Following on from the news of the A6 e-tron that was unveiled in Shanghai earlier this week, there is also slated to be another model that Audi has developed especially for Asian markets. Where the A6 e-tron will be more of a China-special model (as a lot of VAG models seem to be unique to the market), the Q7 e-tron will be featured in numerous other markets.
With the Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro, the company is combining a TFSI plug‑in hybrid with quattro drive for the first time. Audi has developed this model especially for the Asian markets China, Singapore and Japan. It is sporty, comfortable and at the same time supremely efficient. The Q7 e-tron 2.0 FSI quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in less than six seconds and uses just 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (94.1 US mpg), according to the measuring method prescribed in China for plug‑in hybrid vehicles.
Powered by the lithium‑ion battery, the large SUV covers up to 53 kilometers (32.9 mi) on electric power alone – quietly, powerfully and with zero local emissions. Total range is 1,020 kilometers (633.8 mi). The Audi Q7 e-tron 2.0 TFSI quattro will be available from dealers in the three specified markets starting in 2016.
With the BMW i8 paving the way for plug-in hybrid vehicles in Malaysia, it’s possible we may see more manufacturers providing plug-in offerings if there is a suitable infrastructure available.