The October issue of Car and Driver had a comparison of the Q7 and some of its competition. The review is now available on the C&amp;D Website.<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/11506/2007-audi-q7-42-quattro-vs-2007-cadillac-escalade-awd-vs-2006-infiniti-qx56-4x4-vs-2007-lincoln-navigator-4x4-vs-2007-mercedes-benz-gl450-4matic.html">Car and Driver Comparison</a></li></

Also I agree with the comment on the sun roof, and did not get that option for same reasons.

I am sure the testers at Car and Driver did not have the Bose on when they were test driving the Q7. If they had, the Bose DSP AudioPilot Noise Compensation feature would have drowned out most of any residual tire noise left.

I have the Goodyear summer performance tires on mine with only about 1500 miles and I'm noticing quite a bit of road/tire noise. I rebalanced them at 1000mi as I always do with new tires and it didn't change the noise. It almost sounds like they are cupped already but, I haven't taken a closer look. I can only guess they'll get louder with miles/age as most performance tires do.

I think with this car, next set of tires I'll go for more quiet, highway comfort with some performance thrown in.

still a good read though. Also if they had spent the same amount on the Q they would get a higher spec.
Odd that they all had creamy beige interiors and they slated some and lauded others.
I bet if you lined them all up and said 'OK you get one to keep for 6 months' anyone would pick the Q for comfort and style.

IMO that Merc looks like an old model revamped hence dated.

tire noise at freeway speed is a function of road surface, as well as tire compound and tread design.

The Merc's problem is that its a design that has been around for a quite awhile, being the ML. They are different trucks, but still share the same basic look. So, I think GL450 looks older for that reason.

I did like the comment of the Q7 being a Concept Car trying to be an SUV! That was funny. I went back and checked on the Pikes Peak to see how much Q7 stayed true to the prototype, and Audi carried a ton of the Pikes Peak over to the Q7. Bravo Audi!!!!

Yes, the Mercedes G class will not get a second glance driving down the road. I think Merc missed the mark in the luxury SUV class. People who buy Escalades, Navigators, Lexus, and even the Q7 want their vehicle to stand out from the crowd. The G class doesn't even standout from the rest of the Mercedes lineup.