Q7 joins X5 and ML

AUDI'S much-touted 4WD contender makes its Australian debut (and its first appearance outside Europe) in Sydney last week – direct from its world premiere in full production trim at the Frankfurt motor show last month.

Still 12 months away from gracing Aussie roads, Audi hopes its first dedicated 4WD will inject valuable sales impetus to its Australian line-up from September 2006.

Officially confirmed from launch are two engines – Audi's 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 TDI and the flagship 4.2-litre FSI petrol V8.

Australia's Q7 – which dwarfs many of its luxury 4WD rivals at 5086mm long, 1983mm wide, 1737mm high and with a 3002mm wheelbase – will seat up to seven occupants and feature no fewer than 28 seating and loading configurations.