc in-dash changer, among other equipment.

Inside the comfortable, well-appointed cabin, there's seating for up to seven in three rows of seating with the V8 or Premium trim. A five-passenger, two-row arrangement is standard with the V6 styles, while a six-passenger arrangement with second-row captain's chairs is standard on the Premium V8 and available on all other models save the base 3.6L. Both the second- and third-row seats can fold flat for large cargo. The second-row seat is also adjustable for backrest angle and has a pass-through segment with ski bag, while the third-row seats can accommodate people up to 5'3". The interior has a total of ten cup holders.

The centerpiece of the Q7's instrument panel is the MMI (multi-media interface) system. MMI incorporates the controls for information and entertainment functions together in one menu-driven system, though many frequently used functions still have dedicated buttons.

Adaptive air suspension is optional on all but the base style, and it allows the choice between a comfortable ride or sportier handling, and can vary ground clearance for driving conditions from 6.5 to 9.4 inches. The air suspension also has a dynamic roll stabilization function, in which the suspension actually counteracts body lean in corners.

Radar adaptive cruise control, which can maintain a set following distance at 25 to 90 mph and can brake the vehicle to a standstill behind the vehicle ahead, is available. There's also a safety feature called side assist, which with flashing lights on the side mirrors can help alert the driver to the presence of another vehicle in the blind spot just beside and behind the vehicle. The Q7 offers a parking system that employs sensors at the back of the vehicle and sounds a warning signal as the vehicle is backed towards an obstacle. During reversal, the MMI screen shows a rear camera view.

Front-seat side air bags and a Sideguard head-protection air bag system that covers outboard occupants are standard, while a rear-seat side air bags are optional on all models.

18-inch wheels are standard on Q7 models, but those who want larger can option up to flashier bi-color, five-arm alloy 20-inch wheels. There's also a sporty S-line package that includes 21-inchers.

All Q7s come ready with a tow hitch and a towing capacity of 5,500 pounds, but the optional towing package raises capacity to 6,600 pounds.
The Q7 is Audi's first-ever SUV, set to compete with a wide range of premium SUVs including the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Range Rover Sport, and Porsche Cayenne. A 3.6L V6 and a 4.2L V8 are available, and an upgraded Premium trim level is on offer. All of the vehicles feature quattro all-wheel drive.
Superb handling; stylish interior; versatile seating and cargo space.
The 2007 Q7 is primarily set up for the road, with Audi's respected quattro all-wheel-drive system, but it also has a sturdy suspension and short overhangs, for a surprisingly high level of off-road prowess and truck-like ability. When properly equipped, the Q7 can tow up to 6,600 pounds. The interior is a standout among its peers in design alone, and the SUV can be ordered with either two or three rows of seating.