Audi is showing off the world’s first quattro plug-in hybrid vehicle — the Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro — at CES Asia, Asia’s premier consumer technology event.
Audi developed the large SUV specifically for markets in China, Japan and Singapore, endowing the vehicle with a combined output of 367 horsepower and 516 lb.ft. of torque. That enables it to get to 100 km/h in less than six seconds and attain a top speed of 220 km/h. Yet, it keeps fuel consumption to miserly 2.5 litres per 100 km of travel and emits less than 60 grams of CO2 per km.
The 2.0-litre turbo directly fuel-injected four-cylinder engine puts out 252 hp and 273 lb.ft. of torque, and features targeted counterpulses to eliminate vibrations. The disk-type 94 kW electric motor adds 128 hp and 258 lb.ft. to the mix. The motor is integrated into and eight-speed tiptronic transmission.
Energy is stored in a liquid-cooled 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery made up of 168 high-performance cells, and can fuel the motor for up to 53 km of electric only range, depending on conditions. A full charge is attained in a reported 2.5 hours from a 220V outlet.
The navigation system is linked to the hybrid management system to allow the vehicle to choose the best operating mode according to the route of travel. As with other electric and hybrid vehicles, the Q7 e-tron starts off in electric only mode and switches to engine assist depending on pressure on the accelerator. Overall range is reportedly 1,020 km.
An interesting component is a heat-pump (a production vehicle first) that utilizes heat released from the electric drive components to help heat the cabin more quickly and efficiently, which can theoretically boost driving range by up to 20 percent (because the vehicle isn’t using its energy to power ancillary components).
The Q7 e-tron is positioned as a top-of-the-line model, with features such as Audi’s virtual cockpit, MMI navigation plus with touch-screen, automatic climate control, and19-inch wheels, among other features. Options include head-up display, tinted glass, panorama sunroof, and heated/ventilated massaging seats.
Although there is the possibility the Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid will make it to North American distribution, it is not expected to do so with the 2.0-litre TFSI engine.