Audi released all the information on the plug-in diesel-electric version of the Q7.

On paper the Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0TDI Quattro appears to not really use any fuel, thanks to the beauty of the much criticized ECE standard, averaging 1.7lt/100km (138.4 mpg US) and offering up to 56km (34.8 miles) of pure electric range thanks to the combination of a 3.0TDI engine with an electric motor. CO2 emissions are rated at 46gr/km (74g/mile).

The hybrid powertrain produces a combined 373hp and 700Nm (516.3lb ft) of torque, allowing the Q7 e-tron to sprint from zero to 100km/h (0-62mph) in just 6.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 225km/h (140mph). Audi claims a 1400km (870 miles) range, thanks to the big 75 litre (19.8 US gal) fuel tank.

If you are not feeling like putting diesel in the car, you can drive the Audi Q7 e-tron 3.0TDI using just electricity as your fuel in all-electric mode having a total of 126hp peak output and a range of up to 56km (34.8 miles). Audi says that a full charge on an industrial outlet takes less than two-and-half hours.

The standard MMI navigation plus system has been designed to work with the hybrid powertrain, using the navigation data and the real-time traffic info to create an efficient hybrid strategy for the best route to the destination. There is also a predictive efficiency assistant system which generates a detailed image of the route up to three km (1.9 miles) ahead and uses visual signs to suggest releasing the throttle to save fuel while the accelerator pedal pulses against the sole of the driver’s foot at the same time.

The 3.0TDI engine makes 258hp and 600Nm (442.5lb ft) of torque on its own, with the electric motor adding to the mix 126hp and 350Nm (258.1lb ft) of torque. Both of them are paired to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox. The driver can choose between four modes: EV, Hybrid, Battery Charge and Battery Hold.

In order to boost further the efficiency levels, Audi has installed a specially developed thermal management with a heat pump which collects the waste heat from the electrical components and then uses it for heating the interior. The main benefit from the heat pump is that it uses very little energy, especially when compared with a conventional electric heating system, adding more miles to the electric range.

The first models will show up in European dealerships in spring 2016, with a base price in Germany set at 80,500 euros.

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