Competitors like Lexus leads the pack with the development and soonest to be released RX 450h and BMW following closely with their ActiveHybrid X6.

According to sources, Audi engineers are planning to put a petrol-hybrid under the hood of the Q5. Since the features of the SUV are very similar to the platforms of the A5 and the A4, consumers may eventually get hybrid variants of them. Audi plans to release a Q5 hybrid with a combo of electric and turbocharged diesel powerplant.

Audi designers reveal that the company takes very calculated moves in the development of the hybrid engine for the Q5. They consider the cost effectiveness of the diesel alternative and technology but the math is very different if they compare the figures for a U.S. and European release. The prices of fuel in Europe are higher compared to North America. There is also not much price gap between petrol and diesel in Europe.

They are also considering the acceptance of the market to the hybrid cars. European consumers show a higher inclination to buy hybrid cars and SUVs side by side with American car buyers.

As far back as 2005, Audi corporate heads and engineers compared the concept Q7 Hybrid’s powertrain costs and fuel efficiency with a diesel version and concluded that, in the US at least, the diesel wins out on both counts. Automotive News reports that Audi will also be swapping out some of its V8s for supercharged V6s for a net improvement both in power and fuel-efficiency. In a more recent article, they also report that Audi has no plans to sell the 2009 Audi Q7 Hybrid in the US.

At any time now, the new 2009 Audi Q7s will be rolling off assembly lines in Ingolstadt, Germany and elsewhere to go on sale in cities throughout in Europe and Great Britain. With an emphasis on performance and luxury, the 2009 Audi Q7 Hybrid now adds the distinction of fuel efficiency to its flagship SUV. Despite its ponderous curb weight (6570 lb), it can still do 0-60 in less than 8 seconds and promises a fuel efficiency rating of 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 27 percent increase in fuel efficiency over the non-hybrid version (16 mpg city and 20 mpg highway).

The Q7′s hybrid drive system, a 3.6 Liter V6 280 horsepower gas engine plus a 50 horsepower electric motor powered by a 288-volt nickel metal hydride battery pack, was developed with help from the engineers at Porsche and Volkswagen. With its three-mode system, the large SUV can operate via its electric motor alone at speeds up to 30 mph for over one mile (much like similar Honda cars), gas engine alone, or by a combination of electric and gas propulsion.

Not suitable for off-road mud holes, the new Q7 Hybrid is equipped for inclement weather on slippery highways with all-wheel-drive and its 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with descent control and hill holder. Smoothing away the bumps is the Audi Q7′s four-wheel independent suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars supporting 18-inch all-season tires on alloy wheels. The Q7 can travel up to 528 highway miles before refilling its 26.4 gallon tank. It also comes with an external temperature display, turn signal mirrors, variable intermittent rain sensing wipers, and optional back-up camera.

Audi engineers don’t miss a step when it comes to safety either, with ABS and standard head, passenger and side airbags. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2009 Q7 are 5-stars except 4-stars for rollover.

Luxurious and sophisticated to the nines, with unparalleled options packages, the 2009 Audi Q7 Hybrid allows roomy and comfortable seating for five to seven, complete with front passenger and driver bucket seats. Sirius satellite radio (free three months subscription) can be pumped through its 180 watt, 10 speaker stereo system. Accompany every trip down the road with its own soundtrack from the AM/FM in-dash 6 CD player. Conspicuously absent is a built-in DVD system to keep the kids occupied on long trips. The US will have to wait for more prosperous times before the Audi Q7 makes it to our side of the Atlantic.