the 2008 audi Q7 ranks 6 out of 15 luxury midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 65 published reviews and test drives of the Audi Q7, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Q7 ranks in the top half of its class for delivering distinctive elegance, spacious cargo room, and lots of safety features. However, price that can climb to $60,000 may turn off some luxury SUV shoppers.
Our analysis shows that the 2008 Audi Q7 is luxurious with striking exterior styling, but the SUV's performance can't compensate for its weight. Also, a number of reviews find the striking exterior to be strikingly unattractive. Still, the Washington Post calls the Q7 "a wondrously luxurious machine, beautiful in presentation and performance." For 2008, the SUV remains virtually unchanged, though it does get a few new standard features.
The Audi Q7 has four available trims: the 3.6, the 3.6 Premium, and the 4.2 Premium. The Premium trims features the same performance package as their regular counterparts but have different interior and exterior elements.
- "The Q7 may be the new leader of the pack, but the pack still follows uncomfortably close to its heels. It is much closer to SUV heaven than to the hell of live-axle trucks, but it is not quite the aged-straight, single-barrel, gold-medal stuff we sip in our dreams." -- Automobile Magazine
- "Audi's new Q7 manages it all, effectively blending luxury and space with prowess both on and off the pavement." -- Road and Track
- "Yeah, 60 grand is a lot to pay for a family car, but instead of having two or three vehicles in the driveway, it might be worth putting your whole automotive budget into this pleasure machine." -- U.S. News
- "Audi's base Q7 is an eye-opening statement about how much unexpected driving delight an automaker can pack into a utility vehicle at an unexpectedly low -- hardly cheap, however -- price." -- USA Today
Q7 Performance - 7.3 (Good)
Reviewers note that the 2008 Audi Q7 drives like the heavy vehicle that it is, but most are impressed with its engineering. Still, its performance ranks near the bottom of its class. "The Q7's biggest drawback? Weight -- big, raw, don't-sit-near-me tonnage," says the Los Angeles Times. "This is an unavoidable consequence in these sorts of kitchen-sink vehicles that must offer credible off-road capacity as well as luxury on-road performance. But beyond that, you can begin to feel the effects of its weight and aerodynamic resistance in passing performance." Continue with our full Performance review to learn whether or not you should spring for the optional V8 engine. continue
Q7 Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The 2008 Audi Q7 has a distinctive and massive look that some auto writers feel is appealing, but that others find disappointing. Some call it striking, while the Detroit News thinks the Q7 has "hideous exterior styling." Regardless, the Q7's unique looks earn it an exterior ranking near the top of its class. Continue with our full Exterior review to learn why one reviewer calls the Audi's looks "flat-out beautiful," or check out our Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Q7 Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Reviewers find the Audi Q7's interior appropriately luxurious for its luxury-SUV status, putting its cabin near the top of the class. "The mix of materials conveys a level of luxury that matches, if not exceeds, the Q7's price," says New Car Test Drive. There are three rows of seats, which the manufacturer claims seat seven, though reviews differ as to how many passengers can actually ride comfortably. Continue with our Interior Review to learn why some reviewers complain about the cockpit controls, or check out our interior photos. continue
Q7 Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
The 2008 Audi Q7 does very well in federal government crash tests. Reviewers are also impressed with the innovative accident avoidance features on the Q7. Road and Track comments that Q7 owners "have a remarkably safe passenger hauler." Continue with our full Safety Review to learn why reviewers praise the optional Rearview Camera and Parking System. continue
Q7 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Audi Q7 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Q7 comes with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review. continue
