When it comes to carbon footprints these days, hundredths matter. However, it goes without saying that, even with a drive system as sophisticated as that of the Q7 e-tron, a major efficiency factor is the driver’s right foot. Nevertheless, the extensive package of assistants does its absolute utmost to help. The ACC adaptive cruise control, for instance, even has a predictive function. Driving speed is calculated based on route data. The Q7 knows the course of the road and the radius of the bends from the map, while the camera “reads” traffic and town signage with a high degree of precision. All the driver has to do is steer. “I don’t think I’ve ever had such a relaxed drive,” smiles Fässler as he tests this function, before switching back into “manual” mode. At the end of the day, he wants to feel the full performance of the Q7, with its sophisticated running gear.
And how does the efficiency assistant calculate if no navigation destination has been entered, meaning it doesn’t know the planned route? “Then is restricts itself to the next three or four kilometers along the road,” says Seyberth. “Strategic energy planning isn’t possible in this situation, but good recommendations for the next gliding and recuperation phases can certainly be made over that distance, based on upcoming gradients.”
After almost one-and-a-half hours, we are approaching the endpoint of our tour. The Q7 e-tron is driving on battery power alone, yet still manages to keep pace with the sometimes extremely hectic traffic on the outskirts of Madrid. “You’re more attentive driving this than a conventional car,” observes the Le Mans winner. The power display in the fully digital virtual cockpit, the energy-flow readouts in the MMI display and the active drive pedal are, of course, supplying new and additional information. And the efficiency recommendations are most effective when the person at the wheel actually follows them. “Customers will make a conscious decision to buy the e-tron,” says Seyberth with conviction, continuing, “And they will be equally conscientious when they use it.”
The record for this little morning trip shows how excellently the Q7 e-tron functions in practice. Philipp Seyberth had installed a data logger from his development stores to track precisely all 95.9 kilometers. Marcel Fässler drove on battery power alone for two thirds of the way, give-or-take exactly 66 kilometers. During that time, the battery was not charged by the TDI, with the high range ultimately achieved through the recuperation phases alone. And the consumption of the TDI, factored up to 100 kilometers, stands at just 3.9 liters. This is a fantastic – and absolutely realistic – figure for an SUV of this performance class with permanent all-wheel drive. “Of course it is. I stuck to the efficiency assistant’s recommendations,” says Fässler with a smile. “Most of the time, at least.”