Audi unveils plug-in hybrid trio

AUDI has detailed the plug-in hybrid variants of its Q7 large SUV and A6 and A8 sedan ranges, with an Australian debut unlikely in accordance with Audi Australia’s current product strategy.

 

Following the reveal of the A7 55 TFSI e quattro at the Frankfurt motor last month, Audi has introduced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology to three other large members of its model range, in accordance with its plans detailed at the Frankfurt motor show.

 

All three powertrains team a turbo-petrol engine to an electric motor and quattro all-wheel grip, with the A6 55 TFSI borrowing the same powertrain from its A7 cousin.

 

The powertrain uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 185kW/370Nm and teamed to a seven-speed automatic, supplemented with a 105kW/350Nm electric motor which combines for a system output of 270kW/500Nm, with the latter coming on from a low 1250rpm.

 

Combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.9-2.1 litres per 100km, while CO2 emissions are pegged at 43-47 grams of CO2 per km.

 

Using the PHEV powertrain set-up marks a 20kW improvement over the V6-powered A6 55 TFSI, while torque is identical.

 

The A6 PHEV uses a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the rear of the vehicle, which allows for a pure-electric range of 53km and a zero-emissions top speed of 135km/h.

 

Charging the battery takes two and a half hours when using a 7.4kW AC charger.

 

Completing the sprint from standstill to 100km/h takes 5.6 seconds, with top speed pegged at 250km/h.

 

Three drive modes are available, including EV mode for zero-emission driving, Hybrid for a combination of internal-combustion and EV driving, and Hold, which preserves the battery’s charge.

 

Meanwhile, as the A6 and A7 share the same PHEV set-up, so do the A8 and Q7, which swap out the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for a more powerful 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission, capable of producing 250kW/500Nm.

 

Mated to a 100kW/350Nm electric motor, combined system output is rated at 330kW/700Nm. 

 

In the long-wheelbase A8, fuel economy is up slightly over the A6 with 2.5-2.7L/100km thirst while emitting 57-61g/km of CO2.

 

Like the A6, the larger models also use a 14.1kWh battery which can provide 46km of electric driving range and combines with the petrol V6 for a 4.9s zero-to-100km/h sprint and 250km/h top speed (in the A8 L).

 

Regenerative braking is used, which can recuperate up to 80kW of power back into the lithium-ion battery.

 

GoAuto has contacted Audi Australia to check whether the new PHEV offerings will be coming to Australia, however its current product strategy around electrified powertrains is centred around the arrival of the all-electric e-tron SUV, with PHEVs being put on the backburner for now.