With a kerb weight of 1,995kg (for the 3.0 TDI) – 325kg less than the previous model – the new Audi Q7 is the lightest in its class and brings a lightweight, multi-material body and an all-new chassis.

Measuring 5.05 metres long, 1.97 metres wide and 1.74 metres tall with a 2.99-metre wheelbase, the new Q7 is 37mm shorter and 15mm narrower than its predecessor but offers substantially more interior room for passengers and luggage.

Second row seats can be moved forwards and back by up to 110mm, 10mm more than before whilst the model can also be equipped with two individual seats in the third row that are certified as Group 3 child seats.

Boot space for the five-seater is 890 litres and 2,075 litres with the second row seat backs folded down whilst in seven-seater model capacity is 295 litres rising to 770 litres.

A power rear hatch comes as standard and in addition, when combined with the advanced key, Audi also offers gesture control, whereby the tailgate can be opened and closed by a kicking motion under the rear hatch.

In Europe, the range will launch with two Euro 6 compliant V6 engines: a TDI and a TFSI.

The 272PS 3.0 TDI produces 600Nm of torque and delivers the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds with a top speed of 234kph. Average fuel consumption is 5.7l/100km with CO2 emissions of 149g/km.

The 3.0 TFSI produces 333PS and 440Nm, accelerating the Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds and giving a top speed of 250kph. Official combined fuel consumption is 7.7l/100km with 179g/km.

All engines come with a newly developed, eight-speed tiptronic.

Shortly after launch will arrive the Audi Q7 e‑tron quattro, which is the first plug in hybrid from Audi with a diesel engine. This brings 373Ps with 700Nm whilst consuming 1.7l/100km and emitting less than 50g/km. A full battery charge is sufficient for a distance of 56km.

A second variant of the 3.0 TDI with 218PS and 500Nm of torque will follow at a later date and according to Audi will set new standards for efficiency.

Another engine is the 2.0 TFSI with 252PS and 370Nm.It is planned primarily for the Asian markets and the US.

The Audi Q7 also brings the second-generation modular infotainment platform and the Audi virtual cockpit along with the new MMI all‑in‑touch control unit with large touchpad. Other innovations include the expanded services from Audi connect, the Audi tablet for rear seat passengers and the two sound systems with 3D audio. Smartphone integration with Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is also new. The new Audi Q7 is one of the first cars worldwide to offer these functions.

A further highlight is a comprehensive portfolio of new driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assistant.