Audi finally joins the big plug-in SUV market with its Q7 e-tron 3.0 TDI quattro today. The model is being launched in Germany and will compete against the BMW X5 xDrive40e, Volvo XC90 T8, and Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. Priced from €80,500 and fitted with a diesel engine, Audi's contender stands a good chance.
While the e-tron model looks virtually the same to the uninitiated, it's actually got a different front grille and some aero-styled wheels. However, the real headline grabbers are the specs.
At the heart of the SUV is the same 3-liter diesel engine you find in the regular Q7. However, the specs are a little different, as it puts out 258 HP (190 kW). Between it and the 8-speed automatic gearbox stands an electric motor that provides an additional 94 kW.
As is usually the case with hybrids, 1+1 doesn't equal 2. There are several driving modes to choose from, so the output varies. However, when the TDI and electric motor give their all, you can expect a combined output of 373 HP (275 kW) and 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) being sent to all four wheels for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 6 seconds.
When you're extra-careful and engage the Eco mode, Audi says you can expect 1.7 l/100km (138.4 mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 46 grams. Like every other plug-in SUV, the Q7 e-tron has a big battery that gives it an EV range of up to 56 kilometers (35 miles) of fully electric driving.
In theory, it's superior to most of its competitors because the XC90 T8 from Volvo, which uses a petrol hybrid setup, emits 64 grams per kilometer and, of course, the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid puts out 79 grams per km courtesy of its big supercharged V6.
The Q7 e-tron is undoubtedly an expensive car, but it comes standard with LED headlights and the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit system. Its Swedish rival, the XC90 T8, stickers from €76,160 in Germany, so there are cheaper plug-ins around.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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