The planned changes are very minor considering that the Audi Q7 is one of the most competitive big SUVs in the market right now, rivaling the BMW X5 and the next-gen M-Class from Mercedes-Benz.

A new tail lamp LED setup will be in place. Audi will also make available options for LED daytime lights and turn signals.

The 2010 Q7 will also have the latest version of Audi’s MMI, joystick control, 3D navigation map, and Sirius traffic data. The driver or occupant can actually say that they are hungry and the system will lead them to the nearest restaurants.

The Q7 has a history of good ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is also considered one of the safest vehicles in Audi’s fleet with Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

The 3.6L variant has a fuel economy of 14 mpg on city driving and jumps to 20 while cruising the highway. The 4.2L Q7 goes for 13mpg on city streets and 18 mpg on the highway.

The 2010 Q7 rolls out of Audi dealerships this month with sticker price starting at $47,725. The turbodiesel variant goes for at least $51,725. Consumers can get a $1150 tax credit if they buy the Q7 considered as a green vehicle.

Competitors like Lexus leads the pack with the development and soonest to be released RX 450h and BMW following closely with their ActiveHybrid X6.

According to sources, Audi engineers are planning to put a petrol-hybrid under the hood of the Q5. Since the features of the SUV are very similar to the platforms of the A5 and the A4, consumers may eventually get hybrid variants of them. Audi plans to release a Q5 hybrid with a combo of electric and turbocharged diesel powerplant.

Audi designers reveal that the company takes very calculated moves in the development of the hybrid engine for the Q5. They consider the cost effectiveness of the diesel alternative and technology but the math is very different if they compare the figures for a U.S. and European release. The prices of fuel in Europe are higher compared to North America. There is also not much price gap between petrol and diesel in Europe.

They are also considering the acceptance of the market to the hybrid cars. European consumers show a higher inclination to buy hybrid cars and SUVs side by side with American car buyers.