Audi introduced the 2021 Q8 TFSI e Quattro plug-in hybrid for European customers. It’s the same super-SUV that wealthy customers love, but now with added green credentials.
The engineers at Audi have been steadily moving towards the complete electrification of the brand. With the 2021 Audi Q8 TFSI e Quattro SUV launch, they take another step towards that goal. Worth mentioning, the Q8 e Quattro is already its 7th hybrid-model since 2019.
The super-SUV exhibits a sleek and sporty design, along with ample space inside. And even though the Q8 was already one of the most comfortable SUVs on the market, Audi managed to make it even better.
A Little Help from Electricity
The plug-in hybrid variant will be available in two output levels. The base Q8 55 TFSI e Quattro produces 381 PS (375 hp), while the Q8 60 TFSI e Quattro churns out a respectable 462 PS (455 hp).
And even better, Audi tuned the V6 to meet the latest European 6 AP emission standards. Currently, Unfortunately, the German manufacturer only plans to sell it across the Old Continent.
The hybrid drivetrain combines Audi’s TFSI engine paired with a 100-kW PSM electric motor, hooked directly to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission to increase response.
36.7-miles of Batter-Range
The Q8 e Quattro receives 13 modules of small 104 pouch lithium-ion cells. Together, they form a 17.8kWh battery that sits below the luggage compartment.
Furthermore, Audi also uses liquid cooling to help it handle larger pulse power, thus increasing performance. According to Audi, a full battery will give you 36.7-miles of range on the NEDC cycle. We should note here, though, that the NEDC test is gentler than the North-American EPA.
Four Driving Modes for Maximum Efficiency
The Audi Q8 TFSI e Quattro has an intelligent hybrid management system that automatically selects the mode as you drive.
At the beginning of any journey, the SUV selects the all-electric “EV,” provided there is enough juice in the battery and will continue to do so as long as the vehicle cruises.
To start the internal-combustion engine, the driver must press the right-hand pedal beyond a pre-set level. At that point, the Q8 e Quattro will begin operating in Hybrid mode.
Nonetheless, the driver can also select other driving modes. Auto mode automatically selects the optimum drive mode depending on speed, drive pattern, and surrounding topography data. This mode switches from fully-electric drive at low speeds to combined hybrid drive at high speeds.
Meanwhile, the hold mode will not use the electric motors. You might find this usable on the highway since EV’s are usually not as efficient at higher speeds. Thus, by keeping juice in the battery, you can use the energy when you arrive in the city.
Ultimately, the charge mode focuses on charging the battery while driving. In this case, the Q8 e Quattro can recuperate up to 80kW using regenerative-braking.
The Q8 TFSI e Quattro doesn’t charge as fast as fully-electric cars, though. At a maximum speed of 7.4 kW, it takes about two-and-half-hours to recharge the batteries back to 100%.
In Germany, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI e Quattro comes with a price tag of 75,351€, while the more powerful Q8 60 TFSI e Quattro costs 92,800€.
Source: Audi
