IN ITS first generation, Audi's Q7 large SUV stuck around for a whopping nine years, but with unfaltering global and Australian sales, the German car-maker was reluctant to introduce a replacement while the original was attracting so much attention.

But after nearly a decade and several updates, the next all-new Q7 high-rider is imminent and will touch down next month with grand plans to almost double the uptake of its predecessor.

For the 2015 version, Audi has made significant changes including a more powerful but freakishly frugal diesel engine, a dramatic weight-loss program and segment-first driver assistance technology, it says.

With strong competition from the likes of BMW's X5, the recently renamed Mercedes GLE and even Volvo's popular XC90, the Audi offering has a fight on its hands.

We got behind the wheel of the new Q7 for a sneak preview ahead of its official arrival and local launch, over a mile-munching 1000km road trip.



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