This latest version of the Audi SUV range comes with three equipment lines: SE, SE Business and S Line. SE Business prices start at €77,375, which is a lower price than the outgoing model.

It features additional luxury features such as virtual cockpit. S Line additional equipment includes LED headlights with pricing starting at €79,875.

This new car boasts a 325kg reduction in weight, a more fuel-efficient TDi engine, a sophisticated infotainment offering and comes with seven seats as standard.

With Audi’s new ultra engine technology, the Q7 is claimed to be 26% more efficient. The 3.0TDI 218 quattro variant consumes on average just 5.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, or 149 grams of CO2 per kilometre, according to the company.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive technology is now standard across the entire Q7 range. The drive select system claims to enable the driver to alter their operating characteristics across seven driving modes: auto, comfort, efficiency, dynamic, individual, while introducing the new off-road and off-road lift modes.

The second row seats benefit from a tilt-and-fold function, and the two third row seats can be easily stowed away using a powered folding mechanism. With all lowered there is 1,955 litres of storage space.

LED lights including high beam assist are standard on the S line model. Matrix LED’s are available as an option. New 18-inch design alloy wheels are available on the SE, while SE Business and S-line versions upgrade to a 19-inch and 20-inch wheel respectively.

The new Q7 offers a new MMI navigation plus system through an 8.3-inch retractable TFT display on the dash. The system has a new search interface through an intuitive touchpad or voice control for convenience.

Audi’s much virtual cockpit screen is standard on SE Business and S-Line lines. The Audi connect internet module connects the new Q7 to the internet via the 4G or LTE standard (where available), and allows use of a number of tailored internet apps, like Google Earth, Google Street View and Facebook. Passengers can log on to on-board WiFi with download speeds of up to 100Mbps.

Optional equipment includes a 3D sound system with Bose and Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system; and wireless smartphone charging via Audi phone box. Some of these highlights are contained within the new Technology Pack available across all versions.

From May the Q7 will be available to order in two 3.0 engine models: the 3.0TDI 272ps and 3.0 TFSI 333ps. While first deliveries of the cars began last the entry level 3.0TDI 218bhpps models are due in the last quarter of this year.