Review: Audi Q7 Plug-in Hybrid
Audi Q7 Review
The Q7 has held a place at the top of Audi’s range of SUVs for quite some time now. Encapsulating everything people want from a large and comfortable high-riding model, the Q7 has gone down a treat with all types of buyers thanks to its versatility and spaciousness.
Now, Audi is aiming to boost its efficiency credentials with a plug-in hybrid version which aims to deliver lower-than-usual running costs without doing away with the usual refinement that you’d expect from a Q7. Let’s see what it has to offer.
What’s new?
The current generation of Q7 has actually been on sale for a little while now but, thanks to its design, it still looks as fresh as the day it was first revealed. This plug-in hybrid version does add some futuristic appeal to the Q7 through electrification, while the promise of fuel bills will no doubt prove appealing to most drivers.
The only downside to this version is practicality. Because of the batteries, this Q7 ditches its rearmost row of seats and becomes a five-seater instead, while the boot drops in capacity - though it still measures in at a respectable 650 litres. That’s down on the 770 litres you’d find in the ‘regular’ Q7.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Q7 plug-in hybrid - or TFSI e, in Audi speak - combines a rather traditional 3.0-litre V6 petrol which flies in the face of smaller-capacity engines used by many of this car’s rivals. The XC90 plug-in hybrid, for example, has a 2.0-litre four-cylinder to fall back on when the batteries are depleted.
Combined with an electric motor and batteries, the setup delivers 376bhp and 600Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 149mph. Plus, the 34 miles of electric-only range that Audi claims can be used at speeds of up to 83mph, so you’re not just limited to local roads when it comes to battery-only motoring.
What’s it like to drive?
The standard Q7 is refined, quiet and comfortable, so it’s pleasant to find that the plug-in hybrid setup in this version leaves that unaltered. In fact, the ability to run on electric-only power only elevates the quiet of the Q7, leaving you to waft around in pleasantly relaxed silence. The ride is a fraction sharper in this electrified version, but this SUV still deals well with potholes and road imperfections, while at motorway speeds it remains impressively settled.
And when the electric power is fully depleted, the V6 is more than powerful enough in its own right to fall back on. While this car - like all plug-in hybrids - is at its best when fully charged, the V6 engine means that if you do need to drive on engine-only power it remains an upmarket experience.
How does it look?
Audi hasn’t messed with the Q7’s design for this plug-in hybrid version, with only a small badge at the rear - and the charging flap on the left-hand-side - differentiating this from regular versions. It’s all very well executed and pleasant to look at, mind you, and the Q7’s relatively timeless design means that it still looks fresh today.
Would it be nicer to have a few more PHEV-specific touches? Perhaps. But for those drivers who don’t like a car to shout about its electrified powertrain, then this understated design will no doubt fit the bill.
What’s it like inside?
As we’ve touched on, you’ll not find this plug-in hybrid version of the Q7 to be quite as useful space-wise as its diesel or petrol-powered stablemates, but it’s still a very large and usable car. Though the lack of seven seats might put some people off, the five chairs in this PHEV all deliver loads of space with those in the rear treated to loads of headroom and legroom. There are three ISOFIX points, too, which is handy for those wanting to mount three individual child seats.
The quality is excellent throughout, too, with plenty of good materials used across the cabin. Of course, this is a big car, but visibility isn’t too bad with plenty of glass working to both give you a great eyeline out and also bring a lot more light into the interior.
What’s the spec like?
The Q7, regardless of trim, gets plenty of equipment. It’s a big versatile car, after all, and you are getting a lot of metal for the money but in terms of features, Audi includes its excellent dual-screen MMI infotainment setup which is both intuitive and responsive while incorporating all of the touches you need such as smartphone connectivity, satellite navigation and media.
But what shines through with the Q7 is the level of robustness that you expect to find at this area of the segment. It all feels wonderfully well put together and, as a result, you can see why it has proven so popular with families.
Verdict
You’ll need to think long and hard about what you need from your next car when deciding on the Q7 plug-in hybrid. If, for instance, you’re frequently transporting big groups of people and do longer motorway journeys, then we’d still be opting for the seven-seater which, in diesel form, offers loads of versatility and low running costs when you’re travelling bigger distances.
However, if that outright passenger capacity isn’t quite as important - and if you’re more often doing shorter, local trips - then this PHEV version will more than likely fit the bill.
