Audi's leisurely entry into the SUV market bespeaks a quiet confidence in the Q7

In party terms, there's usually a fairly broad line between arriving comfortably late and being downright tardy. To say, then, that Audi was a bit late in launching the Q7 is like saying that Jimi Hendrix was a bit handy with the electric guitar. But then again this is hardly Audi's fault, as the company had to wait till Volkswagen got the mechanically-similar Touareg properly off the ground before embarking on the Q7 development programme.

Still, seeing as how SUVs have gained the element of ubiquity to such a degree of late, a brand new entrant at the upper premium end of the segment might help to galvanise renewed interest.

And the fact that the Q7 happens to be really rather good looking in the metal should also considerably help the situation in its favour. That said, if you've got an eye peeled for visual similarities between the Q7 and its kissing cousins, the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg, don't bother. All the bits and pieces that this new Audi shares with the other two cars are hidden beneath the bodywork. It's also a fair bit longer, owing to the fact that the boot can accommodate seating arrangements for two extra passengers, and fanatical attention has been lavished on surface detailing.

For example, the Q7's shoulder lines and wheel arch flares are described by surprisingly complex arrangements of curves that straddle separate body panels with the sort of fluidity that'd make most engineers responsible for body pressings break out in cold sweats. The front wings, bonnet and tailgate are all crafted from aluminium, too, which helps keep the Q7's overall weight down. Shutlines are, naturally, millimetrically precise, and if you're lucky enough to visit one of Audi's high-tech robotised factories, you'll understand why.

While it is the details that really delight, the whole car is ultimately very attractive, and Audi has worked especially hard to make sure that the Q7 describes a coupe-like profile. The roof is certainly lower than that of a Touareg's, and the way it swoops downwards towards the rear is quite obviously in service to form rather than function. It is a huge car, though, and that therefore gives the designers licence to use all that space in a far more indulgent manner.

DRIVING IT

Big cars often feel clumsy on the road, and even the best ones can only shrug off the laws of physics to a certain extent. The Q7's sheer size predicates a measured approach but it quickly becomes apparent that Audi's engineers have done a terrific job in honing the car's handling characteristics.

An air suspension system and a self-locking centre differential gives the car some off-road ability, but it's the Q7's behaviour on-road that is very impressive, especially since Audis aren't generally known for their scintillating dynamics. The steering is well-weighted and very accurate, and body roll is authoritatively contained. The Q7 is also equipped with Audi's famed quattro four-wheel drive system. quattro apportions engine torque to the front or rear axles as necessary but the system maintains a general 40:60 split between front and rear.

The ride at low speeds is a bit on the firm side, with little discernible difference between the air suspension's comfort and dynamic settings. It never becomes a hardship, though, and if you up the pace, the difference in ride quality between the two settings becomes more marked. Refinement, even at autobahn speeds, is also very impressive, with wind and road noise kept well in check.

The Q7 will initially be available here with a 4.2-litre V8. The powerplant uses direct injection technology to develop 350bhp and 440Nm of torque, and this translates to a 0-100km/h timing of 7.4 seconds. The engine is very smooth and quite eager to rev, but a bit too muted for petrolhead tastes. While performance isn't ballistic, there's more than enough grunt for most purposes, and if 350bhp seems a little tame for you, it's a good bet that Audi will eventually squeeze the 450bhp V10 from the S6 and S8, under the Q7's bonnet.

INSIDE IT

Audi unquestionably makes the best interiors of any mainstream manufacturer, and although there has been some decontenting of late with the newest models, all Audi cabins still remain terrific places to be in. Build quality is excellent, too, with the interior betraying nary a squeak or rattle.

The Q7's basic dashboard architecture follows that of the A6's pretty much identically. The instruments are clear and attractively lit, and the centre console is angled towards the driver in sporty fashion.

Most of the car's functions are accessed via Audi's Multi-Media Interface or MMI, which consists of a rotary knob surrounded by buttons for accessing various menu, and a large and very clear LCD display. It's very easy to use, too, and should take little time to master.

You can order the Q7 with four, five or even seven seats. There's an option to split the middle row into two separate chairs, divided by a large storage area, but the seven seater configuration should be the most popular. The rearmost row can be made to accommodate two small but rather nicely padded seats for children or small adults. Boot space is very generous, but the loading sill is quite high, meaning that it's easier to take stuff out than it is to put in.

DOLLARS AND SENSE

The exact spec levels for locally bound models have yet to be determined, but the estimated price for the 4.2 hovers around the $300,000 mark. That puts it smack in the middle of large luxury exec territory, but the Q7 does have the chops to compete quite handily.

The spec list is itself very impressive, you can opt for anything from full Alcantara headlining and a reverse parking camera to a blind spot radar system that warns you if a lane change manoeuvre is safe to execute, as well as adaptive cruise control.

Verdict

The Q7's effortlessly cool styling and its high premium feel should be big draws, especially for well-heeled customers looking for alternatives to the usual luxury SUV suspects. More importantly, it manages to pull-off the sporty yet luxurious and cosseting compromise to a degree that its rivals cannot quite match. It might have been late to the party, but Audi hasn't wasted one iota of all that extra time.

NEED TO KNOW

Model : Audi Q7 4.2 quattro
Engine : 4,163cc, 32V V8
Max Power : 350bhp at 6,800rpm
Max Torque : 440Nm at 3,500rpm
Gearbox : 6-speed automatic
Top Speed : 248km/h
0-100 km/h : 7.4 seconds
Price : $330,000 with COE (est)
Warranty : TBA
Contact : Premium Automobiles
Telephone : 6566-1111

SIMILAR CARS WE HAVE DRIVEN

Porsche Cayenne S $334,888 with COE
It may be more challengingly-styled than the Q7 but it packs a similarly sized punch. The Cayenne S also drives like you'd expect a Porsche would. It can also be specced with adaptive air suspension, and even decoupling anti-roll bars for more serious off-roading.

Land Rover Discovery 3 4.4 HSE $275,888 with COE
Serious off-roading with a serious luxury bent. The new Disco 3 is, like the Q7, very stylish, V8-powered and offers seating for seven. Land Rover places plenty of emphasis on off-roading ability, though, so plush as the Disco is, it's more utilitarian next to the Q7.