Audi A7 Sportback e quattro 2020, Premium plug-in hybrid arrives

Although it may not seem like it, it has been almost two years since the Audi A7 Sportback received its last update. And as a minor update, the signature of the four rings, surprises us with the release of a new version, based on a plug-in hybrid propulsion system. It receives the commercial name of A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro, although most likely we end up referring to it, as 'e quattro', for those to simplify.

Do not look for aesthetic differences with your range brothers. The great variation between this model and a normal A7 Sportback resides under the hood. The A7 Sportback e quattro uses a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, with 2.0 liters of displacement that develops 252 hp, along with another electric motor with 143 hp. The energy contribution of both results in a combined power of 367 hp and 500 Nm of torque. As you might have guessed, that force is sent to all four wheels, through a S tronic automatic double clutch gearbox, with seven speeds.

If it makes full use of its potential, the German model is able to accelerate, from 0 to 100 km / h, in just 5.7 seconds. The maximum speed is limited, electronically, to 250 km / h. In any case, you should know that the battery has a capacity of 14.1 kWh. It is installed under the boot floor and can move the A7 Sportback e quattro, in 100% electric mode, for a maximum of 40 kilometers, reaching a top speed of 135 km / h.

The German firm announces that the A7 Sportback e quattro offers three driving modes. EV mode is the default when starting the vehicle. The second is the battery retention mode, capable of maintaining the battery charge level for as long as the driver wishes. The latter is the so-called hybrid mode that obviously uses both the thermal and the electric motor, with an optimal compromise between performance and efficiency.

Regarding the recharging times of the battery, in just 2.5 hours you can have 100% of the battery, provided we use a quick recharge socket (three-phase 400 V). This same process requires approximately seven hours in a 230V domestic outlet.

As for the aesthetic changes, the A7 Sportback e quattro sports the S line exterior package and equips striking 19-inch alloy wheels. Audi Matrix LED headlights, sports seats and Audi virtual cockpit instrumentation are part of the factory endowment of the German plug-in hybrid model.

At the moment, the price of the A7 Sportback e quattro 2020 has not been communicated in our country, but we know that, in Germany, it starts at 77,850 euros. The manufacturer states that the first deliveries will be produced from the third quarter of 2019, so we will soon see it in the official dealerships of the brand.