LOOKS
The 2017 Audi Q7 -- the largest crossover from VW’s luxury arm -- gets a full redesign, including a more muscular look in the front grille area. It’s not the most sporty looking ride, but it’s still very attractive and gives off the image that it should -- it’s a large, reliable vehicle to transport your family in.

The interior of the 2017 Q7 improves from previous versions by taking some notes from Audi’s high-end sedans, but it’s still not quite as fancy as some rivals overall; it’s a bit less in-your-face with the luxury touches than you might find in, for example, a Lexus SUV or Infiniti SUV. The luxury is there in the Q7 but it’s a bit more understated, which is generally the Audi way across their vehicle lineup. (Even externally, other brands tend to be more bold in styling, so a buyer’s philosophy on looks will play a big part in determining their feelings about the Audi SUVs.)

The third row in the Q7 can be powered up and down with buttons, but be aware that it is quite small. Reserve if for the little kids in your family. Also in the rear of the vehicle, you will find a bit of disappointment when you see available storage space as compared to its rivals. But the numbers aren’t so far apart as to be a dealbreaker.

HOW IS THE DRIVE?

I’m not sure if there’s something in the water over in Germany, but they grow some pretty solid engineers over there. I can say that with extreme confidence after experiencing what it’s like to drive a variety of Audi offerings.

Specifically on the Q7, I did not anticipate a drive as smooth as the one I experienced. Sure, the smaller sedans can run like butter, but there’s no way an SUV could reach at that level.

I was wrong.

The performance starts with the 3.0-liter (supercharged) V6 engine and its 333 horsepower plus 325 lb.-ft. of torque. Add in the 8-speed automatic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system, and you get yourself about as pleasant and responsive a driving experience as you could ask for.

Even forgetting the fact that you can get from 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds (probably won’t do that much with the family in the ride), this is all about total drive experience.
When you go to make a turn, even hinting at a move of the steering wheel, the response is instant -- moreso than on any other SUV in this class that I have tested. Much of the competition is solid, but the Q7 climbed quickly to the top of the chart once I started to experience it on the road.

The quietness of the ride (almost no external noise penetrates) is another bonus that allows you to enjoy the experience.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
Now here’s the real battleground -- so let’s talk tech.

Even if I could find another vehicle in the class that impressed me as much in drive quality (which I suppose is possible), I’m pretty sure the Q7 would still win out due to its top-notch tech offerings.

To name just a few highlights, you get the full, wide Google Earth view of your travels on the 12.3-inch dashboard directly in front of you, and you can opt for lane-keeping assist technology that works remarkably well to keep you from heading into another car’s path.

I love the smaller tech touches, too, like a thin light beam lighting up after you park the car, but before you open the door, to warn you of cars driving by that might rip your door off if you were to open it up. These kind of features and not just cool, they are helpful.

We are getting closer and closer to the fully automated vehicle, and a lot of what the 2017 Audi Q7 offers gets us farther down that road.

Audi’s MMI infotainment system (featured on a screen that conveniently hides away within the front console when the vehicle is not in use) is controlled by buttons and a dial in the center console that are easy to learn and get used to. Compared to systems I’ve tested recently in other luxury SUVs, it’s among the most intuitive out there and lets you control literally everything from the car’s drive mode to the radio and plenty inbetween. And most importantly, unlike some other vehicles you don’t have to decipher 84 buttons to figure out what does what … Like the overall vehicle design, the tech setup is simple and to the point.

The wide Google Earth view in the dash is very cool looking and safer for the driver than looking away at another screen for Navigation info; There are so many tech features offered on the Q7, I am pretty sure I couldn’t name them all here (Xenon-plus headlights, LED taillights, air suspension, available 4G LTE, Android Auto and Apple Carplay compatibility, etc., etc.). Rest assured that it can be equipped to be one of the safest vehicles on any road.

All Q7s get some standard tech features: Including Bluetooth, rearview camera, satellite radio, two USB ports, and the infotainment system with 7-inch display.

MPG
Official fuel mileage numbers on the 2017 Audi Q7 are 19 city/25 highway/21 combined. These numbers aren’t head-and-shoulders above the competition, but at the same time don’t lag behind -- pretty much everyone’s close to each other.

PRICE
My test vehicle was just a tad under $69,000; base price starts about $55,000. The more safety and tech features you add, the more you will pay … You may not need it all, but I would recommend getting features like active lane assist, topview camera system, and adaptive cruise control.

BOTTOM LINE

While it’s not the flashiest or most eye-catching luxury SUV you can buy, the 2017 Audi Q7 is arguably the best one you can buy. The drive is a joy, especially in dynamic mode, and you’ll feel like you are in a much smaller vehicle due to the way it handles. Add in a generous dose of cutting-edge tech features and you have something many buyers in the segment will want to pick up -- even against stiff luxury competition from Germany, Japan, the U.S. and beyond.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.