Some SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne target performance. Others aim for luxuriousness such as the Bentley Bentayga. A few, like the Lamborghini Urus, shoot for supercar shock and awe. What all these diverse sport utilities have in common is the same Volkswagen underpinnings that also sits beneath the skin of the 2019 Audi Q7.

It might not be clear from the Q7’s relatively sedate, linear styling, but the shared (and only incrementally modified) chassis offers an outstanding foundation for performance and capability. It’s is the mildest of the bunch, currently offered with either a 248-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine or 329-horsepower turbo V6.

The Audi Virtual Cockpit, a digital dashboard that can be configured to different views, is standard on Premium Plus models, as is the Audi phone box with wireless charging. Audi

The Q7’s cabin is a similarly buttoned-down, well-executed space with three rows and room for seven passengers. There’s an honesty to the minimalist design cues and a consistent, thoughtful theme to the way the air conditioning vents form one long horizontal strip across the dashboard. Adding to the clean visual flow is a multimedia display that dips into the dashboard when not in use and pops back up when in reverse to appease U.S. backup camera laws. 

While the standard Q7 includes features such as keyless start and a panoramic sunroof, the Premium Plus package ($56,050, or $62,450 with the larger V6) adds a Bose surround sound system, a 12.3-inch digital display behind the wheel that replaces analogue gauges, a 360-degree camera, side assist with rear cross-traffic assist and a wireless phone charger as well as a cell signal booster.

The Q7 Luxury trim comes with a soft Alcantara headliner, Valcona leather that also extends to the dashboard and doors and ventilated/massaging seats. Audi

The top-level Prestige paired with the V6 gets 20-inch wheels, LED interior lighting, a warm-weather package with four-zone climate control and ventilated front seats, a head-up display and a driver assistance package with adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, automatic high-beams and street sign recognition.

The general feeling within these models is an impression of sophisticated furnishings. Veering away from the typical black leather trim also helps up the ante. Unfortunately, only the Prestige model offers premium options such as the Audi Design selection interior ($2500), which extends the leather trim to the upper dashboard and doors as well as adding a natural wood inlay. The pricier $5,650 Luxury package features a soft Alcantara headliner, Valcona leather that also extends to the dashboard and doors and ventilated/massaging seats.

On the road, the Q7 feels surefooted and precise, with up to seven drive modes managing everything from steering effort to throttle response. While the V6 is powerful enough to make the seven-seater feel unexpectedly light on its feet, the most significant dynamic improvement comes from the $4,000 adaptive chassis package, available only on the top Prestige model.

The Q7 borrows many of its updated design cues from the new Q8, including the octagonal grille with prominent vertical bars. Audi

By bundling adaptive air suspension with four-wheel steering, the Q7 has a more comprehensive range of ride control and a feeling of nimbleness. The air suspension controls damping characteristics and raises or lowers the ride height, allowing a near-1 inch increase in clearance for challenging road surfaces and 2.4 inches for off-roading. The Q7’s ground clearance is 9.4 inches, which puts it in line with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

While the air suspension’s more supple ride lends a greater sense of refinement, the four-wheel steering system effectively masks the hulking size of SUV. By turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction as the fronts at lower speeds, the Q7’s turning radius is reduced, helping it change direction more deftly. At higher speeds, the opposite occurs: the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts, enabling more stable handling. The effect is nearly imperceptible, but its impact on the Q7’s handling is transformative. It’s a shame this beneficial feature is not available on more affordable versions of the Q7 than the top dog Prestige.

The Q7 occupies a relatively serious, practical role within the Audi lineup. While the Q8 takes on a sleeker silhouette, and the recently announced SQ8 offers pumped-up performance for the European market, the Q7’s blockier profile, unhurried powertrain options and third-row seating suggest Audi is targeting a more sensible buyer.

The Q7’s aging infotainment system lacks some of the cool touchscreen-enabled features of its stablemates, but Audi’s venerable SUV counters instead with a reliable, efficient way to haul seven passengers while enjoying the drive.