GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Audi releases Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI details
Full-size plug-in hybrid SUV claimed to travel 55km on pure-electric power, averaging just 1.8L/100kmAudi has released full details of its new plug-in hybrid version of the Q7 SUV ahead of its launch at next week’s Geneva motor show.
Called the Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI, the big SUV combines a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 with a 94kW electric motor. In total, the flagship Q7 e-tron generates an impressive 275kW/700Nm – enough to see the hybrid Q7 dash to 100km/h, from rest, in just 6.2 seconds.
Despite the performance on tap, the plug-in hybrid is capable of travelling up to 55km on pure-electric power alone – adequate for most people’s commute, says Audi. and it takes just four hours and 45 minutes to charge the Q7 e-tron's 17.3kWh lithium ion battery from a standard plug socket.
Venture further afield and the Q7 e-tron turns to internal combustion – at an official NEDC rate of 1.8L/100km fuel economy. The German car-maker says the key to the Q7’s real-world efficiency is something it’s calling its Predictive Efficiency Assistant. A new fuel-saving feature cuts diesel consumption by as much as ten per cent by using data from the satnav and live information to alert the driver when to reduce speed to save fuel.
The same system also calculates when’s best to switch the Q7’s eight-speed automatic into its free-wheeling mode.
Another new novel way of boosting efficiency is a special heat pump that draws waste heat from the electric motor. This wasted energy is then used to warm the Q7’s interior, when needed.
Priced in Europe from around $120,000, the range-topping Q7 comes with full LED headlamps, Audi’s virtual cockpit, an infotainment system that works with Apple Car Play or Android Auto and in-car wifi.
What the new Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI does lack is a third row of seats. That’s because Audi packages the lithium ion battery cells in the space where the standard car’s seats fold flat.
The most efficient plug-in hybrid-powered Q7 has already been confirmed for Australia, but precise dates haven’t yet been announced. Expect the Q7 e-tron to arrive in the second half of 2016.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
