Electrifying performance

The new year is set for an exciting start with the arrival of the only diesel PHEV SUV on the market, the new Audi Q7 e-tron quattro scheduled for the beginning of the year. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) of Audi’s multi-award winning large, luxury SUV promises to write another chapter in the long and illustrious history of this tremendously successful model. Mating electric power with TDI is unique to the Q7 and the SUV ranks, but it is this very combination that Audi took to the greatest endurance race on earth back in 2012 and rewrote the motorsport history books yet again.

Having become the first manufacturer to take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans with TDI power – and win in 2006 – Audi again completely challenged convention with the R18 e-tron quattro in 2012. A race car that combined a TDI engine with an electric hybrid drive was contrary to all conventional thinking at the time, but not only did the R18 e-tron quattro complete the race on its debut, it won and motorsport was once again changed forever.

Now, that same race-bred technology has been further refined and finds its way into the Audi Q7 e-tron quattor. It's an exciting combination that sees a 3.0-litre TDI engine which produces 190kW and 600Nm of torque, working with an electric motor which develops 94kW and 350Nm for a combined system output of 275kW and a massive 700Nm of torque. This combination makes the Q7 e-tron quattro the most powerful member of the Audi Q7 family after the range-topping SQ7 TDI.

The Q7 e-tron quattro uses an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, seamlessly dispatching the sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 230km/h. 

Performance then, is impressive. But given that the Q7 e-tron returns fuel economy of 1.9L/100km and produces just 49g of CO2 per kilometre, that performance takes on a whole new meaning.

Add to that equation the fact that the Q7 e-tron can travel up to 56km on purely electric power and at speeds of up to 135km/h and this vehicle becomes a game changer. 

The flexibility this combination affords customers is tremendous, with the versatility to drive around in town on purely electric power, but with all of the thrust required from the 3.0 V6 whenever it is needed. 

The electric charge is stored safely in a 17.3kWh lithium-ion battery system neatly secreted away under the rear luggage compartment floor. Charging is a simple process using industrial or household power systems and depending on the industrial power output, the battery can be fully charged in as little as 2.5 hours, while a domestic system will achieve full charge in 10 hours. Customers can also have charging equipment set up at their home or workplace by a dedicated Audi partner that will also provide expert advice and service to ensure ease of use.

The Q7 e-tron quattro will be offered in Australia as a dedicated five-seater, visually similar to its more conventional counterparts, but with subtle design cues for those with a keen eye. The Q7 e-tron quattro rides on 19-inch wheels with badging and trim touches pointing to its e-tron specification, while up front are LED headlights with dynamic indicators. 

Appointment is impressive with Audi’s comprehensive line-up of safety systems, driver assistance technology and ground-breaking infotainment. 

MMI Navigation, with an 8.3-inch high-resolution screen, 3D maps, live traffic info and natural voice recognition for handsfree control is all standard, as is with Audi Connect, which enables a high-speed 4G LTE connection via a regular data SIM card, as well as Google Earth and Google Search functionality. The standard Audi smartphone interface allows connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Needless to say, the full range of outstanding driver assistance systems are all standard in the Q7 e-tron, with the likes of Audi pre-sense city with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and pedestrian detection (up to 85 km/h), Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Traffic Jam assist, Exist warning assist and  active lane assist all standard equipment. 

Add to this Audi’s superbly finished interior, complete with the superb virtual cockpit, Audi drive select and heated front seats and the package goes beyond impressive.

The new Audi Q7 e-tron quattro will join the A3 e-tron already available in Australia as early as January 2018, and is expected to carry a manufacturer list price of $139,900.