The Q7 (internally designated Typ 4L) uses a modified version of the Volkswagen Group PL71 platform. Based on the Audi Pikes Peak quattro concept car, the Q7 is designed more for on-road use and is not intended for serious off-road usage, where a transfer case is required. In an off-road test through the Australian outback, it was good for a "soft terrain," but in a test published in the Sunday Times it was described as "an absolutely useless off-roader." Although he lacks only a short range transfer case, it has quattro all-wheel drive with a central differential lock, and a height-adjustable air suspension which helps in the off-road situations.
Audi is reportedly going to a hybrid version of the Q7 imagine sometime in the future. However, low dollar causes for future Audi Q7 hybrid to the U.S. market any more, but said it would be available in limited quantities for the commercial market. Audi's chief research and development, Michael Dick, would be announced later Q7 hybrid can be produced in limited numbers for testing purposes, and that the development would be working on an advanced lithium-ion battery with a focus on hybrid system for the Q5 .
