MotorMouths

Classier, more efficient and luxurious than ever, the Q7 has little competition to really consider in the over-5-passenger accommodators. If Driving with a capital “D” is an important criteria in your purchase, only the Q can really do.

For 2011, Audi has chosen to make the Q7 a rolling showcase of its latest technology. All gas-powered models will now come equipped with an all-new supercharged, direct-injection V-6 engine and dynamically the Q7 is an elephant in ballet shoes.

The 2011 Audi Q7’s driving dynamics are still impressive for the class and interior appointments are as luxurious as anything else coming from Ingolstadt these days.

Doing away with almost any pretense of off-road ruggedness in favor of on-road comfort and capability, the Q7 is luxurious, spacious, and, to many eyes, attractive.

The 2011 Audi Q7 makes for a wonderful transportation conveyance for those “sporty individualists” and their offspring or friends who can afford a luxury crossover.

Whether luxury SUV customers are willing to trade in the prestige of a V8 for a supercharged V6 remains to be seen, but as a means of keeping the SUV relevant in this cleaner, greener climate, the 2011 Q7 is yet another step in the right direction.

The Audi Q7’s rework involves two new derivatives of the S4’s sweet 3.0L TFSI engine and a new transmission. Both engines blend direct fuel injection with a supercharger, which delivers the power in a smooth, linear fashion.

The ideal Q7 buyer is not too interested in price, but rather someone who desires an attractive, high quality vehicle with lots of sophisticated luxury items. Overall, it delivers a very attractive package and offers a secure, confident ride.

The 333-hp Q7 3.0T acquits itself well, darting into the supersonic lane with a rapid kick-down of the eight-speed transmission and enough grunt to prevent being lasered by fast-approaching high beams.

Despite its large size, the 2013 Audi Q7 is actually short on interior space when compared to the competition. Even so, this crossover is well crafted, and the Q7 is a superior road tripper for long distances, at least for passengers in the first two rows.

Despite its large size, the 2012 Audi Q7 is actually short on interior space when compared to the competition. It is well crafted, though, and a superior long-distance road tripper, at least for passengers in the first two rows.

The Audi Q7 3.0T may not be an all-out sports car, but it rides well, handles with poise, and pushes you into your seat when called upon. But the particular Q7 that we had a chance to test drew into question the long term durability and reliability of this model.