New Audi Q5 e-tron and A7 e-tron hybrids spied on charge

Two new electrified Audis have been caught red handed at the charging point: the upcoming Q5 and A7 Sportback e-tron models.

The cars will help kick-start a new electrified era for the brand, and look ready to be revealed. With Audi set to show its all-electric e-tron SUV at a special event in San Francisco on 17 September, and pulling out of the Paris Motor Show next month, it’s likely that these two new plug-ins will be revealed as supporting acts for the company’s forthcoming Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace rival.

The Q5 and A7 e-tron are expected to borrow the powertrain found in the soon-to-be-launched plug-in A8 limo. This is a turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor, developing a combined 443bhp and 700Nm of torque, while enabling an all-electric range of 30 miles. However, Audi is also rumoured to be working on a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain, which could also make its debut in these two vehicles. 

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Every new Audi will eventually be offered with an electrified powertrain, but the top of the range is the priority. Audi will also begin to use plug-in hybrid technology in its performance vehicles, beginning with the RS 7. Two variants are expected to be launched, with a regular car to feature alongside a more potent Performance-badged model. 

The cheaper, lower-powered RS 7 is likely to use the same twin-turbocharged 4.0 V8 that features in the Lamborghini Urus, while the RS 7 Performance will borrow the electrified version of this powertrain, currently found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo S-E Hybrid. Upwards of 600bhp is expected from the new model; such figures would make it one of the most powerful cars in Audi’s history.

Check out our round-up of the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale... 

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