Audi->ke14 is pushing deeper and deeper into alternative propulsion every year. Recent concepts have seen a push towards electric power->ke1030 with the e-tron lineup, the racing division is pushing hybrid tech->ke147 with diesel engines, and of course, we have Audi’s large lineup of TDI models. Now though, we have the next step towards a gasoline-free future with the A7 Sportback h-tron Quattro. This new car is based on the sporting and attractive A7 Sportback, but instead of the standard gasoline or diesel engines that Audi sells it with, this new car comes packed with a fuel cell combined to a plug-in hybrid system.

Audi promises outstanding speed and performance, with a hydrogen-only range of more than 300 miles. A unique and capable new electric Quattro AWD system makes its debut and it should give the A7 h-tron a level of handling prowess never before seen on a hydrogen car. Once you add in the fact that the A7 is a stunning looking car with plenty of room for five people, lots of luggage space and class-leading levels of luxury->ke505 and the h-tron looks like a real winner.

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept.

2015 Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Audi A7 Sportback H-Tron Quattro Concept
  • Horsepower: 227
  • Torque: 398
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, there are very few outward items that distinguish this hydrogen-powered hybrid from any other A7. This is by design, as Audi believes that the car shouldn’t be altered to bring focus to the new technology. Rather the technology should simply fade into the background. As such, the h-tron is still the same swoopy, five-door shape that A7 fans have grown to know and love. The corporate nose sits proudly in the front with the hexagonal grille and the Four Rings emblazoned across it.

There is a new wheel design for this concept, and to let the world at the auto show know it has a magic drivetrain, there is a huge “A7 h-tron” decal plastered to the side, but otherwise it’s a standard A7.

Interior

The same attempt to hide the futuristic drivetrain has been applied to the interior as well. The same attractive wood, aluminum and leather covers the cabin filling it with warmth and luxury. Aside from the large power and charging gauge on the left side of the gauge cluster, no normal passenger would ever suspect that the h-tron is anything more than a comfortable grand tourer. Every detail of the standard A7 is present form the perforated leather seats to the MMI infotainment system, and even the trick Bang and Olufsen stereo with the speakers that rise out of the dash.

Drivetrain

Now to the meat and potatoes of the new A7 h-tron Quattro: that incredible new driveline. The car actually features two distinct drivelines that work in tandem to power the new car. In the nose is a hydrogen fuel cell that acts as a powerplant to convert hydrogen fuel into electricity to power the car's electric motors. In the rear of the h-tron there sits a more traditional electric propulsion system powered by a lithium battery. This can be charged while driving using excess energy from the fuel cell, regenerative braking, or it can be charged from the mains as a traditional plug-in hybrid would be.

This dual-electric system is what enables Audi’s new electronic Quattro system. Despite having no mechanical connection between the front and rear driven wheels, the multiple motors and power sources allow the A7 h-tron to vary torque levels and provide an effective and capable all-wheel-drive system.

The hydrogen system alone is capable of carrying the car more than 300 miles on a full tank. The plug-in hybrid portion ads an extra 30 miles of range. When their powers combine the two systems are good for 398 pound-feet of torque, while horsepower sits at a max of 305 with boosted voltage. Audi claims that is enough for the A7 to hit 60 mph in less than eight seconds and it will carry on to a top speed of 112 mph. That doesn’t sound that impressive, but it makes the h-tron the fastest car in the segment.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

Two electric motors plus e‑quattro

Output

227 HP (305 HP with voltage raised)

Torque

398.3 LB-FT

0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph)

7.9 seconds

Top speed

180 km/h (111.8 mph)

Driving range

500 kilometers (310.7 mi)


Prices

There is no released pricing for the A7 h-tron Quattro, but considering the new Toyota fuel cell car carries a price above $50,000 I wouldn’t be surprised to see a sticker of more than $100,000 for this most futuristic of A7s.

Competition

Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid

With 416 angry, hybrid horsepower, that legendary crest on the hood and room for four in a swoopy shape, the Panamera seems like the perfect competitor for a car of the same level of luxury and prestige as the A7 h-tron. Just like the A7, the Porsche makes use of two modes of energy production, including a plug-in hybrid system. The Porsche drops the fancy hydrogen fuel cell though and instead opts for a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6. The result is a car that is far faster than the Audi, but it is far worse on emissions. The Audi emits nothing but water after all.

Still, pricing is similar and sizing is similar making them good competitors. Buyers would be forced to choose between speed and ecological responsibility.

Toyota Mirai

If your main purchase decision is based around snagging a car powered by hydrogen, the new Mirai from Toyota is one of the best options available. With a nine-second 0-to-60 run, it won’t be winning any races, but it will comfortable fit five people, only costs $57,000 before any government incentives or tax breaks and it will still hit that same 300-mile range as the A7 h-tron. It is not nearly as attractive, and the luxury level is far from that of the German, but Toyota is offering three years of free hydrogen for all new buyers.

With the Mirai you get to have your carbon-neutral transportation, and Toyota will basically pay you to drive it. I find that a deal that is hard to beat by any standards.

Conclusion

The A7 h-tron Quattro is a marvel of engineering. I am just sad that the company won’t be producing it yet. A fledgling infrastructure for hydrogen fueling, a lack of standards and regulations regarding hydrogen fueling and a nearly non-existent buyer market are all conspiring to keep this amazing car off the road. With a novel new take on both the idea of a fuel cell car and a hybrid, the A7 bridges a gap that will only serve to advance the progress and acceptance of fuel cell cars. This may not look like it, but it is a car that could change the world. The leather interior and sexy body shape are just cherries on top of the pie.