Audi’s latest Q7, despite being smaller, and a not inconsequential 325kg lighter, than the model it replaces is an imposing beast.

The huge grille that now dominates the front end must force other drivers to gulp nervously when they see it looming large in their rear view mirrors which is why it’s more important than ever to give a warm smile and friendly wave as you pass to show that the poor reputation of Audi drivers is completely unfounded.

The front headlamps, which are typically understated in their design, are accentuated with cleverly styled running lights. The rear lights mirror the shape of those at the front, while the profile is reassuringly familiar. You could interpret that to mean a little uninspiring – it’s a profile that it shares with the smaller Q3 and Q5 after all – and that wouldn’t be too wide of the mark.

Climb inside and, to be honest, you’ll stop caring what the outside looks like. It’s understated luxury done properly. The brushed metal highlights, leather seats and steering wheel and soft door linings combine in subtle ways to create an environment that just begs to be touched, prodded and stroked, although I draw the line at fondling.

Even the soft-touch plastics, where they’re used, feel head and shoulders above anything you’ll find in rivals’ offerings.

The cabin has been, as you have every right to expect in an Audi, beautifully put together. All that luxury would mean nothing if the necessary craftsmanship to screw it together properly was missing but once again the German marque has demonstrated excellent attention to detail.

The cabin is a minimalist’s dream made real. Controls are kept to a minimum and, those that do exist, are beautifully placed to make them both easy to find and easy to operate. What Audi does so well is strike the perfect balance between physical controls and touchscreen (or in this case, trackpad) interface.

The 8.3in screen rises out of the top of the dashboard when you start the engine. To interact with it Audi have provided a clickable trackpad positioned just in front of the gear selector. It’s no different in form or function to one you’d find on a laptop.

It allows you to navigate through the on-screen functions as well as program the sat nav using handwriting recognition. It’s one of the easiest methods for entering information I’ve encountered and it works flawlessly.

The cabin’s real piece de resistance – at least from the driver’s perspective – is the superb virtual cockpit. It replaces the usual dials and gauges with a full-width 12.3in TFT display and it is gorgeous.

In default mode it looks just like any other instrument binnacle – apart from the virtual bit of course – with the usual array of gauges and dials on show. However, press a button on the steering wheel and that all changes.

The dials are minimised to make way for the sat nav display – my favourite use – or any other number of options. Coupled with the excellent colour head-up display it brings all the important information within the driver’s eyeline.

The leather seats (heated of course) are soft, sumptuous and supportive. They, and the steering wheel, have plenty of adjustment so finding the perfect driving position should be easy. It was for me. Oh, and then there’s the wonderful view of the road that’s so typical of big SUVs.

There is lots and lots of space. Middle-row passengers are particularly spoiled with plenty of room for even the tallest people you’re likely to carry. They also slide fore and aft individually.

Drawn the short straw and been forced to use that dreaded middle seat? Fear not. Unless you’re built like Schwarzenegger you shouldn’t lack for shoulder room.

Then again, if you’re built like Schwarzenegger you’ll probably ride shotgun, won’t you.

There’s a third row of seats that are easily deployed thanks to the assistance of electric motors. Press a button and they rise out of the boot floor. As with most occasional seats they are really best left to the children and not only because of their size, but because unless you’re an Olympic gymnast, getting to them might prove, at the very least, undignified.

There’s a full-length panoramic roof among the options – the front half of which opens – which floods the cabin with natural light, adding to the already impressive feeling of space.

Start the engine and you’ll notice that you can’t actually tell that you’ve started the engine. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel fitted to my test car really is as quiet as the proverbial mouse. Possibly quieter.

Pull away, effortlessly, and little changes. It’s only when you need to press on that the noise levels rise, and even then barely beyond a whisper. Refinement proves remarkable whatever speed you’re travelling at and whatever the state of the road beneath your wheels.

There’s a choice of power outputs – either 215 or 268bhp – but even the least powerful unit, which was fitted to my test car, proved more than adequate to haul the two-tonne SUV around with little fuss.

There’s 368lb/ft of torque available from just 1,500rpm to drag the Q7 to 62mph in just 7.3 seconds but it’s the spread of all that grunt that makes it such a unbridled delight on long hauls. Merging with traffic at motorway speeds, or overtaking those annoying motorists travelling at just 68mph, is just breathtakingly effortless.

It’s ably assisted, of course, by the incredibly slick, intelligent and seamless eight-speed automatic box.

Air suspension – a £2,000 option that’s well worth the investment – meant that my test car rode on a carpet of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% other gases which gives the big SUV a forgiving compliance. There’s a degree of float, but not enough to turn you green at the gills.

Audi’s Drive Select is present and correct which allows you to choose from four different modes – Comfort, Dynamic, Auto and Individual – that allows you to tailor the driving experience to your mood. There’s actually little perceptible difference between Comfort and Auto, but Dynamic tightens everything up and gives the Q7 a much sportier personality.

Unfortunately the steering, which is linear and precise, lacks the feel and weight to really encourage throwing the big SUV around which means that you’re better off sticking it in Comfort mode and just enjoying the quiet luxury and immaculate manners.

The Q7 might not be the most rewarding drive but how many people, motoring correspondents aside, really put that characteristic at the top of their wish list? Instead they’re likely to be more concerned about comfort, practicality and efficiency and the Q7 certainly ticks those boxes. It’s also beautifully put together and a technological tour de force.

Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro S line

Price: £50,420

As tested: £61,750

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 diesel

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 215bhp

Max torque: 368lbft

Max speed: 134mph

Acceleration (0-62mph): 7.3sec

Urban: 37.3mpg

Extra urban: 43.6mpg

Combined: 40.6mpg

Emissions (CO2): 150g/km

For more information visit www.audi.co.uk