Priced from about $47,000 up to nearly $60,000, the Q7 has strong competition including the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, and the Lincoln MKT.
The Cayenne, which is closely related to the Q7 and the Volkswagen Touareg, is the sportiest of these vehicles in driving feel, but its interior isn't as plush as that of the Q7; however the Cayenne does offer moderate off-road ability.
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class SUV has crisp lines and a luxurious, roomy interior, and it's one of our favorite big utes; Mercedes gave the related M-Class a redesign for 2012, so look for the GL to see major changes next year.
The BMW X5 is a bit tighter than the Q7 inside, but it drives with a lot of verve--especially in twin-turbo V-8 X5 M form.
The Lincoln MKT is an interesting alternative, with a roomy seven-seat interior and cabin appointments that are equal to the Q7 on style--although the grille isn't to everyone's liking and Lincoln doesn't quite mean the same thing to some discerning luxury shoppers.
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 2012 Audi Q7Browse Used Listings |  2012 BMW X5Browse Used Listings |  2012 Lincoln MKTBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Mercedes-Benz GL ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2012 Porsche CayenneBrowse Used Listings |
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The 2012 Audi Q7 has what upscale suburban families want: a lavish interior, a cabin full of premium features, and performance and ride that are very carlike--plus serious towing ability if and when you need it. |
It doesn't pop with the styling or interior plushness of its competitors, but the 2012 BMW X5 has the powerful X5 M and frugal diesel up its sleeve. |
EcoBoost thrust and limo-like space may attract you more to the 2012 Lincoln MKT than its polarizing shape, but we're among its fans. |
With rugged styling, fairly nimble handling and diesel economy, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can charm the mud right off a Land Rover Range Rover. |
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne comes equipped to take on a rugged trail, the racetrack, and child ferrying, all in the same day. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $46,250 | $47,500 | $44,300 | $61,570 | $48,200 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 16 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy | 12 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Supercharged Gas V6 | Turbocharged Gas 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 35i | 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 | ||||
| Sport Utility Vehicle | 4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Transmission | ||||
| Automatic w/Manual Shift | Automatic | Automatic w/manual shift | Automatic | Manual |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2012 Audi Q7 vs. 2012 BMW X5 | 2012 Audi Q7 vs. 2012 Lincoln MKT | 2012 Audi Q7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL Class | 2012 Audi Q7 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
