The Q7: Audi’s big SUV goes from tosspot to tip-top

New high-end motor just better than the old. At everything

Geared up

As well as Quattro four-wheel drive, the Q7 also has hill hold and hill descent control bundled into the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. As is usual at this sort of the price point (the Q7 is a 50k-plus machine), there are more driving modes than you can shake a stick at, including five “adaptive dynamics” modes and flappy-paddle gear change.

It’s all a bit unnecessary if you ask me. Just leave the thing in auto and let it get on with the job in hand.

Ride options by the bucket-load and an eight-speed AWD drivetrain. Best let the system run things and keep your focus on the road

If you want to leave the tarmac it’s worth coughing up for the optional air-suspension system which can increase the ground clearance by 25mm in all-road mode and 60mm in off-road mode. The air suspension is actually worth having even if you never intend driving off road; it makes for an even more impressively smooth and stable ride than the steel sprung version.

As well as the usual raft of driver aids, two new systems caught my attention though again the press day didn't afford an opportunity to put them through their paces.

One is called Traffic Jam Assistant, which, at speeds below 37mph, uses the adaptive cruise control and a camera to keep the car in lane and at a fixed space behind the vehicle ahead. In effect, the car takes over steering, braking and accelerating duties.

Despite being a smidge shorter and narrower the new Q7 is much bigger on the inside. Wie sagt man Tardis auf Deutsch?

The other is Predictive Efficiency Assist, which basically lets the car free-wheel on the open road if it thinks circumstances like the speed limit or gradient make this a Good Idea. Apparently, this can improve fuel efficiency by up to 10 per cent. As I said, finding out how well these self driving car-esque features work will have to wait until Audi gives us a Q7 for a more thorough examination.

Other observations? Well, the V6 diesel is one of the smoothest and quietest I've ever driven. Also, interior space is extremely generous when you consider the new model is both shorter and narrower than the old model, and the head-up display is unusually clear and easy on the eye.

Electronically-activated tow hooks are sure to go down a storm at swingers parties

If none of this fires your imagination, drop into an Audi dealer and ask them to show you the electrically operated tow hook (incidentally the new Q7 can pull 3,500kg which isn't too shabby). It extends from under the rear bumper in a manner that looks slightly pornographic.

The Reg Verdict

This is not a defence of the basic idea behind a fifty grand SUV but there’s no doubt the new Q7 is a massive step forward from the previous model. Faster, lighter, more agile, more spacious, prettier, slipperier, packed full of techno-wizardry: in every conceivable area the new car is a big, big improvement. The Q7 has gone from a car that if somebody gave me I’d immediately sell, to one I’d actually want to keep. ®