Audi Q7 To Become Luxury Brands First Plugin Diesel

The Audi Q7 will be the first model from the Volkswagen Group to offer a plug-in hybrid diesel powertrain, an Audi source told Automotive News Europe.

The Q7 will debut next year with gasoline and diesel powertrains. A plug-in diesel will come later and it will be sold in Europe and the U.S., the source said. The addition will give Audi a technology edge over rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which currently offer plug-ins mated with gasoline engines.

The Q7 will be the second plug-in diesel offered in Europe after the Volvo V60. The Swedish automaker debuted the car last year and has sold more than 10,000 units of the V60 variant, which starts at 56,200 euros in Germany.

TheSteve - 12/5/2014 11:00:13 AM

+1 Boost

A "technology edge over rivals" matters only if enough people want it. We'll soon discover how many consumers do. I speculate it'll be phased out after a relatively short run due to lack of demand.

atc98092 - 12/5/2014 1:08:20 PM

+1 Boost

It will depend on pricing. VW priced the hybrid Touareg far too high, and its sales reflect it. If Audi keeps it in line with the other trim levels, it could be successful.

Agent009 - 12/5/2014 1:18:30 PM

+1 Boost

Audi buyers do seem to prefer diesel power, so this is a good step and will succeed with this demographic.

A Toyota diesel hybrid, might be another story.

TheSteve - 12/5/2014 2:03:14 PM

+1 Boost

re 2 posts above: It could well be a success. Let's reconvene in a couple of years and find out.

Vette71 - 12/5/2014 2:19:28 PM

+2 Boost

Prediction: Hybrid power trains will be the way auto manufacturers meet the tight economy standards mandated in the years ahead. Electric has a real torque advantage. Couple with fuel efficient clean diesel power and you get a vehicle that performs closest to way the mass market uses a vehicle.

merce63amg - 12/5/2014 2:57:05 PM

+2 Boost

Mercedes and Peugeot already have diesel hybrids, and Volvo has the first plug in diesel hybrid so hey are catching on. Audi is just following the pack.

scenicbyway12 - 12/5/2014 4:23:00 PM

+2 Boost

Audi states,

"Audi a technology edge over rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz"

Automotive News Europe states.

"Audi is widely considered by industry watchers to have fallen behind its German rivals on technology following the introduction of BMW's i subbrand, which features the i3 electric car and the i8 plug-in hybrid supercars, and Mercedes' electronic innovations such as the Magic Body Control ride comfort aid and its semi-autonomous driving technology."


Hmmmm,

chewy - 12/8/2014 12:13:20 PM

0 Boost

Audi is somewhat behind but neither the i3 nor the i8 or the B-Class Electric Drive are really on the forefront or are set up for a big future just yet. This plug in Q7 might not make too much sense but should be a fairly strong performer.