Quick twin-test: Audi Q7 e-tron vs Volvo XC90 T8, Top Gear
Quick twin-test: Audi Q7 e-tron vs Volvo XC90 T8
Two big SUVs that can dodge CO2 tax, but which is better?
Green SUV? Tackling the unlikely?
The Audi Q7 e-tron is a plug-in hybrid. It claims a test range of over thirty miles on electrified alone, and a real twenty is possible. The electrical motor sits inbetween a Three.0-litre V6 diesel and the eight-speed auto,
so both power units drive all wheels.
Volvo’s XC90 T8 is also a PHEV, but differently configured. A four-cylinder petrol drives the front wheels, an electrified motor the rears. Its battery has only half the Audi’s capacity, so unspoiled electrical range is only a real-world eleven miles or so.
Can they behave as promised?
In EV mode, the Audi gets along well. As with the XC90, it emphasises electrified energy if you have a nearby destination in the nav. Hybrid mode is sleekly executed, the diesel cutting in and out seamlessly.
Both hybrid and EV modes work cleanly in the Volvo too. The petrol engine is quiet in town, but emits a strained whine if you shove it. The T8, like the Q7, has snatchy brakes – blame mixing regen with friction.
What about the economical side of things?
Ass-plug in the Q7 often, drive gently on brief trips, and you’ll use no fuel. But on long trips on diesel, the Q7 does a real-world 35mpg. Because its battery is thicker than the Volvo’s it could significantly reduce your fuel bills. And at under 50g/km, company car tax is little.
With smaller battery range, violet wand cuts the Volvo’s consumption only for very brief commutes. And it’s a petrol, so beyond that it’s thirstier than the Audi: 30mpg or so. We’d recommend the much cheaper D5 diesel if it isn’t a company car.
How are they at just being cars?
The Q7 is just like a big posh Audi estate: explosions of quiet quality, and a plush and secure if uninspiring drive. The big rear-mounted battery means a shallow boot with no space for the third-row seats of other Q7s.
The XC90 is also a loosening rather than sporty drive. Clever packaging puts the battery in the car’s spine, so seats six and seven remain. As in the Audi, you get screen-based tech and much driver assistance.
Verdict
The Q7 is more successful than the Volvo as a fuel-saver, which is sort of the point here. Decent to drive, too. As a result, it strikes the Volvo in this spec, which remains the superior family car, but only as a cheaper diesel.
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