Plenty of really exotic Volkswagen group large luxury models use this Q7 60 TFSIe model's 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 PHEV engine, including the Porsche Cayenne, the Porsche Panamera and the Bentley Bentayga. Here, a 335bhp engine is mated to a 94kW electric motor powered by a 17.3kWh lithium-ion battery and there's a combined system output of 455PS and 700Nm of torque. The WLTP-rated all-electric driving range is around 26 miles. Actually, two plug-in TFSIe Q7 variants are offered, your starting point being a 55 TFSIe model with a combined system output of 380PS.
If you're unfamiliar with the TFSIe plug-in hybrid system, there are a few things to get used to. Like many hybrids, this one starts in almost silent electric mode and when it's operating in EV form around town, has a legally obligatory noise emitter to warn passers-by of your approach. On the highway, tyre roar is the most notable thing you will hear, otherwise refinement is exemplary. There's a seamless transition between the petrol engine and the electric motor - just a rapid surge towards the horizon, with 62mph achievable in 5.8s on the way to an artificially limited top speed of 155mph. Audi's drive mode select system has been slightly modified so that the 'efficiency' setting uses minimal fuel, while the 'comfort' mode balances power delivery 50:50 and 'dynamic' leaves the engine on, while instructing electric motor to help out.