AUDI has very successfully made up lost ground ever since it adopted quattro four wheel drive technology over 25 years ago.
From being an also-ran German marque it has developed into an all-round luxury brand which sets the style benchmarks in sporting and high performance models. Now it has gone one step further and taken on the sports utility brigade with the Q7.
Introduced to the UK in the middle of 2006, the big Audi Q7 brought a new degree of style and refinement to the seven-seater SUV market which had been dominated by British, German, French and Japanese rivals.
Essentially there are five models based on two engines choices, a 350PS 4.2 V8 petrol or 233PS 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel, and three trim levels, all with seven seats, air suspension and permanent four-wheel-drive.
This particular top of the range model, which is expected to take a significant percentage of total UK sales which favour highly equipped derivatives, had the S-Line trim and came with semi-automatic Tiptronic six-speed box, black leather upholstery, technology and communications packs, adaptive lights, uprated BOSE sound system and load/ towing pack. Together with a few other options it brought the on-road price to a whopping £57,490 or 20 per cent more than the starting price.
While that seems a lot, it is worth remembering that the added features enhance the car's resale value and make it more enjoyable while you use it every day.
The first thing that immediately strikes anyone standing next to the Q7 is its size. It seems to fill your vision with its big rolling bonnet and tall cabin, but looks are deceptive. It is really no longer than some estate cars and a good deal smaller than many vans.
Be careful not to knock your head on the small door aperture, climb behind the wheel and your perceptions are turned around because inside it feels smaller than it looks from the outside.
There is plenty of room in the front and middle seats but legroom is tight behind for the last two occupants and headroom may also be an issue for some. The seat adjustment range is very good and the seats are extremely comfortable for bigger people but a shorter driver may struggle to reach the pedals with the adjustment range available.
I like the quiet, smooth and extremely powerful engine which delivers a constant and strong flow of power through the six gears and is matched by a very slick, yet smooth, gearchange.
The lightness of the powertrain is matched by that of the steering and brakes, although the power and feedback they impart is also very impressive.
Secondary controls are all well located and once mastered the multi-mode information system is straightforward and I like the big, clear instruments.
Ventilation and heating is very good with a lot of outlets, well maintained temperature and a powerful fan system backed up by powered windows.
The oddments room is reasonably good throughout and the load bed is very big and easy to use and it's worth remembering that the specification includes a self-levelling feature.
Grip is excellent from starting up hill to hard cornering and the Q7 inspires confidence at all times with its responsive handling and powerful brakes. It never feels like a big car to drive.
Visibility could be an issue when reversing and you really need parking sensors to avoid clipping unseen posts or similar objects below the rear waistline. Good wipers and bright lights are welcome in bad conditions.
At nearly 2.3 tonnes it is no lightweight and it will tow a 3.2 tonne braked trailer so it is perfectly capable of pulling along a small boat or horsebox.
However, the fuel economy overall is not particularly outstanding and some may prefer to pick the 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel and sacrifice the absolute performance for greater economy and mid range pulling power.
The Q7 4.2 V8 has a distinctly sporting feel to its handling and performance. It is quick through the gears, cruises effortlessly on the motorway and makes cross country journeys a stress-free event. A high top speed will be appreciated by those who cover long journeys on foreign motorways.
Although it has permanent all-wheel-drive and a reasonably good ground clearance, the Q7 is not a serious off-roader but rather an all-weather soft-roader which should fit the bill of many owner drivers who need space and pace in all conditions and who want to make a stylish statement at the same time.
FAST FACTS
Audi Q7 4.2 FSI S-Line
Price: £49,275
Mechanical: 350bhp, 4,163cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 154mph
0-62mph: 7.4 secs
Combined mpg: 20.8
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 326g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust