Audi Q7 hybrid (February 2008)

Launched: Audi Q7 hybrid

Wheels Magazine
January, 2008

On face value, a hybrid version of the Q7 seems like having a hamburger-with-the-lot and a large chips for lunch - then finishing it off with a diet Coke. Heavy in fat, but with a largely-symbolic concession to a healthier future.

Audi, of course, is committed to vehicles that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, as evidenced by the lightweight (but expensive) A2 super-mini. The Q7 hybrid is at the opposite end of the spectrum: a big bugger from day one, now re-engineered using electricity to reduce its consumption of fossil fuels.

The technology is shared with Volkswagen and Porsche, meaning the parallel hybrid hardware fits neatly into the Q7's existing longitudinal powertrain. The 55mm-long electric motor fits in between the V6 engine and the torque converter. It generates a hefty 34kW/285Nm, which, when mated to the 3.6-litre FSI petrol engine's 206kW/375Nm, brings a fairly spectacular combined output.

Enough, in fact, to propel the Q7 hybrid to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds, 0.9 quicker than the standard 3.6 FSI. In sixth gear, it will accelerate from 60 to 120km/h in 15.0 seconds, the petrol version managing only 21.4.

The fuel savings come from the electric motor's ability to take over propulsion at cruising speeds, the stop-start function left for the V6 in heavy traffic. And there's also an electrically-driven compressor for the air conditioning, and electro-hydraulic power steering. The result is a combined fuel consumption of 9.9 litres/100km (12.7 for the regular V6) and a CO2 output of 231g/km (instead of 304). While it's clearly not a Prius, the 2480kg Q7 hybrid is Audi's alternative to the Lexus RX400h for green-boasting rights.

It's not due for release until mid-2008, but Audi still gave us the use of a prototype outside its HQ at Ingolstadt.

The first impression is underwhelming: turn the key and the dashboard lights-up, but no engine start. Indeed, it remains inactive until the vehicle reaches 40km/h on electric power. When the V6 cuts in there's barely a jerk, the tacho pops into life and the console shows the battery charging. Cruise at a constant speed, and the engine dies again and electricity takes over at speeds up to 120km/h.

On full throttle - or volts ­- there's biblical acceleration as 2.5 tonnes of German steel lifts its skirts and flies. It is then that this hybrid really impresses. This one is about performance as much as it's about saving the planet.

There's a good chance it will come to Australia. But at an estimated $13,000 premium over a standard 3.6 Q7, don't expect much change out of 100 grand. Just think of all the good you'll be doing...

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