The new Audi Q8 TFSI and quattro: more power, more technology

• New lithium-ion battery for an electric range of up to 83 km** (WLTP)
• Two power versions: 290 kW/394 hp or 360 kW/490 hp
• First in maximum comfort and excellent dynamics: four-wheel steering with eAWS
• Available from June, can be ordered this week from €102,460*

After the arrival of the top model SQ8, the plug-in hybrid versions within the Audi Q8 model series are also getting an additional boost. In addition to the new design accents, there is also a lot of high-quality information. The Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid powertrain has been further refined and refined. There is a choice of two power variants, with the electric range for both increasing to a maximum of 83 km** (WLTP). For the first time, the Q8 TFSI e quattro models are also available with four-wheel steering and eAWS (electric active roll stabilization). The updated Audi Q8 55 TFSI e quattro and Q8 60 TFSI e quattro can be ordered from this week from €102,460* and will be available at Dutch Audi dealers from June.

Several new design accents – such as the honeycomb grille and different colored diffusers at the front and rear – give the Q8 SUV’s appearance more character. LED lighting is always standard. Matrix LED headlights with Audi Laser Light and OLED taillights are available as options. This allows the light signature to be adjusted to individual preferences. A proximity indicator warns against getting too close to the spacious and comfortable SUV coupe.

Plug-in hybrid technology has been further improved

De Audi Q8 TFSI and quattro-modellen having a powertrain with a 3.0 TFSI V6 turbo petrol engine, a powerful electric motor and a new 25.9 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery located under the floor of the cargo area. The latter can be charged to 100% with 7.4 kW in 3 hours and 45 minutes. Customers can choose from two powerful variants. The Q8 55 TFSI e quattro already has a system power of 290 kW/394 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. The Q8 60 TFSI e quattro produces 360 kW/490 hp and 700 Nm. The Q8 55 TFSI e quattro accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (Q8 60 TFSI e quattro: 5.0 sec.). Both versions have an electronic top speed of 240 km/h (135 km/h in electric mode).

Smart driving modes

Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro models offer a choice of different driving modes. Electric mode – one of the driving modes – is preserved even when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed. Hybrid settings teach ‘auto’ and ‘hold’ focus to high efficiency in their own way. In ‘auto’ mode, a predictive driving strategy ensures that electrical energy is used as much as possible on a given journey. The electric motor provides power while the 3.0 TFSI turbo builds pressure. This contributes to the sense of linear power development. By recovering as much energy as possible, ‘Hold’ aims to maintain the battery’s energy level. This enables (in the future) electric driving to the destination and therefore without emitting harmful gases.

In ‘Charge’ mode, charging the battery is centralized, mainly through recovery. Predictive Effectiveness Assistance (PEA) plays an important role in this. This is implemented as soon as the driver releases the accelerator pedal. This means that up to 25 kW can be recovered. For maximum efficiency, PEA works together with navigation and support systems. A real example: due to the interaction of the systems, the distance of the car in front is always clear. Based on this, the PEA can, for example, decide which option is more suitable: ‘cruising’ the TFSI engine with the engine switched off or recovering energy. Optional adaptive cruise control can further increase efficiency, including by enabling fuel-saving acceleration. In addition, the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro models always help drivers maintain an energy-efficient driving style, for example by advising them via the Virtual Cockpit to take their foot off the pedal at speed indicators and when approaching junctions and roundabouts.

About 90 percent of all braking actions during daily use (up to 0.3 g) are performed by the electric motor. This then acts as a generator, which supplies power to the battery. The normal braking system is only used during hard braking. Up to 80 kW of energy is recovered.

New dimensions in dynamics

The Audi Q8 55 TFSI e quattro Pro Line Advanced has air suspension as standard, which improves comfort and driving dynamics. The Q8 Competition 55 TFSI e quattro Pro Line S and 60 TFSI e Pro Line Competition include an adaptive air suspension.

The Q8 TFSI e quattro is now also available with four-wheel steering (optional). This smart system makes the SUV coupe faster at low speeds (parking) and more stable at high speeds, for example when changing lanes on the highway.

Electronic active layer stabilization (eAWS) is also available. The electric motor and planetary system are the basis of this beautiful system. This makes it possible to ‘split’ controls. On rough roads, independent operation ensures better absorption of bumps. This improves comfort. During sports use, the two halves of the stability can move in different ways. This limits body roll and results in a more direct response to steering movements.

Even more luxurious

The new Audi Q8 55 and 60 TFSI e quattro are more luxurious than their predecessors. For example, all models now have advanced lighting functions, alloy wheels (19-21 inches), rear view camera, parking assist, high beam assistant and easy key. The Q8 60 TFSI e quattro is also offered as standard with the S line interior, the S line exterior package and the black eye package. With a further expanded and updated range of options and option packages, there are many possibilities for personalizing the Q8 TFSI e quattro.

New models of the Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro can be ordered from April 25 and is expected on the Dutch market in June. Prices start at €102,460* for the Q8 TFSI e quattro Pro Line. It will be available as a Pro Line Advance from €109,840*. The Pro Line S Sport starts from €110,231, while the ultimate combination of luxury and dynamics in the Pro Line S Competition starts from €122,610*.

Source: Audi