OFFICIAL AUDI'S NEW Q7 UNVEILED

REVEALED Big tech advances and a shift upmarket define new SUV

- Ellis Hyde

THE latest evolution of the seven-seat Audi Q7 SUV has arrived, getting in just ahead of the next-generation BMW X5.

It’s the third evolution of Audi’s large SUV, and it’s more spacious, feels more luxurious and features more technological innovations than ever.

The Q7 has been one of Audi's core models since the first seven-seater SUV arrived back in 2005, and the launch of the third generation marks the latest step in the rejuvenation of the brand's SUV lineup.

New versions of the smaller Q3 and Q5 have already landed, the electric Q4 e-tron has been heavily updated (Page 21) and soon we'll be introduced to the Q9 — an even bigger beast designed to go after the mighty Range Rover and will become Audi's luxury flagship.

Audi wanted the new Q7 to be big, bold and commanding, as befits a premium SUV, yet sporty at the same time. Up front, the bonnet is taller and squarer than that of the outgoing Q7, while the redesigned four-ring badge sits higher up and the carefully sculpted, but almost bulging, wheelarches make it look muscular and imposing.

The brand's signature single-frame grille is present, but is now illuminated. It’s backlit, with light shining indirectly on the segments of the honeycomb pattern from behind, which creates a more subtle effect than the glowing light strip that BMW and Mercedes like to add to their cars.

The super-slim customisable daytime running light units, with the pixelated LEDs we've seen on other Audis, have made their way on to the new Q7 as well, while the enormous main headlights are below, flanking the grille and emphasising the car’s width.