Now in its third year, the Audi Q7 offers everything you’d expect from a German-engineered large crossover SUV: high-end accoutrements, sporty handling and the ability to transport kids and cargo with relative ease. This distant relative of the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne is more than a foot longer than the others, and as such, offers more space to accommodate cargo and a third row of seats. With this added size, the Audi is even heavier than its brethren, and this has taken its toll on both acceleration and fuel consumption in the past.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2010 Audi Q7 is a large luxury crossover SUV that seats five or seven passengers, depending on the trim level. The base 3.6 model seats five and comes standard with 18-inch wheels, power front seats, leather upholstery, a trip computer, dual-zone automatic climate control and a premium audio system with a six-CD changer and satellite radio.

Stand-alone options include fancier 20- or 21-inch wheels, a towing package, a cold weather package (which includes a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats), a panoramic sunroof, extra interior leather coverage and four-zone climate control. The 4.2 can also be had with second-row captain’s chairs, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system, an adaptive air suspension and adaptive cruise control.

Models equipped with the 4.2-liter V8 engine come standard with 20-inch wheels and are available only in the Prestige trim.

Powertrains and Performance

Beneath the Q7’s hood lies a choice of three engines: a 3.6-liter V6 that makes 280 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, a 4.2-liter V8 that’s good for 350 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, or a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 good for 225 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy for the 2010 Audi Q7 V6 is rated at 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

All models come with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive, and all engines are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Although the power plants are capable, the Q7’s beefy weight of 5,000-plus pounds blunts their performance.

Safety

The 2010 Audi Q7’s standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, a stability control system with hill-descent control and rollover detection, traction control, active front headrests, full-length side curtain airbags and front-seat side airbags. Seat-mounted side airbags for the second row are optional.

In addition, Audi’s blind-spot warning system alerts the driver when another vehicle is along the Q7’s side. Optional lane assist alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane.

Interior Design and Special Features

Like all Audis, the Q7 ranks high in interior materials and build quality. The dash layout is driver-oriented, and Audi’s MMI is relatively easy to use once you’ve had some practice.

The amount of interior space depends on seating configuration; while the second row is relatively roomy, the optional third row is cramped and can only comfortably seat children or small adults.