
Unlike the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg--its mechanical cousins--the Audi Q7 has a third-row seat.
Even so, the Cayenne's a tempting alternative for badge-aholics who also want ground clearance and some moderate off-road capability.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV has crisp lines and a luxurious, roomy interior; it's one of our favorite big utes.
The BMW X5 also can be ordered with a third-row seat, and even if it's tighter and plainer than the Mercedes, it comes with a fetching alternative: the X5 M and its twin-turbo V-8.
So what to make of the massive, flamboyant Lincoln MKT? It's a seven-seat crossover that outpoints the Audi on interior room, with a cabin that's the equal of the Q7 on style.
The narwhal grille isn't everyone's favorite, though, and it's a stretch to say Lincoln's brand means the same thing to luxury car shoppers as Audi.
But with its acres of interior room, good handling, and turbocharged V-6 option, it's a strong dark-horse challenger in this pack.
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Quick Specs | ||||
With a diesel option and a softer silhouette, the 2011 Audi Q7 does its part to tame the SUV bad-boy image. |
The 2011 BMW X5 offers impressive handling and features, but lacks the styling and interior that makes competitors pop, while the X5 M offers nearly sports car levels of performance with all the utility of a standard X5. |
The swinging style sets an audacious mood—and the 2011 Lincoln MKT backs it up with turbo V-6 thrust. |
A nimble ride and elegant, tough styling help the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class charm the mud right off a Range Rover. |
The new 2011 Porsche Cayenne is one of the few vehicles you can take off-road and out to the track on the same day; it's leaner and more athletic than before, without giving up the off-road ability. |
MSRP From | ||||
$46,250 | $46,300 | $44,300 | $60,950 | $47,700 |
Gas Mileage | ||||
16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy |
Engine | ||||
Gas Supercharged V6 | Diesel I6 | Gas V6 | Turbocharged Diesel V6 | Gas V6 |
EPA Class | ||||
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 4WD Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
Style Name | ||||
quattro 4-Door 3.0T Premium | AWD 4-Door 35d | 4-Door Wagon 3.7L FWD | 4MATIC 4-Door GL 350 BlueTEC | AWD 4-Door Manual |
Drivetrain | ||||
All Wheel Drive | All-Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | ||||
7 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | ||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | ||||
4 Door SUV | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | Station Wagon | Sport Utility | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle |
Transmission | ||||
Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic | Manual w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
2011 Audi Q7 vs. 2011 BMW X5 | 2011 Audi Q7 vs. 2011 Lincoln MKT | 2011 Audi Q7 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL Class | 2011 Audi Q7 vs. 2011 Porsche Cayenne |