Audi's long-awaited Q7 SUV will be one of the hero models on display at the Audi Stand during the 2006 Melbourne International Motor Show.

To be launched in Australia in September 2006, Audi's new Q7 is the company's first large, upright SUV model, combining sportiness and versatility with sophisticated technology and effortless luxury.

Two engines will be available at launch, including the company's exceptional V6 3.0 TDI powerplant and a high-performance V8 4.2 FSI petrol engine. A newly-announced 3.6 FSI petrol engine will follow by the end of the year.

Pricing is expected to be around $85,000 to $115,000 for Australian-specification vehicles.

The Q7 was officially released for pre-sale in mid-October 2005 and in just four months, over 20 percent of Audi Australia's 2006 allocation has been pre-sold.

Audi Australia's managing director, Mr Joerg Hofmann, says the potential for Q7 sales in Australia looks extremely positive.

"Since we first unveiled the new Q7 at Sydney Motor Show late last year, it has received much interest from luxury car buyers keen to see Audi's long-awaited SUV," Mr Hofmann said.

"We expect the Q7 to do very well here considering the strong market opportunities that exist here for luxury SUV's. This is also boosted by Audi's ever-growing popularity in Australia. More and more people are choosing the Audi brand over our more traditional luxury competitors," he added.

On the road the Q7 excels with the performance and driving dynamics of a much smaller car, and its off-road capabilities are excellent in its category.

Outwardly, the Q7 makes no secret of its dynamic qualities, whilst under the bonnet it has the technology to match – on any road and in all conditions.

From a design standpoint, the Audi Q7 sets new trends. Characteristic Audi dynamism is reflected in the broad curve of the roof line and the distinctive high body surface in relation to the flat window area. The dynamic sweep of the front section and the powerful rear end with its sharply sloping D-posts fashion a coupé-like silhouette.

Equally typical of the current Audi formal idiom are the shoulder line and dynamic line, which define the side section. The paintwork option of two contrasting body colours creates a particularly striking look.

With a length of 5,086 millimetres and a wheelbase of exactly 3,002 millimetres (width: 1,983 mm / height 1,737 mm), the Q7 takes the lead in the SUV contest.

Occupants will benefit from the comfort of incomparable spaciousness and a new dimension in versatility with no less than 28 seating and loading configurations possible in the Q7. Up to seven occupants can be accommodated in three rows of seats.