2008 Audi Q7 4.2 Road Test

Big, Bold and Powerful

The Q7 is Audi's full-size SUV, featuring third row seating and optional V8 power. Despite the presence of Audi's sophisticated quattro-drive technology and the availability of height adjustable air suspension, the absence of low range gearing and chassis plates keeps this rig from tackling serious off-road sojourns. Nevertheless, it's equally at home on desert floors or mountain passes.

An impressive stature matched by great performances.

Big and bold
The Q7 is a large vehicle with quite an elongated nose. Place it next to other similarly large SUVs and the low profile of its sloping roof becomes readily apparent, especially from the rear. In defiance of its significant length and width, the Q7 projects a very sleek image.

The vehicle's massive bisected grille is a striking design feature, which is heavily emphasized by a set of dramatically swept headlight clusters. Anyone remotely familiar with Audi's latest design language will instantly recognize the Q7 as part of the Audi family.

The Q7 was introduced as a 2007 model. Apart from adding additional standard equipment to the mix, very little has changed for 2008 with this seven-passenger performance SUV. Build quality remains outstanding inside and outside; all seams are tight and accurate while fit and finish is top notch.

Audi interiors have always impressed me, and the Q7 sustains this perception. Materials used to fabricate and decorate the cabin didn't come from the sale bin at the rear of the store. All surfaces impart the essence of luxury and comfort while cabin construction speaks of substance and strength.

Optional V8 empowers the Q7
The base Q7 powerplant is a 280 horsepower, 3.6 litre V6. My tester was fitted with the brawnier, 350 horsepower, 4.2 litre DOHC V8. This punchy mill produces 325 foot-pounds of torque and is connected to a 6-speed autobox featuring Audi's Tiptronic, electronic manual-mode shifting.

The optional 8-cylinder engine is quite an upgrade.