Audi Plans Diesel, Gasoline Plug-in Q7 Crossovers

Audi AG will offer two plug-in hybrid options for its Q7 large crossover: a diesel-electric for Europe next year and, according to Automotive News Europe, a gasoline-electric due later for China and the U.S.

Both Q7 e-tron models will be equipped with full-time all-wheel drive. The big seven-passenger vehicle will be Audi's second plug-in hybrid. It follows the A3 small sedan, which is available with a gasoline-hybrid system.

The European Q7 plug-in combines a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder V-6 diesel, 17.3-kWh lithium-ion battery and 94-kW electric motor. The setup delivers 373 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Audi says the configuration can run 35 miles (56 km) on electric power alone.

The Q7 diesel hybrid can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 mph, according to the company. It says the car emits fewer than 50 grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide and is rated at nearly 118 mpg on the New European Driving Cycle.

Details are sketchy about the second Q7 plug-in system, which swaps the diesel for a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. That powerplant is expected to contribute about 249 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain will share other components with the dieselized version.