Audi has released some details of the 2016 Q7 crossover, which will be offered in a diesel plug-in hybrid version.

The new Q7 is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB-Evo platform for large cars with longitudinal engines. Audi says high-tech materials have allowed it to reduce the vehicle’s weight by over 700 pounds compared to the previous model.

The Q7 e-tron quattro features a 258 hp 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, a 94 kW electric motor, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 17.3 kWh battery pack. Combined output is 373 hp, and torque is 516 lb-ft.

Electric range is 35 miles on the European test cycle (Green Car Reports estimates the US equivalent at 20-25 miles).Top speed is 140 miles per hour, and acceleration from 0 to 62 mph is 6.0 seconds.

Innovative features include a heat pump, which reduces energy requirements for heating and cooling. A smartphone app allows the car to be pre-conditioned.

The 2016 Q7 range is scheduled to go on sale in mid-2015, and the e-tron quattro version is expected to be introduced in selected markets shortly thereafter.

Source: Audi, Green Car Reports, NetCarShow