Audi embraces electric future, internal combustion to remain for decades
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Audi is embracing electrified mobility, but is under no illusions about the how long the transition from internal-combustion power will take, with the brand still investing heavily in traditional petrol and diesel engines.
As part of the Volkswagen Group, Audi is taking advantage of a wider push towards electrification, promising one in three cars it sells globally by 2025 will be fully electric of plug-in hybrid.
The new-generation 2016 Audi Q7 has launched in Australia with just one drivetrain to choose from, a 3.0-litre turbo diesel, but more engine options are on the cards.
The new Audi Q7’s sole engine variant, the 3.0 TDI, produces a hefty 200kW of power and 600Nm of torque, well above the entry-level diesels offered in rival vehicles such as the BMW X5 and upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Our spy photographers have spotted the plug-in hybrid version of the next generation Q7, which will be known as the Audi Q7 e-tron, on public roads in Nurburg, as well as at the famed Nurburgring track.
Aside from a slew of electric warning stickers and filling caps on both rear quarter panels, the plug-in hybrid Q7 doesn't look too different to the conventionally powered version of the next Q7 that we spotted back in April.