It is apparent that we could see an E-tron Q7 soon, soon being sometime in 2015 – but that’s around the corner anyway..
According to Auto Express, who got word from Audi insiders who have allegedly confirmed that an E-tron plug-in hybrid version of the second-gen Q7 SUV will be out next year.
The model is said to be equipped with a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine working together with an electric motor and a 10.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and will be using a hardware setup similar to that of the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid.
The new Audi Q7 will be based on the MLB Evo platform and is said to be 363kg lighter. Between the engine and electric motor it will have a combined output of 306kW and 590Nm of torque; the conventional engine has an output of 245kW while 70kW is generated from the electric motor.
The hybrid setup in the Porsche Cayenne allows the vehicle to do a 0-100km/h time in 5.9 seconds with a top speed limit of 243km/h and when in electric mode its limited to a top speed 124km/h with a distance capability of 36km from electric power only. Considering the weight loss and the platform, the new Audi Q7 could better those figures.
It is expected that Audi will be introducing the second generation Q7 at the NAIAS in Detroit come January so maybe its hybrid variant will make an appearance by late 2015.
