A well-designed placement of the controls can be found both on the wheel and in the center console. The infotainment screen pops up from inside the dash when the vehicle is started, and is controlled by a knob in the center console. This control setup is very easy to use for just about anyone. When you turn off the vehicle, the screen retires back into the dash for the evening.

Other visual and tech touches that complete the luxurious look and feel inside the Q7 include a leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel;  auto dimming interior mirror with compass; panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade; power-folding third row and power tailgate; multi-zone climate control;  

You even get a sunshade on middle row windows. Little touches like this add up to distinguish it in a category where many vehicles shine in their own way.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

Here’s where Audi can show off more than any of its competitors.

The 2018 Q7 features a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, which is paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. Overall output is 333 horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque.

(There is also a smaller 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine offering 252 hp and 273 lb.-ft., which is a bit less powerful.)

All Q7 vehicles come with the quattro AWD system, and the Q7 features an impressive 7,700 pounds of towing capacity. An air suspension is also offered.

First of all, 0 to 60 in under 6 seconds is an impressive feat for a vehicle this large.

Rather than be poetic, I’ll stick to prose and say it straight: The Q7 drives better than any SUV in the class that I’ve tested.
It’s uber fast.
It’s ultra-responsive to driver input.
It handles well and is great in the curves.
It’s smooth.

It’s quiet.

While BMW, Benz, Lexus and other luxury automakers put up a good fight and all offer their own version of an enjoyable luxury ride, the Q7 confirms my contention that Audi does performance better than anyone at the moment.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

This part might take a while, as the Q7 is well-loaded with safety and tech options.

It offers anti-lock brakes, six airbags, Audi pre sense city (a low speed collision assist), child safety locks in rear, LED daytime running lights and taillights, and a very strong lighting system that lets you see extra clearly what’s ahead.

The rearview camera is also clear and helpful, and a tire pressure monitoring system is included. Advance Key passive entry setup is standard and avoids you having to even hunt for your keys; and push-button start is also standard on all Q7s.

From the many music options to the top-notch sound systems offered, music fans will also enjoy the Q7’s aural abilities. Bluetooth connection allows connection of phone for calls and music playback, and you get 3 months of satellite radio.

If safety is your main concern, the Q7 delivers a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating; something you’re not going to find on every vehicle.

If you’re willing to spend the money, there’s plenty of packages available that can be added in the safety and tech arenas.

Premium Plus package ($4,000) includes: Navigation; Audi connect; Audi side assist and pre sense rear; Power telescopic steering wheel with memory; Heated auto dimming, power folding exterior mirrors; LED interior lighting; Bose 3D surround Sound

Driver Assistance package ($2,400) features: Adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist, Audi pre sense front and Audi active lane assist, and high beam assistant.

Warm weather package ($1600) features: Four-zone auto climate; Ventilated front seats ; Sunshade for rear and tailgate.

Cold weather package ($650) features: Heated steering wheel and rear seats, All rubber black rubber floor mats
Vision package ($2000) features: Audi virtual cockpit, Full LED headlights and a top-view camera system (which offered a clear and helpful view when backing out).

MPG
Official fuel mileage numbers on the 2018 Audi Q7 are 19 city/25 highway/21 combined (my average was 19.2, but I tend to push things harder than a daily driver would in my testing). These numbers trail some competitors (i.e. Volvo XC90), but do as well or better than other competitors like the BMW X5 and Lincoln MKX and Acura MDX.

PRICE
My test vehicle with the trimmings clocked in at more than $68,000; base price starts about $50K. Audis aren’t cheap and that’s not going to change. You’re paying for the quality you get. And believe it or not, the starting price on the Q7 is actually lower than starting price on some of the competition (i.e. BMW X5, Volvo XC90), which start in the mid to upper $50K range.

BOTTOM LINE

Based on the quality of the drive alone, the Q7 gets my vote for the best 3-row luxury SUV available. And once you add in the tech and safety features, and well-appointed and cozy interior, you’ve got even more reasons to like it.

The Q7 is not cheap, of course (and does lose some points for cargo space), but a solid argument can be made that it’s worth every penny.

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Matt Myftiu can be foundon Twitter @MattMyftiu.