Thanks to a rather portly 5,269 curb weight, the 2007 Audi Q7’s 4.2-liter direct-injection V8 is tuned to deliver 350 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 325 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm. And, to make sure the Q7 feels sprightly off the line and around town up to 85 percent of peak torque is available at less than 2,000 rpm, helping to give what should feel like a ponderous machine a lively feel. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph takes about seven seconds according to Audi, and the Q7 4.2 reaches an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. Standard towing capacity with V8 is 5,500 pounds, but the Q7 4.2 can tackle a 6,600-lb. load with the proper equipment.

Though the V8 is the more suitable engine for the heavy Q7, the 3.6-liter direct-injection V6 coming in September manages an acceptable level of performance thanks to its 280 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 265 lb.-ft. of torque that’s available across a flat power band from 2,500 to 5,000 rpm. Given its acceleration estimate of just over eight seconds to 60 mph, and a top speed of 130 mph that’s identical to the Q7 4.2, the lower price of entry and greater fuel efficiency of the V6 seems a worthy trade-off. Both engines require premium fuel.

Each Q7 is equipped with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission driving all four wheels through Audi’s legendary Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system. The Tiptronic transmission can be manually shifted using the gear selector, or it can be left in normal automatic mode where Dynamic Shift Program software allows the transmission to adapt to specific driving styles. There’s also a Sport mode that delays gear changes and performs them faster for better engine response. Quattro delivers traction in a 42/58 front/rear power split, ensured by its self-locking center differential. When the Q7’s wheels slip, Quattro can divert up to 65 percent of the engine’s power to the front wheels or, if necessary, as much as 85 percent to the rear wheels. Electronic differential locks brake individual wheels that are spinning to better control the apportioning of power and maximize traction. Audi says that by splitting power to favor the rear wheels, Quattro helps to negate torque steer when accelerating, and gives the Q7 a more sporting feel under normal driving conditions.

Speed-dependent Servotronic steering guides standard 18-inch aluminum wheels with 235/60 tires (4.2 models get 255/55) and tire pressure monitors that are attached to an aluminum double wishbone front and rear suspension. An optional adaptive air suspension features five automatic or driver-selected ride heights and includes dynamic roll stabilization to counteract the tall Q7’s natural tendency toward body roll.

With the adaptive air suspension, three primary modes are used for driving on the pavement: Dynamic, Automatic, and Comfort. Dynamic lowers the suspension more than half an inch for greater stability and less aerodynamic drag, and automatically engages at speeds over 75 mph. Comfort softens the dampers for a smoother ride quality. Automatic does exactly what its name implies; it automatically adjusts to create an optimal blend of ride quality, responsiveness, and stability. Dynamic roll stabilization manages the Q7’s weight transfer in turns by increasing outboard damping forces to counteract body roll. For off-roading, the adaptive air suspension offers Off-Road and Lift features. Off-Road can be used up to 60 mph, and raises ground clearance an inch. Lift adds almost another half inch for really tricky spots. For loading, a button in the cargo hold lowers the air suspension and the Q7’s load floor by 2.8 inches.

Sophisticated four-wheel-disc antilock brakes include electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and Audi Braking Guard, a feature that automatically dries the brake pads during inclement weather. Traction and stability control systems are also standard and include an off-road mode with downhill speed regulation that can maintain the Q7’s speed below 12 mph for careful descents. Speaking of off-roading, Audi says the Q7 can ford water that’s 20 inches deep, can climb a 31-degree slope, and features a 21-degree breakover angle (24 degrees with the adaptive air suspension).