Force-1

Forgot to add I think the GX 460 is butt ugly.

iconoclast

it's as if the designers said "how can we make the honda pilot look like an infiniti but some how incorporate a lexus grill?"

VAG-Fan1

Lexus makes great vehicles and on coach building, fit/finish, etc. I think they are every bit as good as Audi. Where I think the Q7 is a better vehicle is in the ride and handling categories.

Looking at the current specs on the Lexus site for the GX, the engine specs are a bit underwhelming, as is the 6 spd auto. They also make reference to the drive layout as being a full time 4WD with a Torsen center diff and electronic diff lock, so some of the other posts regarding the GX having a true 4 low transfer case may be in error, unless I'm missing something. If that's the case, Audi has been utilizing Torsen AWD systems longer than just about everyone else, so they know how to make them work very well and I wouldn't give the advantage to Lexus here.
Edit: I found the reference to the 4 low transfer case elsewhere on the site, but they seemingly make no mention of it in the "specifications". So it has it, but if you aren't rock crawling or pulling stumps, you won't likely need it.

I also have found it strange that the GX has such a short wheel base for being a 7 passenger premium SUV. The Q7 is about 118" and the GX is about 110" (same wheelbase as the Highlander and 4Runner). I know there are many more factors than wheelbase that effect ride and handling qualities, but wheel base tends to be one of the more significant ones, at least in relation to a vehicle's mass, width, and intended use. I'd rather have the longer wheelbase in most cases.

On cost of ownership, I don't know what it takes to keep a GX running over a typical ownership period, but my guess is it will be notably less than a Q7. Tires, brakes, and routine maintenance on the Q7 is likely going to be significantly higher.

I don't think you can go wrong with the Lexus, but I think the Q7 will provide a better overall driving experience and higher level of driving satisfaction.

Edd W

I agree. We don't get those over here and I am not surprised, they would sell about as well as the CTS-V did (most rapidly depreciating car ever sold in the UK!).

TimothyC

New comer as well.
I just got my 2013 CPO Q7 TDI Prestige on Saturday, after so many comparisons I made between it and other SUV. Although originally I am hoping to have a wagon but unfortunately Audi no longer provide A6 Avant in the US. Anyway, IMHO, Q7 TDI is pretty nice in terms of maneuverability and gas mileage, except the accessibility of 3rd row seats that seems designed for children only.