Batteries included

Audi is stepping up its provision of electric cars with a dual-power version of its Q7 SUV, but can it offer any worthwhile advantages over the regular model? Matt Joy found out.

The secondgeneration Q7 hasn’t even reached its first birthday, but there’s a new version just around the corner. Lighter, stiffer and packed with more technology than ever, the new Q7 is exactly the kind of car that big Audi buyers are looking for. But this e-tron version is something altogether different. Mixing diesel power with electric motors, the Q7 e-tron is a plug-in hybrid promising exceptional fuel consumption and emissions alongside similar performance, similar pricing and barely diminished practicality.

Looks and image

To look at there’s nothing to distinguish the electric Q7 from its combustion-only counterpart. If you’re really paying attention you may notice the additional filler flap, but the e-tron is as chunky and prestigious as the standard car. It’s a matter of taste of course but the Q7 has plenty of presence.

Space and practicality

The Q7 e-tron is a sizeable car but in e-tron guise there are a couple of compromises.

The substantial battery pack sits in the boot where the third row of seats would normally sits, so the Q7 e-tron is a fiveseater only, although you still get the flexibility of individual chairs in the second row that slide and fold.

The boot space is also reduced as a result but there’s still a sizeable 650 litres on offer.

The cabin is as spacious and comfortable.

Behind the wheel

Defaulting to electric mode on start-up, acceleration is smooth, near-silent and usefully brisk considering its size.

There are four operation modes to choose from; EV, hybrid, battery save where the charge stays unused until you request it and battery charge, where the engine will charge the battery whilst you drive.

So far it’s as with most other plug-in hybrids, but the Q7 has another trick up its sleeve. You can leave it in hybrid and it will engage the battery, the diesel engine or both depending on how you drive but if you use the sat nav Predictive Assistant will determine what combination to use based on the road – and traffic – ahead.

Value for money

On the one hand the Q7 in e-tron form is significantly more expensive than a comparable diesel model, but that extra outlay brings with it a number of significant advantages.

As well as being obviously cleaner and greener than a standard diesel it qualifies for the government’s £5,000 grant.

Not everyone needs so much space and comfort of course and there are smaller plug-in hybrids and conventional electric cars that can be as frugal.

However, no rival can offer the same combination of comfort, space, luxury and economy all at the same time.