Audi's first ever luxury off-roader makes its debut at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show this month. The new contender in a burgeoning market segment is to be called the Q7, presumably fitting in between the A6 and the A8 in the Audi range.

At launch, the Q7 will have a choice of either a direct-injection 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine (with 350bhp and maximum torque of 325lb.ft) or the excellent 3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine used elsewhere in the Audi range, churning out 233bhp and a stonking 369lb.ft of torque. The only gearbox available to start with is a six-speed automatic, though it is expected that the Direct Shift Gearbox will make its way onto future even higher performance versions.

UK prices have yet to be announced, but taking into consideration the ample proportions of the Q7 and the high-end powerplants, the new Audi is likely to count such cars as the Volvo XC90, BMW X5, VW Touareg and Range Rover as likely rivals. Audi claims that the Q7 is the most spacious car in its class, though presumably that class doesn't include the oversized SUVs common throughout the US. The Q7 is actually a proper 7-seater, with both rows of rear seats folding flat to create a load space of over 2,000 litres.

As you'd expect, the Q7 is fitted with the latest version of Audi's renowned Quattro four-wheel drive system. In this application the Torsen centre differential sends 60% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, said to give the large SUV more sporting handling. Audi is making big claims for the Q7, stating that it will be sporty to drive on the road, at the same time as being a capable off-roader and a comfortable cruiser. Those talents usually don't go together. We'll see for ourselves when we get our hands on a test car later in 2006. UK customers can place orders in Spring, with deliveries in the summer.

Shane O' Donoghue - 7 Sep 2005