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

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.

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 while a 2.0 TFSI with 252PS and 370Nm is planned primarily for the Asian markets and the US.

The latest model also brings a number of new driver assistance systems and a comprehensive line-up of infotainment options, such as the Audi virtual cockpit.

Prices start at €60,900 for the Q7 3.0 TDI (200 kW) while the 3.0 TFSI is available from €62,900.