Audi introduces Q8 with plug-in hybrid drive

This one was missing: While the Q7 has long been available as a plug-in hybrid, Audi has now also introduced the Q8 in two versions: as the Q8 55 TFSI e quattro with 280 kW (381 PS) system output and up to 47 kilometers of electric range according to WLTP, which is four kilometers further than the comparable Q7, which has a maximum of 43 kilometers. Above that is the more powerful Q8 60 TFSI e quattro with 340 kW (462 PS) system output, which can drive up to 45 kilometers purely electrically according to WLTP. A subtle difference: in the Q7, the system output is only 335 kW. Incidentally, the same powertrain is also used in the Porsche Cayenne and VW Touareg R. The e-machine and the 3.0 TFSI send their power to an eight-speed tiptronic. Its electric oil pump is supposed to ensure the supply even when the V6 gasoline engine is deactivated. The permanent all-wheel drive uses a purely mechanically regulating center differential: under normal driving conditions, it distributes the torque in a 40:60 ratio between the front and rear axles; when necessary, it directs the larger portion to the axle with better traction. Up to 85 percent can go to the front axle, up to 70 percent to the rear axle.

The basis for all models is the well-known 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, which contributes 250 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. The differences arise solely from the variably designed e-machine with 100 kW of power. The battery with a gross capacity of 17.8 kWh lurks under the trunk. It too has been subtly further developed, now delivering 0.5 kWh more even in the Q7 than at the launch of the Q7 TFSI e quattro in 2019. Additionally, engineers managed to shave 40 kilograms off the battery's weight.

The Predictive Efficiency Assistant further supports the driver: When the driver takes their foot off the accelerator, it decides whether the car switches to freewheeling with the TFSI turned off ("sailing") or decelerates using the e-machine, thereby recuperating energy – it can recover up to 25 kW of power during coasting. Moreover, the electric motor handles all braking up to 0.3 g, according to Audi the vast majority in everyday driving. Only during stronger deceleration do the hydraulic wheel brakes additionally come into play. The transition is said to be almost imperceptible, the brake pedal always provides good feedback, and remains precisely controllable. During braking, the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro achieves up to 80 kW of recuperation power.

The Audi Q8 55 TFSI e quattro just makes it onto the Bafa list of eligible vehicles with its net list price of 64,957.98 euros, making it eligible for up to 5,625 euros in subsidies. The Audi Q8 60 TFSI e quattro starts at exactly 80,000 euros net and is therefore not eligible for the environmental bonus.

What does that mean?

Clearly, the Q8 is the more attractive large Audi SUV and sooner or later had to receive the new PHEV powertrain as well. It is commendable that Audi continues to subtly develop the battery and the driving intelligence around it.