Audi Q7, 2006 Volkswagen Golf R32, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL Class, Volkswagen Concept Cars

If you're not familiar with Audi's Q7 concept, just try and imagine what would happen if an A6 Avant (that's a wagon to you noobs) and a Volkswagen Eurovan had a baby. The ensuing offspring would combine the utility of a passenger van with the athletic aura of a sportwagon.

To this end, I suppose, Audi refers to the Q7 as a "crossover vehicle." I don't like that term, though, and neither should you. Therefore, we won't mention "crossover" ever again. Audi also calls the Q7 a third-generation SUV, neither a rustic off-roader nor a second-gen SUV built more for comfort than dirt. For all intents and purposes, the Q7 is a brave new machine. Although it's a bit late to the party, Audi took its time designing the Q7 and did it right, building a very enjoyable car.

Although the world could probably do without another vehicle like this, Audi has gone to extensive lengths to make the Q7 the best of its class. Hell, you might even say they overdid it. When I mentioned the probability that most people will not need the standard Quattro driveline, I was summarily stabbed with multiple eye-knives.

"The Q7 will always have Quattro," said Frank van Meel, Q7 project leader. "The concept dictated a level of performance we could only achieve with specific hardware. Even if it isn't necessarily visible, the driver can rest assured the Q7 will perform when needed."

That sounds expensive to me. With a base MSRP of $49,000 the Q7 ain't cheap. However, what will sell the Q7 is the copious amount of luxury, style and performance it brings to the SUV table. It could easily become the new standard in executive transport, a car capable of picking up the CEO at the airport and shuttling him to a mountain retreat. The thing is, I'd bet a great many Q7s end up in the hands of the quintessential soccer-moms, people whose off-road adventures include traversing the Chuck E. Cheese parking lot or running to the local market. And that's OK too.

It's clear Audi designed the Q7 with the U.S. market in mind (clear because that's what they said). I say this because there's no less than 10 cup holders situated throughout the cabin. And because Europeans (Germans especially) hate the thought of drinking and driving, these holders are superbly positioned, including the unit in the door that is perfect for a 16-oz water or large diet coke. The Q7's cabin includes a bunch of hidden storage compartments both fore and aft perfect for Gameboys, Malibu Barbies, ski boots... whatever. Audi says there are some 28 different loading configurations, from simply folding down the all the seats for 72 cubic feet of storage to increasing people capacity to seven. The Q7 is most comfortable in a two-plus-two configuration with the third row seats laid flat. The seat backs are equipped with rails and a cool crossbar that makes it possible to elegantly secure rear cargo. The rear passengers get their own climate control, a sizable center armrest (storage, drinks, toys) and fold-down trays integrated into the backs of the front seats. The Q7 is one of those cars that actually make you look forward to being a passenger.

But that's not to say the Q7 isn't a hoot to drive. The driver's controls are modeled after the Audi A6, which is to say they're near perfect. Audi's ergonomics are the best in world-easy to read and easy to use. Even the highly advanced MMI (optional) driver information system manages to make Luddites feel welcome.

Unbeknownst to me, Arizona does not adhere to daylight savings time. Therefore I overslept and the party started without me. There's always a big rush as journalists jostle for keys, typically going for the models with the biggest engines and brightest paint. When I got there, all that remained was a single, gunmetal gray Q7 with a diesel engine. Whatever.

Although Audi has done great work with its TDI series, I wasn't prepared for this level of goodness. The 3.0-liter V6 is both amazingly quiet and very torquey. Despite its rather hefty 5000-pound curb weight the TDI Q7 felt nimble and light. And even more surprising is that there's no diesel smell (actually there's no smell at all). The TDI's goodness was amplified when we managed to get into the standard 4.2-liter FSI gasoline model. Yeah, it sounded better but it is outgunned by the TDI's 370 lb-ft. Off the line, a TDI-equipped Q7 would spank a comparably equipped 350 bhp/325 lb-ft gas version, at least to 65 mph.

As I write these words, Audi and its European colleagues are working on a solution to current U.S. restrictions on diesel fuel particulates. Given Audi's current technological push toward furthering diesel technology (think of the R10 racecar), perhaps they know something we don't. Gasoline is currently cheaper than diesel but the TDI-engined Q7 gets better mileage. Personally, I'd go with the TDI. It's a rockin' engine that'll completely change your perceptions on oil-burners.

I spent the remainder of the day in a 4.2-liter Q7, the only flavor we currently get. It was a Premium Package model equipped with a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, adaptive air suspension, rear view camera and stylish 20-inch wheels. I can't remember his exact words but Morrissey said something to the effect that when luxury becomes a necessity, you're screwed (or words to that effect). I guess I'm screwed then, because I cannot fathom driving a Q7 with anything less. With a commanding view of the road, the Q7 would be the perfect conveyance for long-distance touring. It cruises like a velvet-lined bank vault, which is to say it feels both solid and quiet. The panoramic sunroof lends a terrarium-like impression so maybe the bank vault analogy needs reworking. The six-speed Tiptronic gearbox quickly chooses the highest gear and urgent upshifts are not its forte. Then again, it is a heavy car and it sometimes feels that way, at least with the gas motor. Yes, you can put it in the manual select mode for greater control, but that would mean less time to concentrate on both the XM and Sirius channels.

We spent some 90 miles on the highway, enough distance to realize the Q7 seems impervious to crosswinds and passing trucks. The steering is good and well weighted, although its on-center feel is somewhat vague. Then again, it's a Quattro driveline-that's part of the deal. As we turned into the off-road park, we raised the air suspension to full height only to have it automatically reset itself as our speeds exceeded 55 mph-in the dirt. Drift it, jump it, slide it... the Q7 doesn't care. It'll do just about everything within reason.

I suppose that's the big question: What will customers expect from the Q7 and what is "within reason"?

If you need a luxurious, capable and unique SUV for an active lifestyle, the Audi Q7 is it.