An engineering first in Frankfurt where Audi is premiering its first hybrid vehicle powered by an FSI direct-injection petrol engine. The Audi Q7 hybrid concept study is equipped with a 4.2-litre FSI V8 drive unit developing 257 kW (350 bhp) and 440 Newton metres of torque. An electric motor that has also been integrated into the driveline adds up to an extra 200 Nm of torque.

The electric motor draws its energy from a battery system housed beneath the luggage compartment floor at the rear of the vehicle. A voltage transducer that supplies power to the vehicle's electrical system can also be found here. When measured against earlier generations of hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery are veritable lightweights, with the Q7 hybrid only weighing in at 140 kilograms more than the standard-production model.

There are basically three different operating states: either the vehicle is driven by the combustion engine or electric motor alone, or the two power sources unite together to accelerate the vehicle.  The electric motor is capable of propelling the vehicle at speeds of up to 30 km/h and assumes the role of the starter-alternator unit, resulting in a quiet, smooth and extra-quick starting process.