On the road: The Q7 is huge. Properly huge. But while it’s glacial in scale it’s surprisingly fleet of foot. The German seven-seater weighs in at 2,940kg, but all things are relative – this all-new car has shed an impressive 325kg.

That means that the 3.0 TDI engine in our test car – alternatives are available - is potent enough to fire the Q7 from nought to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145mph. It’s allied to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Not only has it shed the pounds, it’s also cleaner and more technologically advanced.

The designers have tweaked the exterior and not in a positive way in my humble opinion. The creases and folds are a little unnecessary, I much preferred the smoother look of the previous model, but each to his own.

The Q7 handles well for such a big motor and the steering reacts quickly to the driver’s commands.

On the inside: Obviously you sit high up in the Q7, in fact you look down on most other SUVs. Vision is good out the front and sides, but narrows a little out the back.

You are definitely getting what you pay for. It’s hi-tech and high quality.

There’s little that isn’t controlled by either an electric motor or a micro-chip, meaning getting comfortable and then enjoying your surroundings is an effortless pursuit. Cripes, even the tow bar appears and disappears at the touch of a button.

The control centre is interesting rather than complicated. Finding your way around it is worthwhile because once you get the hang of it it all makes sense.

What do you get: There are two levels of trim available in the Q7 – SE and S Line.

Among the feature highlights are a DAB radio, ten-speaker Audi sound system, electrically operated and heated front seats with four-way lumbar support, cruise control and light and rain sensors.

There is also the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, Audi’s parking system plus with front and rear cameras and sensors, hill descent control and keyless go.

In addition, our test car had an impressive list of options including 20ins ten-spoke star design alloys, all-weather LED headlights, trailer pack, rear side airbags, brushed aluminium inlays and a comfort front centre armrest.

How practical is it: The Q7 has seven seats, but the rear two, while useful, are quite tight in the legroom department. The seat backs, at least, are comfortable, unlike in some other cars of this nature and getting them in place is a doddle as they are powered .

With seats six and seven folded there are 770 litres of space in the boot. Enough to accommodate my road cycle without the need to remove any wheels. Fold all the seats and that increases to 1,955 litres.

On the negative side, the size of the Q7 can also be something of an Achilles heel. It doesn’t matter where you park a part of you will always protrude where perhaps it shouldn’t.

Running costs: YOU’LL need to have deep pockets to buy one and it will be relatively expensive to run, but that won’t come as a surprise to Q7 owners. Audi say it should be possible to get close to 48mpg on the combined cycle. CO2 emissions are 153g/km.

Verdict: POWER, poise and an interior that is close to perfection.

Alternatives: Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5