Audi is an automotive brand known for setting impeccable standards of quality. The 2010 Audi Q7 remains true to its genes, ingeniously combining its strong stance, fine build quality and sophisticated technology. This premium luxury vehicle delivers everything (and more) you would expect from a German-engineered large crossover, whilst resonating a balance of sophistication and sportiness.

The Q7 is more than a foot longer than its segment competitors, the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne. It allows for a third-row seat, an option not available in the other two vehicles. Therefore, the Q7 allows for up to 7 passengers. True to its Audi heritage, the Q7 features a high quality, well-crafted interior and of course, leather upholstery. The dash layout is centered on the driver and the MMI system is easily operable after a couple of attempts. The second row is spacious and comfortable; however the optional third row is more constricting, probably more suitable for shorter adults or children. Given the vehicle’s size, this is rather substandard. Further disappointing is the cargo space available with both second and third rows folded flat – a mere 72.5 cubic feet, a figure less than other (even smaller) crossovers in its segment.

The Q7 is available in three trim levels: the 3.6 Premium (3.6 litre gas V6), the TDI Premium (diesel V6) and the 4.2 Prestige (4.2 litre V8). The 3.6 Premium Q7 comes standard with two-tone paint, 18-inch wheels, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth, MMI and a premium audio system (to name only a few). Other packages for the 3.6 also further up the rate of luxury. A Premium Plus package offers xenon headlights, front parking sensors, a rearview camera, navigation system, seat memory settings and a Bose surround-sound audio system. The Prestige Package has the above features, plus 20-inch wheels, keyless entry and ignition and a blind spot warning system. The Q7 TDI has the 3.6 Premium features along with a color treatment, 19-inch wheels and chrome trim. Furthermore, TDI Premium drivers can enjoy extensive low-end grunt with better fuel economy. A Luxury package is also offered with the 4.2 and TDI trim levels. This includes upgraded leather upholstery, an Alcantara headliner and ventilated front seats. An extensive list of individual optional extras is also available for most of the trim levels.

Notably, the Q7’s bonnet conceals three engines – a 3.5 litre V6, a 4.2 litre V8 and a 3.0 litre turbodiesel V6. Each of these is capable of 280 horsepower, 350 horsepower and 225 horsepower, respectively. All models are engineered with six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift control. The Q7’s huge weight (5000 pounds) does somewhat impede its performance, particularly brisk acceleration. It takes 8 seconds flat for the V8 to reach 60, with the other engine types not far behind. Still, this is noticeably lacking compared to some other crossovers. Arguably though, this vehicle is best suited to slippery pavements, rather than a muddy terrain. Handling is adequate, and even better with the adaptive air suspension, which allows drivers to switch between a cruiser and a people mover setting better suited to heavy turns and curving roads. The Q7 is a well-equipped towing vehicle too, with an ability to tow up to 6,600 pounds. In terms of efficiency, the 2010 Q7 emits 14mphcity/19mph highway and 16mpg combined. The TDI is perhaps the most “green” of the three trim levels with an impressive rating of 17/25/20.

Safety is a paramount feature of this vehicle. Antilock brakes, Traction control, Full-length side/curtain/front airbags and a blind-spot warning system are all standard comprehensive safety features. Furthermore, the Q7 employs a Stability Control System which covers hill-descent control and rollover detection. The NHTSA awarded the vehicle 5/5 for front and side impact tests and scored the top rating of “good” in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. These figures are quite impressive.

The Q7 should applauded on its exceptionally well-crafted interior, agile handling, innovative technologies and its extensive list of luxury features. However, due to its hefty size it does lack in the performance department, and also lacks the space expected of an SUV of its size. The Q7 is a safe, luxurious premium crossover that reverberates a sporty edge, but is probably best suited for daily family use in the city or vacations.