#NAIAS: CAR WARS! Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 β€” Which Luxury SUV's DESIGN Gets YOUR Vote?

#NAIAS: CAR WARS! Audi Q7 vs. Volvo XC90 β€” Which Luxury SUV's DESIGN Gets YOUR Vote?
Although I know some of you disagree that design isn't as critical as other elements when it comes to making an automotive purchase, we disagree. While I will say it isn't EVERYTHING, it is a significant portion of an in-market consumer's decision.

As automobiles are status symbols, people want to pull up in something that has style, class and is sophisticated. It's a reflection of the person stepping out of the car.

(NAIAS) Detroit Auto Show

That said, we recognized that two all-new luxury sport-utility vehicles entering the market look strikingly similar. The Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 are rather squared off, masculine and a bit in-your-face as they try to command a presence.

In addition, both sport quite excellent interiors although their methodologies are quite different.

Audi stuck with its proprietary infotainment system, MMI.

Volvo decided to go with a Tesla-like in-dash display in the center stack.

Take a look below and let us know WHICH all-new luxury SUV has YOUR attention: is It the Audi Q7 or Volvo XC90?


**The 2015 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) photo galleries are sponsored by Lexus.


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MDarringerMDarringer - 1/16/2015 8:31:59 PM
0 Boost
As much as I hate to say it...Audi. It at least looks like an Audi. The Volvo looks like it could be a Kia Sorento restyle. The Volvo turned out bland. The Audi may look like a station wagon, but in the end I won't pay Audi (premium) prices for a Volvo which is a near-premium Buick/Subaru/Acura/Lincoln kind of brand. Drop the XC90's price $15k and it might gain traction.

Volvo is the new SAAB.


SSP350SSP350 - 1/16/2015 9:19:05 PM
+5 Boost
I like Volvo more than the Audi. The Audi just looks off to me. The overall design, as understated as it is, is more cohesive to my eyes.


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 1/16/2015 9:24:17 PM
+5 Boost
Volvo hands down


JDMUSMuscleJDMUSMuscle - 1/16/2015 11:02:48 PM
0 Boost
I guess the reason why Q7 looks kind of weak is because of the new Q8 that will come out in a few years. I mean, Audi apparently said they will build the new Q8, and will have a strong design, so ya.


pepito66pepito66 - 1/17/2015 12:00:44 AM
0 Boost
Audi show more quality in and out and also the design is far superior , my only complaint with Audi is because is too to be and SUV or probably has adaptive suspension I don't know.


sagasaga - 1/17/2015 12:05:21 AM
+6 Boost
I'm a Audi fanatic and Q7 owner. However so disappointed with the new Q7. We will likely be getting the new XC90.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/17/2015 2:12:11 AM
+6 Boost
Neither would be on my shopping list. Both have become blander and more generic in their redesigns. The Audi loses on exterior, not that the Volvo is that much better. The Volvo loses on interior, not that the Audi is that much better (WTH is that strip of padding on the left side of the console that looks unfinished?). Would much rather have a stretch in price and go with a GL450 or save a bit of money and go with the Acura MDX if I really needed the 3rd row seat.


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 1/17/2015 12:46:12 PM
0 Boost
pretty sure that strip is for comfort when your body touches that section of the console, perhaps it could have been designed more inconspicuously though


IhavearedS2000IhavearedS2000 - 1/17/2015 12:46:18 PM
+2 Boost
The padding you speak of connects to the center arm rest I believe. In these pictures it looks odd because the center armrest is up. I'd peck the Volvo for sure...especially if it had the wood inserts. Both are somewhat bland but the MDX isn't really a stand out either like the last gen was (i'd still pick it over everything else for the SH-AWD)...


leejleej - 1/17/2015 7:36:19 AM
+3 Boost
The question isn't a hypothetical of what's on your shopping list...it's a question of which of THESE TWO DESIGNS is the winner.

With that clarification, I think the Volvo wins here. While I have never been a fan of Volvo interiors, this one suits the aspirations of this model.

The Q7 exterior does not show much of a design evolution, or revolution. And while I am a fan of most (not all) Audi interiors, had I seen this one without the tell-tale steering wheel, I would have guessed this was a BMW. So, Audi gets a zero for originality.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/17/2015 5:14:23 PM
+1 Boost
And I answered the design question and added additional context. Is that not allowed or must I follow your rules?


mre30mre30 - 1/17/2015 1:47:40 PM
+2 Boost
Volvo wins hands down. If Volvo gets the pricing right and the quality is good...Volvo is going to become the "new" Audi. I completely disagree that Volvo is the "new Saab". Volvo's cars are beautiful and mainstream with very aesthetically pleasing designs. In fact, I bet that Jaguar wishes that they could co-opt Volvo's designs for their own.

I think that Volvo's "conquest" trade-in's will come from the mid-priced Jag's, Audi A4/A6, and Acura's. The MDX buyer will trade-up to an XC90, no doubt.

Hopefully Volvo does well.


JIEACEJIEACE - 1/17/2015 7:09:52 PM
+2 Boost
both look over-styled, strongly dislike the big flat front grills ...


iamdabest1iamdabest1 - 1/17/2015 7:36:32 PM
+1 Boost
i like them both, i like the interior of the volvo more, but exterior really is a toss up. i do like the fact that there will be less volvos on the road- slight more exclusivity- even if the Audi brand is a step higher.


scenicbyway12scenicbyway12 - 1/17/2015 8:38:10 PM
+4 Boost
I'm pass on both, the Audi is a wagon disaster.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 1/17/2015 9:08:11 PM
+2 Boost
The world really is up side over when you say a Volvo has more style than almost anything beyond a cardboard box, but there you have it… the Volvo is definitely the better looking of the two. The Audi does not even look new and they seem to have run out of ideas in the SUV area. TT still looks nice but the new R8, from what I have seen in the spy photos, is looking like a real disappointment.


Agent00RAgent00R - 1/17/2015 9:09:24 PM
+1 Boost
After checking out both in person, I have to say that the all-new XC90 R-Design is off the charts. I adored it.

And then I sat inside. It only got better.

I hope to see this Volvo BLOW UP the company's sales figures. They're onto something here and I'd love to see them continue evolving the niche brand.


cidflekkencidflekken - 1/18/2015 2:29:44 AM
+1 Boost
Was it this color combo for the interior that you saw? Because the first pics of the interior that were released looked pretty nice, but all the gray in these photos just suck the life out of it.


W124E320W124E320 - 1/19/2015 4:31:03 PM
+1 Boost
I was never a fan of the previous Volvo, but this one is different. The last one was heavy and thirsty, this one looks better and the interior is very appealing. The Audi is horrible and I'm amazed this design is designated "premium" when It could be a Kia. I never thought Volvo would make my list but next year, it will be on it. The Audi, is just void of any creative or thoughtful design, inside or out.


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