Audi, perhaps prodded by parent company Volkswagen’s Touareq, finally entered the sport utility vehicle market last year with the Q7, a seven-passenger SUV with plenty of comfort and road prowess. However, market timing might be a problem, due to its thirst for gasoline. It averages only 14 miles per gallon, meaning a fill-up of premium at $3.50 a gallon costs $91 and provides approximately 360 miles of travel before needing a fill up. However, no matter where you go, it will be a pleasant drive because the Q7 reeks of creature comforts and has enough engineering features to be exceptionally well mannered on the highway. Q7’s come as a 3.6 with a 280-horsepower V6 engine or a 4.2 with a 350-horsepower V8, our test-drive. Audi charges for paint ($750), like Volkswagen. Other add-ons to the base price were Audi’s silky smooth and sophisticated three driving-style-choice adaptive air suspension ($2,600), a panoramic sunroof extending over all three seat rows ($1,850), a voice control system that integrates with navigation/audio/climate functions to let you keep your hands on the wheel while you customize sound, temperature, phone calls and directions ($850); 20-inch alloy wheels ($800) and a $550 towing package with a retractable trailer hitch. The voice system is like learning a foreign language but once learned, it is an addictive component of the driving experience and eliminates some functions normally controlled by the Multi Media Interface knob on the center console. Outside, the Q7 has a high beltline, sharply slanted windshield, aggressive front fascia and classy wheels. Inside, real wood mingles with aluminum and leather trim for a warm ambiance. Plenty of storage space in available, including large cup holders in all four doors, for a total of 10. The second center cup holder between driver and passenger has a flip-up cover that creates some annoyance because it easily flops back down – the only interior fault. Fit and finish is superb and everything is easily reachable. Second row seats can slide 8.3 inches for access to third row seats. Safety tests found the Q7 in the top category for all but rollover, where it received a four-star instead of five-star crash rating. Q7’s strongest feature may be its flawless, responsive, precise and driver friendly handling. Quattro provides four-wheel drive, electronic stability control, braking aids, variable speed steering and larger wheels to make driving in all situations – on or off-road – a pleasure.