The 10 most innovative features in the 2017 Audi Q7

Cadie Thompson/Business Insider

Audi's 2017 Q7 SUV sets the bar high for cutting-edge auto technology. 

It's loaded with innovative features that improve safety and also help make the ride more enjoyable. 

Recently, I had the chance to drive a $69,000 Q7 model and got to experience a number of these features first hand. 

Here's a look at some of the car's technology that I found most impressive. 

Virtual instrument panel

Audi's "Virtual Cockpit" system is a 12.3-inch panel display that shows vehicle instruments, navigation, and infotainment information.

You can customize this display so certain information is more prominent on the display. For example, you can show the fuel consumption front and center, or you can opt to show navigation in the display. 

Retractable display

The display on the dash appears when you turn on the car and disappears when you shut it off. 

All of your media is displayed here, as well as car settings. When you shift to reverse, the display will also show you everything the rear-end camera is seeing. 

Blind spot awareness

A light on the side-view mirrors lights up when someone is in your blindspot, alerting you to not switch lanes when it's dangerous. 

I found this to be one of the car's most useful features, especially when driving on busy city streets. The system will even alert you when pedestrians and bicyclists are in your blind spot.