Plug-in hybrid technology has given the Audi Q7 the potential of very low running costs – further adding to this luxurious SUV’s appeal.

Audi has been getting increasingly serious about electric power – and the Q7 TFSI e can be driven for over 25 miles purely on electric power.

But the petrol-electric system doesn’t only enhance economy, it boosts performance too.

With the benefit of immediate low-down torque from the electric motor, this large SUV is surprisingly responsive and quick off the mark.

You can glide to a decent pace on electric power alone if you’re delicate with the accelerator, but there’s a 3-litre V6 engine just waiting to burst into life for those who want to give it .more thrape.

With the V6 turbo and the electric motor working in tandem, you’re looking at a combined 375bhp, 500Nm of torque and a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds – not bad for a specious family wagon that also returns official economy figures of 85.6mpg and 74g/km.

In real world driving conditions, fuel economy was between 40 and 50mpg - still an eye-catching return for a car weighing nearly 2.5 tonnes.

Even more impressive is the fact the transition from electric to petrol power is done with a smoothness and refinement that means you barely notice the transition.

There are two PHEV power variations for the Q7 hybrid, badged 55 and 60 TFSIe, with the former tested here.

Unlike the diesel unit found in the pre-facelift Q7 e-Tron, both of the new PHEV options use a petrol engine and a 94kW electric motor powered by a 17.3kWh battery.

Due to the vehicle’s bulk, the battery in the Q7 is larger than that found in other Audi hybrids, with its location under the boot floor effectively removing the possibility of having a hybrid seven-seater.

However, from my perspective, the Q7 actually seemed to work better as a car with five spacious seats rather than trying to fit in another row.

In terms of handling, its nimbleness and agility defied its size, with the vehicle behaving much more like a smaller car when cornering.

An eight-speed auto generally handles the power well but occasionally feels a little jerky, while the ever-impressive quattro system sends the power to all four wheels, giving a sure-footed poise through corners.

The sophisticated suspension has five settings to maximise comfort and responsiveness

Having used the Q7 a few times on the school run, I found it pretty pleasant to live with on a practical level.

The space, comfort and refinement inside the vehicle just make life a whole lot easier, not least on colder mornings when the climate control and heated seats quickly take effect.

Meanwhile, a range of driver assistance features help you out if you get into a tight spot on busy village streets, offering an early warning alert if the car thinks you’re about to misjudge a gap.

The front seats are comfortable, with a good range of adjustment and a commanding view of the road ahead.

Getting into the back seats is easy, with wide opening doors giving access to a huge amount of space for three to stretch out.

Audi’s impressive Virtual Cockpit puts all the key info about the car right infront of your eyes.

However, it’s been tweaked on the hybrid version to include a power meter that shows you when you’re using electric or petrol power.

The best time to be in the Audi’s cabin is at night, when the beautifully integrated lighting across the dash gives the car a feeling of warmth and cosiness.

In conclusion, it’s a machine that looks the part, offers tremendous space, potentially low running costs depending on your driving style, and a sumptuous interior.

Audi Q7 55 TFSI e quattro 381PS S line tiptronic

PRICE: 67,120.00

ENGINE: V6 petrol hybrid

TRANSMISSION: 8-speed tiptronic/automatic quattro permanent all-wheel drive

TOP SPEED:155mph

Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds

ECONOMY: 85.6mpg and up to 27 miles electric range

EMISSIONS: 74g/km