2015 Geneva Motor Show: Audi Q7 e-tron quattro revealed

Audi has unveiled its first ever diesel plug-in hybrid model in the form of the new Q7 e-tron quattro. Making its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show, the Q7 e-tron quattro combines a frugal TDI engine with lithium-ion battery technology for a potential range of up to 876miles (1,409km).

Besides the massive driving range, the Q7 e-tron can also travel emission-free for over 34miles (54 km) on electric power alone, contributing to an official CO2 figure of less than 50 grams per km.

The Q7 e-tron quattro gets a powerful plug-in hybrid drive system that generates 373bhp of power and 700Nm of torque. Performance, as a result, is quite impressive with zero to 100kmph coming up in 6 seconds.

Like all Audi hybrid models, the Q7 e-tron has also been designed as a parallel hybrid. The 3-litre TDI is the latest-generation V6 diesel engine, delivering 258bhp of power and 600Nm of torque. The disc-shaped electric motor provides an additional 128bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. The TDI engine even features active engine mounts – a world first for a diesel engine – to eliminate unwanted vibrations through selective counter pulses.

Following its public debut at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show, the Q7 e-tron will go on sale in the UK by the end of this year. The Indian market, meanwhile, is expected to get the regular 2015 Q7 in the next few months. Audi India has been rigorously testing this new model, suggesting that the launch is imminent.