Audi Q7

It may not be the most handsome premium SUV, but the Q7 looks set for success. Firm ride aside, the driving experience is crisp and well controlled. Both engines are smooth and powerful, too. The cabin isn't quite as clever as the XC90's, yet it is spacious, seats seven and has a superb driving environment. The only question is why it has taken Audi so long to hop on to the SUV bandwagon

Tipping the scales at two-and-a-quarter tonnes, the five-metre-long Audi Q7 is the German firm's first off-roader - and it's already proving a hit with buyers.

Audi has forecast annual sales of up to 5,400, and has already taken 1,327 deposits - not bad considering first deliveries don't start until July. So, what's got buyers this interested? Well, the company claims it is the first car in the class which will appeal to the practically minded family driver and the sporting enthusiast in equal measure.

This means it's aimed not only at seven-seaters such as the Volvo XC90 and Land Rover Discovery, but also at the Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5. The initial engine line-up reflects the Q7's varied brief. There's a choice of units: the 230bhp 3.0 TDI and the 345bhp 4.2-litre FSI V8 petrol. We tried both.

The well mannered diesel is excellent, delivering effortless punch and great driveability - although the claimed combined economy of 26.9mpg disappoints. But the V8 is something special. A detuned version of the RS4 super saloon's motor, it sounds meaty at low speeds and propels the heavyweight 4x4 from 0-60mph in 7.4 seconds.

Moreover, it gives the Q7 real sporting appeal. Make no mistake, this car may be big on the outside, but from behind the wheel it feels much smaller. All UK models have air-suspension and a centre Torsen differential (which sends 60 per cent of torque to the rear in normal conditions), and the adjustable dampers deliver excellent body control and surprisingly nimble handling. The trouble is that, even in comfort mode, the suspension is too firm - although our test cars' huge 20-inch alloys didn't help matters. As a result, ride quality is poor - particularly at low speed, where cats' eyes cause a real disruption.

However, the Q7 is quiet enough on motorways, and there's no denying the cabin is a very luxurious place in which to spend time. Similar in terms of design and layout to the A6 executive car, it's beautifully built and laid out.

There are a couple of bugbears, though. Head clearance is tight when climbing in, and the bulky A-pillars and huge mirrors spoil visibility at junctions. Yet provided you can live with these minor gripes, the Q7 has undoubtedly got the best cockpit in the class, complete with a superb seat and driving position. But even more importantly, this new seven-seat SUV delivers excellent practicality.

Legroom is class-leading in all three rows (although headroom is tight at the back), and the chair mechanism is even simpler than that in the XC90 - if not quite as adaptable, despite there being Isofix mountings on five seats. The rearmost chairs fold flat with a pull on one lever, revealing a giant 775-litre boot. However, you do have to contend with a very high load level.

On the whole, the new Audi is a cleverly thought out, luxurious and extremely well built car - but the looks are an acquired taste and you do have to pay for the privilege. Prices start at £37,330 for the base diesel, with the V8 costing from £47,725. More engines, most likely including a cheaper 2.7-litre TDI, will be available next year.