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When the series is launched, Audi Q7 customers have the choice of two powerful engines: the new 4.2-litre V8 with FSI petrol direct injection develops 350 hp and achieves a maximum torque of 325 lb-ft.

The 3.0 TDI six-cylinder engine features a latest-generation common rail injection system that uses piezo inline injectors, thus combining the high performance of 233 bhp and massive torque of 370 lb-ft with exceptional refinement and excellent economy.

Power transmission for both engine versions comes from the 6-speed tiptronic.

The Audi Q7 is naturally equipped as standard with quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Its Torsen centre differential conveys power to all four wheels - on-road and off-road, achieving maximum traction and lateral stability - the prerequisites for optimum driving dynamics and motoring safety. This drive concept has become firmly established over the past 25 years: more than two million production Audis have left the assembly line with this technology and countless victories have been notched up on the racetrack and in rallies by virtue of this system.

Like the Audi RS 4, the Audi Q7 features the latest-generation Torsen differential, with a standard torque split of 40 : 60 (front / rear). The driver - also thanks to virtually balanced axle load distribution - benefits from even better agility and steering precision that remains practically free of torque steer.

The chassis of the Audi Q7 comprising numerous aluminum components - independent wheel suspension with double wishbones at the front and rear - excels with its all-round qualities. Steel-spring suspension and twin-tube shock absorbers are designed for sporty driving and superior comfort, even off-road. The tilted position of the rear spring and shock absorber unit reduces overall height and creates more room at the rear.

18-inch light-alloy wheels with 235/60 tires (eight-cylinder: 255/55) are fitted as standard. All Q7 versions can be fitted optionally with 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.

Also available on request: adaptive air suspension. The combination of air suspension and an electronically controlled damping system represents the perfect synthesis of decidedly sporty handling and supreme ride comfort. The standard dynamic roll stabilization system reduces body sway about the longitudinal axis to a minimum.

Variable ground clearance - starting at 7 inches and extending to 9.4 inches in lift mode - means that even challenging terrain can be negotiated. The off-road mode, with 8 inches of ground clearance and adapted damper control, allows cross-country driving. The loading lip has a particularly convenient feature: it can be lowered to enable heavy objects to be loaded effortlessly into the luggage area.

Yet high-tech dominates not only the dynamic aspects of the Audi Q7. The Q7 is equipped as standard with the innovative MMI operating concept - much praised on the A8 and A6 - which can be extended in two stages to include a variety of additional functions.

On board the performance SUV, a number of innovative driver assistance systems, introduced for the first time in standard production, are available on request: e.g. Audi side assist with radar technology for lane-changing maneuvers and the advanced parking system with optical/acoustic guidance and rear-view camera and the latest-generation automatic distance control system ACC+, which decelerates the vehicle and brings it to a standstill if required.

The ESP includes numerous new functions such as hill descent assist. A special off-road mode optimizes brake performance and traction on loose surfaces. Car/trailer stabilization reduces the risk of fishtailing by means of targeted brake intervention.

Audi Q7: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications