Audi Q7 V12

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Audi's juiced-up luxury off-roader, packed full of monstrous pulling power, is out to make a statement, writes TOBY HAGON.

The price alone should give you a clue that this Audi Q7 is no ordinary luxury four-wheel-drive.

Selling from $254,900 (plus thousands more in on-road and dealer costs), the latest addition to Audi's off-road family is double the price of the already luxuriously appointed V8 model and triple that of the Q7's entry-level V6.

Some extra equipment, such as a brilliant Bang & Olufsen sound system and snazzy carbon fibre inlays, helps justify the price but the premium is predominantly because of the engine.

Shoehorned under the bulbous snout is one of the largest motors in the business: a 6.0-litre V12 with a pair of turbos thrown in for good measure.

Plus, it runs on diesel, which should dispel any myths that diesels are just truck engines.

Unsurprisingly, the Q7 V12 is not short on power. Its 368kW is the same as that produced by Porsche's fastest road car, the 911 Turbo. And it's more than the soon-to-be-replaced Ferrari F430.

Torque, which is the pulling power that gives you that shove in the back and makes towing so easy, is a hefty 1000Nm — roughly double that of an average high-performance V8 engine.

Needless to say, the Q7 V12 is more sprightly than its 2.6-tonne heft might suggest. Even a gentle squeeze of the throttle has the seven-seat off-roader reacting with thoroughbred enthusiasm. Push harder and there's an unending surge that delivers the sort of forceful forward thrust usually reserved for far more desirable sports cars.

But that's part of the appeal of the Q7 V12. It's the sort of car that makes you ask questions. Who wants a car that accelerates like a Porsche but looks like a four-wheel-drive? Why would you splash out the price of a holiday house on something that looks more outback than race car?

In some ways the questions answer themselves — because you can.

Plus, it's seriously quick, accelerating to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.

More impressive is how effortless it feels. The low-revving nature of diesels is amplified thanks to the enormous urge of the V12. Even at a lazy 1300rpm the Q7 storms up hills and builds speed with the sort of acceleration that forces you to keep a close eye on the speedo.

With that sort of performance and the ability to carry seven people, it's a minor miracle the V12 uses a claimed 11.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres, less than many mid-size petrol off-roaders.

On the road, the Q7's massive 21-inch tyres combine with stiffer air suspension to deliver a firm ride. The V12 is handy over speed humps but you'll feel the road joins and potholes.

Still, it does a decent job of resisting lean through corners, a trait of high-riding off-roaders. Weighty steering and confident manners combine with decent grip to make the Q7 a surprisingly capable vehicle, although there's still a nervousness that seems to be de rigueur in go-fast off-roaders.

It's the sort of car that doesn't really make sense. There's no spare tyre, which reduces its usefulness off-road, and there are sports cars that are quicker and more fun to drive. But the Q7 is about making a statement and having something that will be rarer than most supercars.

And the best bit? For the unwary, they'll never know you're driving something different. Other than two unique colours, a slick set of alloy wheels, massive carbon ceramic brakes and wheel arch flares and V12 badging, it looks almost identical to any other Q7