What's this then?
This is the Audi Q7 e-tron, a plug-in hybrid version of the recently launched flagship SUV.
Hybrid? Nobody will buy that. Diesel or nothing.
Au contraire mon ami; while diesel is king in Europe (and there are signs that petrol is gaining in popularity), Europe is something of an oddity. Petrol still rules supreme in the likes of the US and Australia, along with Asian markets such as China, Japan and Singapore.
Ah, China. That explains it then.
Yup, what China wants China gets and if the Chinese buyers want an Audi Q7 with a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and a gearbox-mounted electric motor then that is what it will get. For what it's worth, that pairing is said to be good for 367hp and 700Nm of torque with the electric motor popping up with 126hp and 350Nm by itself. Electric only range is said to be 33 miles with a total range for both the engine and hybrid system coming in at 634 miles on a full tank of fuel and a fully charged battery.
Interesting, so when can I buy one?
The Q7 e-tron will be available to order from early 2016, but you will have to move house if you want one - it is only being offered in selected Asian markets such as China, Japan and Singapore.
Paul Healy - 16 Apr 2015