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Audi Australia has started taking expressions of interest for a new Q8 TFSI e plug-in hybrid variant on its customer website, indicating the brand’s flagship SUV will be getting a new variant very soon.
Further details are unclear at this stage, but the plug-in hybrid Audi Q8 offers two variations abroad in the form of the 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e.
Using the new Q5 TFSI e as a guide, you could expect the higher-grade variant as a priority to slot between the existing 50 TDI and 55 TFSI diesel and petrol variants, and the SQ8 TFSI V8 bahnstormer.
Revealed in 2020, the Audi Q8 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e both run a 3.0 TFSI V6 plug-in hybrid drivetrain shared with other MLB evo-based models in the Volkswagen Group – namely the VW Touareg and Audi Q7.
In 55 TFSI e guise the drivetrain develops system outputs of 280kW and 600Nm, while the beefier 60 TFSI e pumps out 340kW and 700Nm – the latter effectively running the same setup as the VW Touareg R eHybrid earmarked for a first-quarter 2024 launch in Australia.
Audi claims the Q8 55 TFSI e can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds, and the 60 TFSI e shaves that to 5.4 seconds.
Regardless of power outputs, the Q8 TFSI e boasts a 17.8kWh liquid-cooled battery under the boot floor – 0.5kWh more than the Q7 TFSI e. It offers a claimed electric driving range of up to 47 kilometres on the WLTP test cycle.
Fuel consumption is rated as low as 2.6L-2.8L/100km depending on specification based on WLTP test figures, with emissions quoted at between 59-63g/km of CO2.
Overall the look and feel of the Audi Q8 TFSI e models are pretty much identical to the standard range, though the hybrids pack a couple of unique features.
Several modes are available – Auto, Charge, Hold and EV – tailoring the drivetrain to either shuffle between petrol and electric power on its own, charge the battery, save battery charge, or drive solely on electric power.
The Q8’s navigation data can be used for predictive measures, ensuring the drivetrain is optimised for a set journey by prioritising e-power for traffic jams or in the city.
On the move the Q8 TFSI e can recuperate up to 25kW of energy via coasting, and up to 80kW under brakes.
In terms of charging, the Q8 plug-in hybrids quote a maximum capacity of 7.4kW, with an empty battery capable of being fully charged in 2.5 hours.
Like other Audi plug-in hybrids, the Q8 TFSI e models get unique readouts on the virtual cockpit and MMI displays, along with additional information like battery and range status on the myAudi smartphone app.
Standard equipment in Europe includes S line exterior styling, Matrix LED headlights, adaptive air suspension as well as 21-inch alloy wheels and red-painted brake calipers.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest
MORE: Everything Audi Q8
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James Wong is an automotive journalist and former PR consultant, recognised among Australia’s most prolific motoring writers.
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