My wife and I are deciding between the V8 Q7 premium and the Buick Enclave. The Buick is $17,000 less expensive by the time you put similar options and accessories on each car. I would love to hear if anyone has something interesting to add to our consideration of the two. Here is our breakdown so far...
1. Reliability: Buick wins(J.D. power and consumer reports.)
2. Safety: Tie (slight edge to Audi.)
3. Space: Buick wins (much larger cargo and more leg room in both the second and third rows.)
4. Gas Mileage: Buick wins
5. Exterior: Tie (slight edge to Buick, Audi slightly resembles a station wagon.)
6. Interior: Tie (Buick feels nicer, more wood and softer materials, Audi feels sportier with better quality materials)
7. Horsepower: Audi wins (350 to 275)
8. Quietness: Buick wins (much quieter ride)
9. Better ride: Buick wins (much softer ride)
10. Funner to drive: Audi wins
So how much is the snob factor of being able to say you own an Audi over a Buick worth?

I drive an Audi, and I love it. But, economically, there's nothing wrong with spending $15K - $20K LESS for a vehicle that has better aspects to it. Buick is by no means a Yugo, or a KIA...
Get the Buick, save a load of money, and each time you see someone else driving the Q7 (which is an amazing vehicle, BTW), just smile and think of the $20K you have that you could use for a week or two in the Bahamas, or Jamaica....The snob factor only matters to those who don't matter....

I absolutely love the Buick Enclave's interior. I have seen pictures of it and it looks so modern and thought out. The exterior looks cool and modern too. I think the Buick is more luxurious and the Audi is more sporty. It pretty much depends on if you prefer luxury or sporty.
http://www.buick.com/index.jsp?seo=goo_buickRT
http://www.audi.com/audi/com/en2/models.html

Not to complicate matters, but I would also consider the Acura MDX and the GMC Acadia (great 3rd row if that's important). The latter is also a little sportier than the Enclave. I have driven both, though am about the purchase the MDX.