Audi Q7

Impressions: Audi's new Q7 is undoubtedly late to a rather full sport-utility vehicle party, but what a package and what an entrance. Bristling with style, technology and, yes, value, the biggest Audi yet combines on-road performance, off-road ability, utility and high levels of luxury between the roof, the road and four wheels. It's this multi-purpose personality that has Audi believing the Q7 will make its mark on a very crowded field of established competitors. Based on a stretched and widened version of a platform that's also shared with the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg, the Q7 seats up to seven when equipped with a small third row that can fold flat into the floor. Not surprisingly, Audi has emphasized its reputation for technical prowess with the Q7. As such, the vehicle boasts the exclusive "Quattro" all-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. The base Q7 comes with a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 while a 350-horsepower 4.2-liter V8 is optional. Both use Fuel Straight Injection (FSI) technology, a system that directly injects gasoline into the combustion chambers under extremely high pressure for better atomization (mixing with the air), which, according to Audi, makes more power, provides better economy of operation and reduces emissions. In another first, the Q7 is available with a radar-based lane-warning system that monitors traffic to the side and rear of the vehicle. When the system detects another vehicle, it flashes a light in the appropriate mirror alerting the driver of another vehicle traveling in a blind spot. Also available is the latest-generation adaptive cruise control that maintains a pre-set distance behind the vehicle in front and can even apply the brakes — to a complete stop — if necessary. Rear-park assist is also available with video displayed on the navigation screen, complete with a pair of superimposed lines predicting the path of travel given the angle of the front wheels. Other options include an adaptive air suspension to keep things on the level, unless you want to load a heavy object in the cargo bay. In that case you can lower the rear bumper by as much as three inches to lessen the lift height. Base price: $39,900 (V6) Type: Four-door luxury sport-utility vehicle Base engine (hp): 3.6-liter DOHC V6 (280) Optional engine (hp): 4.2-liter DOHC V8 (350) Layout: Front-engine, all-wheel drive Transmission: Six-speed automatic Mileage (city/hwy): 16/20 (3.6) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; rear side airbags (opt.); electronic stability control with roll-sensing ability; anti-lock brakes; radar-based side warning system. Weight (lb.): 5,020 Basic warranty: 4/50,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: www.audi.com