No Audi Q5 hybrid, Q7 hybrid coming next year

Currently, women account for half of the buyers of the large Q7 SUV. Audi is expecting the same figure when the Q5 goes on sale on the stateside in the first quarter of 2009 said Frank Hermann, head of product marketing for the Q5 and Q7.

That’s all fine and dandy, but we were more interested in other things Hermann pointed out. He said that next year, Audi will launch a Q7 gasoline-electric hybrid variant next year but will not build a Q5 hybrid until later down the road. Audi will first offer diesel variants of the...
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AlexTx - 5/12/2008 4:08:39 PM

+4 Boost

That's alright with me.
Give me the 3.0TDi instead.

chuck2oonz - 5/12/2008 5:03:23 PM

+1 Boost

I'm really excited to see this car...

VISO - 5/12/2008 5:10:23 PM

+1 Boost

Contradicts what other reports state. Audi has dropped the Q7 Hybrid in favor of its diesel push. However, the Q5 will arrive in 2010 as a definite hybrid because of the drive train since it is based off the new A4 platform. But if Audi decides on the Q7 Hybrid as well that would be smart of them.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 5:27:55 PM

+1 Boost

The Q5 has gotten a great reception on the Web overall. People are really liking the overall package. I think that if it offers a 3.0TDI here, that would be really sweet.

Neverfollow - 5/13/2008 11:00:46 PM

+1 Boost

Audi needs to bring both versions to the US and let the market decide. If they decide, they'll pick the wrong one. It's Murphy's law. My feeling is that the smart car buyer will opt for the diesel. The "follow the pack" buyer will opt for the Hybrid. Consequently the Hybrid will outsell the Diesel by at least 2-1. It's kind of like the old Beta vs. VHS argument. Beta was the better system but VHS had better marketing so which one sold better?

SteedPub - 5/12/2008 7:16:12 PM

-1 Boost

At the prices those things will sell at, the Hybrid version will only be about "feeling good".

S4cabriofoxone - 5/12/2008 10:15:48 PM

+3 Boost

Like the Lexus RX400h, upcoming Porsche Cayenne Hybrid and Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Chip - 5/13/2008 5:15:53 AM

+1 Boost

I really hope Audi prices this car aggressively. Lets say $36,500 base and $47,000 for a fully optioned model. And for the love of god, give us the diesel ASAP. If it has the 3.2 only, it wont get me in the showroom anytime soon. That engine is just totally lifeless to me and needs to go.

S4cabriofoxone - 5/13/2008 7:52:52 PM

+1 Boost

It might be even less than $36.5K ($35K?) because the Q7 starts at $40K on the dot and that would be too close.

I agree that they NEED to put in these diesels. That should be their push for 2008/2009--the diesel luxury brand.