IT'S huge, heavy and even slurps diesel at an alarming rate, but the Audi Q7 is a car begging for forgiveness.
The imposing seven-seater does something few models of this size can boast - it handles more like a sports saloon than a monster 4x4.
Despite its size, the Q7 is not only an elegant looker, but one that oozes class from the luxury of its cabin to the rock solid nature of its build.
And the beauty of the Audi's interior configuration is that the two rear seats fold completely flat into the floor, with the minimum of effort.
While space for five is fantastic, there is a downside. Even though the centre row seats can be moved forwards or back to maximise legroom, those in the rearmost pair are not best served unless they happen to be children.
The sloping nature of the tapered roofline means that headroom is limited and even when all the seats are set in the optimum position there's not too much room for back row legs.
But that's the only criticism you can level at this car because overall it's a triumph.
There's a choice of four engines, a three-litre TDI common-rail turbodiesel and flagship 4.2-litre V8 TDI, plus 3.6-litre V6 and 4.2 FSI petrol units.
The tested diesel model is silent, smooth, delivers a whopping 320bhp of punch and has the distinction of being the world's most powerful SUV.
And as an Audi 'quattro' its power goes to all four wheels, transmitted through a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission with both a normal Drive setting and more dynamic Sport mode.
Despite being a substantial all-terrain vehicle it is first class to drive - all air-cushioned ride quality, composed handling and reassuringly stable at speed on the motorway.
For those intent on using the Q7's mud-plugging abilities to the full, there's a raft of technology ranging from five-mode air suspension that allows ground clearance of up to 240mm, so that even major obstacles can be negotiated at moderate speeds.
There's also a special assist function for downhill driving, an off-road mode that optimises brake performance and traction on loose surfaces and a trailer stabilising set-up that reduces the risk of snaking.
Even in standard spec the Q7 is luxuriously equipped with the likes of cruise control, parking sensors, eight-speaker CD sounds, roof rails, 18-inch alloys, air conditioning and Audi's Multi Media Interface concept for controlling most in-car functions.
The Limited Edition trim is based on S line specification, which creates the most visually striking appearance with the likes of 20-inch alloy wheels, though I think the side steps do nothing for the Q7 while the centre middle row seat is replaced in this model by a large leather topped box - effectively turning the car into a Q6.
FAST FACTS
Audi Q7 4.2 TDI quattro Limited Edition
Price: £51,890
Mechanical: 326PS, 4,134cc, 8cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 146mph
0-62mph: 6.4 secs
Combined mpg: 25.4
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 294g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust