2011 Audi Q7 vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

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.