2021 Audi Q8 TFSIe Quattro: luxury plug-in hybrid SUV coupe announced
Audi has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its Q8 SUV coupe, offering 47km of all-electric driving.
The 2021 Audi Q8 TFSIe Quattro has been unveiled, with a new plug-in hybrid powertrain fitted to the German manufacturer's big SUV coupe.
The 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol V6 engine is combined with a 100kW electric motor to deliver 280kW/600Nm in the Q8's 55 TFSIe specification, sending the Audi Q8 to 100km/h from a standstill in a claimed 5.8 seconds.
However, buyers can opt for the Q8 60 TFSIe specification, which delivers a total output of 340kW/700Nm and drops the 0-100km/h time to a claimed 5.4 seconds.
Power is sent via an eight-speed automatic torque-converter transmission to Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system, splitting drive 40/60 front-to-rear in normal driving conditions.
Being a plug-in hybrid, the Audi Q8 can be driven in all-electric mode for up to 47 kilometres (WLTP test cycle) in the 55 TFSIe, and 45km in the 60 TFSIe version. This is achieved thanks to a new liquid-cooled 17.8kWh lithium-ion battery installed under the luggage area.
Audi says up to 80kW of recuperation power can be generated during braking, with the electric motor providing all braking force to 0.3g, at which point the traditional hydraulic brakes will activate.
Once at home, and the brand claims the Q8 TFSIe Quattro can be fully recharged in around two-and-a-half hours using a 7.4kW domestic wallbox.
As with the petrol-only models, it's expected the plug-in hybrid Q8 variants will come with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver, while twin infotainment screens (10.1-inch upper and 8.6-inch lower) replace traditional buttons for the stereo and climate control systems.
Being Audi's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, it's expected the plug-in hybrid Q8 will offer a long list of luxury options and semi-autonomous driving tech, as well as a large suite of safety gear – though there's been no announcement on whether the model will make it to our shores at this stage.
Audi Australia has been contacted for comment. This story will be updated with its response.
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