The Audi A6 L e-tron And Q7 e-tron Quattro Unveiled In Shanghai
At the Shanghai auto show, Audi just introduced a new stretched version of its hybrid A6. This follows the release of other hybrids, including the A3 Sportback, R8 and Q7 e-tron models. Audi chose to unveil this model in China because the local government is offering incentives for electric vehicles, in hopes of curbing the country’s chronic pollution problems.
2.2 litres per 100 kilometres
Developed primarily for the Chinese market, the A6 L e-tron is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder turbo engine and an electric motor housed in the automatic gearbox. Together, they produce a combined total of 245 horsepower and 368 lb.-ft. of torque, which is transmitted to the front wheels only, as all-wheel drive is not available for this model. According to Audi, the 0 to 100 km/h dash takes 8.4 seconds and the vehicle consumes 2.2 L/100 km, which meets European standards for plug-in hybrids. The car offers 50 km of all-electric range and can reach a top speed of 130 km/h in this mode (it has been capped to save battery power). The Audi A6 L e-tron stands out from other models in the line-up with unique 18-inch wheels, its e-tron emblem and the fact that its muffler is hidden under the vehicle.
Dials on the dashboard and the MMI multimedia system screen keep the driver informed of the various parameters associated with the hybrid drivetrain, including fuel consumption and battery charge levels. Models for the Chinese market will go into production in 2016 at the Audi plant in Changchun, in northern China.
The Q7 e-tron quattro
A new version of the Q7 e-tron was also unveiled in Shanghai. Featuring quattro all-wheel drive, this model is Audi’s first rechargeable hybrid with four powered wheels (until now, they’ve all come with front-wheel drive only). Developed for the Chinese, Japanese and Singaporean markets, the Q7 e-tron is equipped with the same drivetrain as the A6 L e-tron. This luxury plug-in hybrid uses just 2.5L/100 km and has 53 km of all-electric range, according to Audi. The Q7 e-tron with quattro all-wheel drive will hit Asian showrooms in 2016.