Audi has raised the performance bar for diesel off-roaders with a massive new 6.0-litre V12 diesel engine for the Q7.

The performance figures are eyebrow raising, with a claimed 500PS powering the big 4×4 to 62mph in just 5.5seconds.

It arrives in the UK in summer 2008 at a price significantly above the current range-topper’s £48,625 list price.