I AM what is euphemistically known as a ‘tall lad' so, despite the fact many small cars are Tardis-like these days, I prefer a big car.

At 5,063mm long, 1,970mm wide and 1,741mm high, with a 2,995mm wheelbase, the Audi Q7 is definitely a big car. It's also - for a large SUV - quite good-looking and very likeable.

Seven seats, adaptive air suspension and Matrix LED headlights are among the headline standard features for all models in the UK line-up, which is equipped to either Sport, S line, Black Edition or top tier Vorsprung specs. There's also a barnstorming SQ7 version.

In S line models and above a blade in the front bumper, accentuated underbody protection at the rear and a full paint finish create an even more striking look in conjunction with alloy wheels, measuring 22 inches in the Vorsprung trim.

The cockpit architecture harmonises perfectly with the new, digital operating concept, which incorporates two large touchscreens.

Equipment in the Vorsprung version takes luxury and convenience to the next level. Powered soft-close doors set the tone for the exceptional comfort and luxury within.

Occupants are treated to ultra-supportive front super sport seats with diamond-stitched Valcona leather upholstery, four-zone climate control and massage function, plus an extended leather pack taking in the door pull handles, armrests and lower door trim, the front centre console trim and the underside of the instrument panel.

Seat heating is also expanded to the second row, and attention is even lavished on the roof, which gains a soft-touch Alcantara headlining. The 3D BOSE surround sound system is also installed to fill the interior with virtually cinematic sound quality.

To complement the now fully digitised instrumentation, the MMI navigation plus - again standard across the range - delivers top-of-the-line connectivity by incorporating LTE Advanced, a Wi-Fi hotspot, voice control and the extensive Audi connect portfolio, opening up everything from online traffic information and navigation with Google Earth to hybrid radio. Amazon Alexa is also integrated into the MMI operating system.

There's a spacious, airy feel inside, with more leg and headroom than before in every one of the seven seats.

The third row is designed primarily for children, but smaller adults can squeeze in there for shorter journeys, so long as the second row slides to its forwardmost position. To make access to the third row easier, the second row seats fold and tip forwards.

When you don't need the third row, simply push a button on the inside of the boot and these seats fold flush into the load floor.

Depending on the position of the rear seat backs the luggage compartment on the seven-seater version offers between 865 and 2,050 litres of capacity - the latter with a flat load area. An electric tailgate is standard.

The standard engine line-up consists of two diesels, one petrol and a plug-in hybrid so all tastes are catered for. The internal combustion engines are mild-hybrid 3.0-litre V6 units coupled to an eight-speed automatic geabox and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

The 3.0-litre V6 petrol Vorsprung model officially manages 25.7mpg. Over nearly 550 miles, I achieved bang on 26mpg.

And, pleasingly, despite its size, the Q7 is great to drive too, blending a plush ride with sure-footed grip, traction and body control.

The Vorsprung trim also includes all-wheel-steering as standard which allows the car to turn into corners quicker and be more manoeuvrable at parking speeds.

Adaptive air suspension is also standard across the range, making motorway trips supremely comfortable and poised.

The system also provides variable ground clearance and better prepares the Q7 with its quattro drive for terrain off the beaten track. The relevant offroad mode can be selected via the standard Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

In normal operation it splits the torque 40:60 front to rear, but can send up to 85 per cent of the torque to the rear axle if required.

Vorsprung models are also fitted with an extensive suite of automated driver assistance systems including side assist, lane assist, cross traffic assist rear and turn assist to camera-based traffic sign recognition.