The Audi Q7 hit the automobile scene at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show; however, show goers were sure that they'd seen this vehicle before. It seems that Audi had decided to base their full-size crossover on the Pikes Peak Quattro Concept vehicle that was unveiled at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. The Pikes Peak title was adapted because of the potential off-road abilities of the concept. However, when the 2007 model year began, Audi had shaved off about 150 horsepower and shocked consumers and reviewers alike by naming the luxury crossover "Q7."

In 2006, Audi was finalizing the details of a very public lawsuit brought on by Nissan for using the letter "Q" in their vehicle badging. The judge ruled in favor of Nissan, and Audi was left with an undisclosed amount of cash to pay in the settlement. Most were sure that Audi would then leave the letter alone being that it had caused so many public problems. Surprisingly, when the all new Audi Q7 hit sales floors in 2007, spokespeople claimed that they paid for the use of the letter so it wouldn't be prudent to not exercise their rights.

Three different engine models are currently available in the Audi Q7: 4.2L V8 that powers up to 350 horsepower, 3.6L FSI V6 that reaches 280 horsepower, and a 233 horsepower 3.0L TDI V6 that is exclusively offered in the European market. Rumors abound about Audi getting together with Maserati to develop a premier all-wheel drive system for all of their Quattro-based vehicles. However, reps have yet to confirm any such pairing. Recently, sales of the Audi Q7 have been on the decline, which, according to reviewers, is due to the poor gas mileage at an estimated combined 16 MPG.

Audi's seven-passenger crossover will soon join the ranks of hybrid vehicles like the Ford Escape. At the Hanover Motor Show in 2008, Audi revealed the most recent adaptation of the Q7 that will make it to sales floors sometime in the next few model years. The engine is said to be a two-mode system that incorporates both electricity and gasoline but there is no word if the vehicle will have regenerative braking or other common hybrid features. Audi also hit another milestone with the recent crash test rating for the Q7. The NHTSA reported that the 2008 Q7 received a 5-star (highest possible) rating for both front and side crash test ratings. Also, the Q7 is the first Audi vehicle to ever provide a program, called "Side Assist", which helps drivers by warning them of objects in their blind spots.