Audi reveals new plug-in hybrid system for Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro

Audi has revealed a new plug-in petrol-electric hybrid system, following on from the plug-in diesel-electric arrangement unveiled at the Geneva motor show back in March.

The new petrol-electric system made its debut at the Shanghai motor show and will first be used by a frugal new Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro model developed specifically for Asian markets, including China, Japan and Singapore, before making its way into other new Audi models, including next year’s all-new A4, according to high-ranking Ingolstadt officials.

Audi’s latest plug-in hybrid combines the German car maker’s widely-used turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection petrol engine with an electric motor mounted within the housing of the Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro’s standard eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The combustion engine delivers 248bhp and 273lb ft of torque, while the disc-shaped electric motor provides 126bhp and 258lb ft. When operating in parallel, the two power sources deliver a combined 362bhp and 516lb ft.

The reserves are sufficient to propel the four-wheel drive Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro from 0-62mph in 5.9sec and a top speed of 237mph. Combined cycle consumption is put at 113mpg on the Chinese test procedure, corresponding to average CO2 emissions of 60g/km.

The electric motor is driven by a 17.3kWh lithium ion battery mounted underneath the luggage compartment. Consisting of 168 individual cells, it holds sufficient energy to enable the latest Q7 to travel 32.9 miles on electricity alone. All up, the total range of the new SUV is put at 633.8 miles.

Audi’s new petrol-electric hybrid is equipped with two phase charging technology that permits charging up to 7.2kW for a total recharge time of 2.5 hours.

Road tax laws providing incentives to buyers of cars under 2.0-litres in many Asian countries are behind Audi’s decision to introduce the Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro, whose petrol engine boasts a relatively small capacity of 1984 cubic centimeters.

Despite its apparent suitably for motorists living in areas where road charging is in place, there is no official word as to whether the new Q7 is earmarked for sale in the UK.

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