Auto Shanghai 2015 marks the Asian market debut of the all-new, second-generation Audi Q7. Not only that, but a new type of powertrain has been unveiled: the first e-tron that combines a TFSI turbo petrol engine with quattro all-wheel drive.
Under the aluminum skin of the all-new Q7 is a 2-liter TFSI engine like the one you find in the A4 or A5. It's good for 252 PS (185 kW) and 370 Nm (273 lb-ft), and while that might not seem like a lot, you have to remember the SUV is much lighter than before.
The electric bit consists fo a motor that has 128 PS (94 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) to offer. Like all e-trons, the Q7 has many driving modes that feel different. The sportiest one gives you access to 367 PS and 700 Nm of torque to offer when you put your foot down, which is the same as a 4.2-liter TDI.
Mean and green
Performance is spirited for a hybrid. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint takes 5.9 seconds while the top speed is 137 mph or 220 km/h. When you realize that a much lighter and smaller Lexus NX 300h needs 9.3 seconds to reach the hundred, it dawns on you that Audi have made a fast plug-in hybrid.
Speaking of the green side of things, we have to mention that the average fuel consumption is said to be only 2.5 liters / 100 km (94.1 mpg US or 113 mpg UK), corresponding to CO2 emissions of less than 60 g/km. When both the battery and tank are full, up to 1,020 km (634 miles) can be traveled.
Th China-spec Q7 experienced at Shanghai 2015
Surrounded by concept cars from Audi and Volkswagen, the 2016 Q7 wasn't allowed to shine. However, Chinese journalists and potential customers knew it was the real star of the show. This is one of Vorsprung's best selling models there, and the updated version is going to be a success.
Compared to the first-gen, it's a bit shorter without compromising cabin space. Aluminum alloys have been used for most of the bodywork, making this the lightest vehicle in its class.
The China-spec Q7 e-tron is a little different from the European one, which is powered by a 3-liter TDI diesel. From the front, you notice how the fog lights have a secondary rectangular LED element and an extra chrome piece. The good news is that the large battery pack remains hidden under the boot floor, so there's no obtrusion like on older hybrids.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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