Audi Q7 2.0 e-tron TFSI quattro plug-in petrol-electric hybrid unveiled

The new variant's name is less than elegant, but it's there to distinguish this model from the other e-tron in the second-generation Q7 range. That model, known simply as the Q7 e-tron, features a diesel-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The Q7 2.0 e-tron TFSI quattro, on the other hand, is powered by a 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and a 94kW/350Nm disc-shaped electric motor that's integrated into the car's eight-speed automatic transmission.

Coupled to the brand's quattro all-wheel drive system, this new Q7 variant can deliver a total of 270kW of power and 700Nm of torque to all four wheels.

That's good enough to haul the big SUV from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 220km/h. Overall fuel economy, according to EU guideline testing, is said to be 2.5L/100km.

In pure EV mode, this Q7's 17.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack is said to deliver an emissions-free driving range of around 53 kilometres; total driving range is said to 1020km. Hooked up to a "high-powered industrial outlet and charging cable", the petrol-electric Q7 e-tron can be fully recharged in two-and-a-half hours.

For comparison's sake, the diesel-electric Q7 e-tron has 275kW and 700Nm at its disposal. It takes slightly longer (6.0 seconds) to complete the 0-100km/h dash, but drinks just 1.7L/100km in official testing. Its pure EV range is 56km and its overall range is 1410km.

According to Audi, the new Q7 2.0 e-tron TFSI Quattro has been developed especially for Asian markets, specifically China, Singapore and Japan, where diesel fuel isn't particularly popular.

We're waiting to hear back from Audi Australia as to whether the petrol-electric plug-in Q7 will be joining the diesel Q7 e-tron in local showrooms.

Reports in Autocar and elsewhere indicate that the petrol-electric plug-in drivetrain seen here for the first time will also surface in other Audi models, including the next-generation A4.