Next-Gen Audi Q7 First VW Product With Diesel PHEV Option

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

When the next-gen Audi Q7 turns up in showrooms next year, it will be the first among Volkswagen AG’s offerings to have a diesel PHEV option.

Automotive News reports the plug-in option will follow standard gasoline and diesel models, and will be sold in the United States and Europe. The Q7 PHEV will only be the second diesel PHEV sold in Europe, joining the €56,200 ($69,000 USD) Volvo V60.

The announcement follows statements made this summer by development chief Ulrich Hackenberg, who said the Q7 and the A8 would come with a diesel PHEV option, combining a 3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, but didn’t say which would be the first out of the gate with said option.

As for the move itself, Hackenberg and CEO Rupert Stadler both proclaimed PHEVs would be the company’s best solution for low-emission vehicles, with greater range than pure electrics being the biggest factor.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Chocolatedeath Chocolatedeath on Dec 08, 2014

    I dont know the particulars but why not just sell a diesel hybrid? I have been waiting on one and have advocated for Mercury now Lincoln to have it as their sole engines to differentiate from Ford.

    • See 4 previous
    • Landcrusher Landcrusher on Dec 08, 2014

      @FormerFF Yeah, I think most buyers will choose much greater energy savings overall, for a small loss in mileage when not plugging in. As charging options grow, more and more will be better off with PHEV.

  • Corey Lewis Corey Lewis on Dec 08, 2014

    "$69,000 USD Volvo V60" HAHAHAHAHAHA

    • Bball40dtw Bball40dtw on Dec 08, 2014

      The should just close up shop if that's the best they got.

  • FormerFF FormerFF on Dec 08, 2014

    Wow, a diesel PHEV drivetrain. I suppose if they think harder, Audi could come up with a more expensive drivetrain, but I don't know how. Gas turbine, maybe.

    • See 4 previous
    • Bball40dtw Bball40dtw on Dec 08, 2014

      @Brian P Thanks, you are right. I second guessed myself and changed my comment. Should have left it the way it was. I get confused with their four cylinder engine timeline because everything is about the same displacement and naming scheme.

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