DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: Q7 e-tron on the wanted list

The e-tron plug-in diesel-electric hybrid version of the second generation Audi Q7 full-size SUV revealed at the Detroit motor show this week is high on the wish list for the German luxury brand's Australian subsidiary.

The first variants in the new Q7 range are scheduled to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2015, but if the e-tron gets the go ahead don't expect to see it until 2016.

Audi Australia has also confirmed to motoring.com.au you can expect prices rises for the new BMW X5 rival compared to today's run-out positioning.

The first diesel quattro to be unveiled under the e-tron program, the Q7 combines a 3.0-litre TDI V6 with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission to produce a combined 275kW and 700Nm.

Audi claims the Q7 e-tron quattro can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds, run only on electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery pack for 56km and achieve an NEDC fuel consumption average of just 1.7L/100km, which equates to CO2 emissions of only 50 g/km.

The details of the Q7 e-tron and the initial orthodox powertrain 3.0-litre TDI and TFSI V6 offerings in the Q7 lineup were revealed back in mid-December, although the substantially smaller and lighter vehicle did not appear in the metal until Detroit.

Apart from the details of the mechanical package, Audi also unveiled a slew of new technology, infotainment and communication options for the Q7 prior to Detroit.

The Q7 is the second e-tron production model to be announced, following on from the A3 Sportback that goes on-sale in Australia early in 2015.

"We are very interested in the Q7 e-tron," confirmed Audi Australia corporate communications general manager Anna Burgdorf. "E-tron technology is at the forefront of the future of motoring for Audi, as we have announced every product line will eventually include an e-tron model.

"We are sure a diesel e-tron will have strong interest in Australia. We are already encouraged by the interest being shown in the A3 e-tron.

"Combining a diesel V6 with an electric motor is very appealing in the Q7, in part because of the fuel economy advantages it can offer in an urban environment."

Other potential powertrain options for the Q7 include 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder and a detuned 3.0-litre turbo-diesel 'Ultra' 3.0 V6. The latter, in particular, seems to have little chance of making it to Australia.

"Petrol, diesel, e-tron. Everything is on the possibles list," the Audi spokesperson said. "But we are more interested in e-tron than the [lower power] diesel."

Burgdorf told motoring.com.au the dramatic mechanical overhaul of the Q7 allied with a significant ramp-up in technology would mean a price rise for the new generation.

There are currently three Q7s sold in Australia – the $90,500 3.0 TDI, the $95,700 3.0 TFSI and the $130,300 4.2 TDI V8.

"You can expect an adjustment considering the current Q7 is at the end of its life and in run-out," said Burgdorf. "The new Q7 has a significant amount of new equipment and technology.

"The pricing midpoint is likely to be around $110,000."

 While she said it was too early be specific, Burgdorf confirmed Audi Australia's plan would be to offer each Q7 model highly specified. The current policy of fitting seven seats standard and making five seats available as a no cost option is expected to continue.

Audi has sold 10,894 examples of the Q7 since it launched here in September 2006, making Australia a top 10 global market for the model. Virtually all of them have been TDIs.

The Q7 also signalled the start of Audi's highly successful SUV expansion, which now also includes the Q5 and Q3 and will soon expand with the Q1. A Q8 is also tipped.

Full coverage of Detroit motor show at motoring.com.au

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