Audi may add plug-in hybrid A6, A8 and Q7 to range [w/poll]

Audi could be getting even more diverse with its powertrains for the
A6,
A8 and
Q7, moving beyond offering just gas- and diesel-powered models and adding
plug-in hybrid variants of the three
luxury vehicles. The report comes from
Indian Autos Blog, which spoke to
Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg,
Audi’s research and design chief, who confirmed the PHVs.

The next-generation
Q7, due in 2015, will be the pioneer for the full-size PHV movement from Audi, although the
A3 Sportback E-Tron (shown above) will precede it. The move toward plug-ins by Audi is a big step, as the German marque has stayed quite firmly in the
diesel camp, outside of its racing efforts. It’s developed a few E-Tron cars over the years, including a version based on the
R8, although it wasn’t until recently that production of the electric
sports car became serious again.

It’s believed that this hesitance to really dive into the PHV market is why
Audi sacked former research and design boss
Wolfgan Dürheimer, with IAB speculating that his approach was too conservative.

Naturally, we’re looking to hear from you. Should Audi just leave plug-in
hybrids alone and continue plugging along with its excellent diesel offerings, or are more E-Tron products necessary to the brand’s survival? Let us know what you think in the informal poll below.