Shanghai 2015: Audi Showcases Prologue Concept, A6 L, Q7 E-Tron Models
Audi showcased the new A6 L and Q7 e-tron models at the 2015 Shanghai Auto Show, as well as the prologue allroad concept.
First up is the Audi A6 L e-tron, the automaker’s first PHEV specifically tailored to the Chinese domestic market. The e-tron model is based upon the A6 L that is already on sale in said market.
Power for the A6 L e-tron comes from a parallel hybrid system combining a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 211 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and an electric motor fed by a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion pack capable of 124 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Once fed to the front corners via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic, maximum output comes out to 245 horses and 369 lb-ft of torque, which is good for moving the 4,409-lb from nil to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, topping out at a limit of 130 mph or 84 mph in electric-only mode. Electric-only range comes to 31 miles, with overall travel totalling 547 miles. Fuel economy is 2.2 liters per 107 miles travelled, and charging time can range between two and eight hours depending on infrastructure.
The driver can choose from four modes of travel, ranging from hybrid and the aforementioned EV modes, to battery hold and battery charge modes. The latter two allow the driver to either store energy or recharge the battery as needed.
Other features include: 18-inch alloys; LED light guides in the air ducts; MMI navigation system; and 11.9 cu ft of cargo space.
The A6 L e-tron is set to hit showrooms from the FAW-Volkswagen facility in Changchun in 2016.
The Audi Q7 e-tron is the automaker’s first PHEV to combine the 2.0-liter TFSI engine with the storied quattro AWD system. Here, total output to all four corners — via eight-speed tiptronic — comes to 367 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, good for pushing the crossover from zero to 62 in 5.9 seconds, topping out at 137 mph. Range in electric-mode is 33 miles, while overall range is 634 miles. Fuel economy is 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Upon startup, travel is strictly electric until the driver pushes down the “active accelerator pedal beyond a certain point of resistance” to activate the four-cylinder. Said resistance is determined by the hybrid system’s requirements.
Aside from the power, the Q7 e-tron offers new electromechanical power steering and lighter five-link wheel suspension, as well as an HVAC unit that uses waste heat generated by the hybrid system’s electrical components for warming the cabin, and NVIDIA Tegra 30-powered MMI connected-vehicle system. Other features include: electronic stability; torque vectoring; 19- and 20-inch wheels; Bose and Bang & Olufsen sound systems; smartphone inductive charging; HUD; and climate-controlled front seats with massage function.
Like the A6 L e-tron, the Q7 e-tron is set to hit showrooms next year.
Finally, the Audi prologue allroad concept serves as a hint of what future allroad models could look like. This includes a long front clip and a rapidly dropping roofline with D-pillars that are flat to give the concept a more athletic appearance. Laser headlamps, LED light guides and tail lamps, aluminum accents, wide wheel flares, and a flat, wide grill contribute to the overall aesthetic, as well.
Inside, “lithely drawn lines and slender geometric bodies convey the impression of expanse, serenity and lightness.” Three touch displays up front include one for the passenger to configure infotainment options that can then be swiped over to the driver via the right-side driver display or the virtual cockpit behind the steering wheel.
Power for the prologue allroad comes from a 4.0-liter turbo-V8 mated to an eight-speed tiptronic with integrated electric motor. The hybrid setup is good for 734 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, pushing the concept from nil to 62 in 3.5 seconds. Electric-only range is 34 miles, and fuel economy comes to 2.4 liters per 100 kilometers travelled.
Other features include: Audi wireless charging; 20-inch carbon-fiber ceramic discs; air suspension with controlled damping; quattro AWD system; open-pored, dark fine-grain ash veneer bezels; OLED center console; and Unicum and Alcantara leathers.
Audi A6 L e-tron Gallery
Audi Q7 e-tron Gallery
Audi prologue allroad concept Gallery
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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I passed on the allroad for two reasons. Seat comfort was just not up to par. Most people say I am thin, but I am 6'3" so a certain size of hips and thighs comes with that. Not sure how much of the population they are cutting off, but a bolster redesign would make sense, as would offering thigh support. Then, you need low end torque. The Q5 had a better seat, same engine issue, and weird road noise from the cargo area on every bump. Like the styling and interiors, but they just can't seem to be worth the price unless you step up to the top of the line.
Big luxury cars with tiny engines, this trend should help cut down on some of the smog