Audi uses this beautifully refined mill and variations thereof in a wide range of their automotive lineup. It's a prince of a powerplant, lauded by those who demand strong performance and revel in the sort of "growl" that only a perfectly balanced V8 can make.

With plenty of heave-ho flowing to all four corners through a centre-locking differential, the Q7 is amazingly proficient at rapidly acquiring speed on sketchy road surfaces.

The Q7 treats its passengers with great comfort.

Q7 underway
Finding a comfortable driving position in the richly contended Q7 is a matter of pushing a series of buttons to adjust seat and steering wheel positioning. Once these steps have been mastered, "memory" takes over ensuring the details are stored for up to three drivers.

Firing-up the Q7 is no more difficult than pushing a console-mounted button provided the key is within proximity, such as one's pocket. As the V8 finds life, its muted rumble hints at what's to come. A check of the generously-sized side mirrors and its time to depart. Very quickly the Q7's taut, spirited driving dynamics present themselves.

Underfoot is a multitude of power in both acceleration and braking. The engine's responsiveness to the throttle is very satisfying. It performs an outstanding job of concealing the vehicle's enormous curb-weight of 2,734 kg (5,467 lb) while delivering strong, trustworthy acceleration off-the-line and in the passing lane. Should opposing forces be instantly required, the 4-wheel antilock disc brake arrangement is happy to oblige with near brutal stopping force.

Q7's athleticism comes at a price
Although its substantial curb weight might suggest ponderousness, the Q7 is anything but. I marveled at how rapidly this bulky brute alters its course when tossed aggressively into a sharp corner. Such maneuvers were dispatched sans tire squeal and excessive body lean. The Q7 simply dug its heals deep and obeyed every time I threw it a curve ball- no muss, no fuss.

This big vehicle weighs in at 5,467 lb, but it does not feel that heavy.