After a few days spent single-handedly saving the earth in the 113-horsepower, natural gas-powered Honda Civic GX , I felt the distinct need to cleanse my palate with something more decadent. The Q7 was available, so last night I grabbed the keys.
The climate control was on when I slid into the SUV, about to drive home. The temperature was pleasant enough outside, so I tried to turn the climate control off. I found an "Econ On/Off" button that looked like it might do the trick...
I pressed it, and it altered the air flow, but it didn't turn the air completely off. I fiddled with the Q7's very attractive controls for a bit, but wasn't able to crack the code. I gave up and simply closed the vents to stop the air for being sent to my area of the cabin.
The next morning, I was still really curious about how to turn off the air, so I figured I'd scan the manual to see what the deal is. That involved opening the glove compartment, but there were no buttons or latches on the glove compartment to accommodate this. A coworker more versed in the sphinx-like ways of the Q7 then told me that a button near the car's nav screen opens the glove compartment. I pressed the button and the compartment eased open with luxury-car grace. 
After eyeballing the manual, I realized that I was on the right track when it comes to turning off the Q7's air. I'd hit the right button, but the button has to be depressed for at least 2 seconds for it shut off the air. Otherwise it just moderates the air flow.
Just one more shred of evidence that in the automotive world, luxury is often the opposite of intuitive.
Warren Clarke, Automotive Content Editor
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