AUDI finally commits itself to the SUV market with its massive new Q7. Those who have been looking at the A6-based Allroad for years will finally understand why the German company has been such a latecomer to a segment where practically everybody else is extraordinarily busy. The Q7 is, in some ways, a new interpretation of luxury SUVs where sheer bulk is disguised by sleek, relatively low-slung lines in a way no others have yet managed. With the size comes an expansive interior with van-like dimensions and the possibility of optioning-up to a third-row seat. Three engines are available and none are slouches: a 171kW 3.6-litre direct-injection V6, a 500Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 and a 250kW petrol V8. Being an Audi means there’s no slacking on technology, with air suspension standard on the V8 and optional on the V6s, full-time 4WD and a host of electronic safety items including a standard rear-view camera. But watch the options box carefully.