Audi Q7 e-tron quattro: Large SUV pumps up the tech quotient with a clever plug-in hybrid powertrain

摘要

This plug-in hybrid version of Audi's Q7 is based on the 3.0 TDI quattro model, which uses a V6 diesel engine to drive all four wheels. The hybrid conversion includes a new version of Audi's eight-speed automatic transmission, into which is sandwiched a fairly punchy 258lb ft electric motor, whose battery pack is mounted above the independent rear suspension. The Q7 e-tron also gets a clever heat pump system that helps to warm the interior using waste heat from the electronics. This significantly reduces the drain on the battery pack and extends the car's electric range, which is claimed to be 34 miles. This car also gets Audi's Virtual Cockpit, a digital instrument cluster that is configurable to show different screens and graphic displays.