Compromises exist everywhere, even in German luxury cars, and the 20-inch tires on the Q7 are a perfect example. They contribute greatly to the Q7’s excellent handling, but they also contribute to a great deal of the road noise we heard, thumping over every expansion joint, singing loudly on concrete and even asphalt roads. Wind noise is well controlled except around those big outside mirrors, and the rumble of the V8 is clearly audible at any speed save idle. None of the noises are particularly bad, just louder than we expected. If you think the Q7 is strictly a luxury car it’ll get on your nerves, but we think it’s all part of this crossover’s sporty character.