Audi has introduced the updated Q7 TFSI e quattro and Q8 TFSI e quattro. Both plug-in hybrids have an updated powertrain that promises to make them more eco-friendly. Without further ado, the crossovers have been equipped with a new 25.9 kWh battery pack. Thanks to its increased capacity, the models now have a WLTP combined electric-only range of up to 85 km. The battery is joined by a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a modified electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the 55 TFSI e quattro variants a combined output of 389 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Those are respectable numbers and the crossovers can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
If that’s not fast enough, the 60 TFSI e
quattro has a “newly designed electric motor.” This helps to increase the
combined output to 483 hp and 700 Nm of torque.
Thanks to the extra power, the 0-100 km/h time falls to five seconds
flat. Regardless of which variant is selected, Audi said all of them have an
electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h. The crossovers also
have a charging capacity of up to 7.4 kW and this enables the battery to be
fully replenished in approximately three hours and 45 minutes.
Besides the powertrain updates, Audi said
the “EV mode has been fine-tuned so that only battery-powered propulsion is
used even when the accelerator pedal is fully depressed.” Audi also tweaked the
charge mode to maximize efficiency and minimize engine usage.
The updated Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrids will
be launched late this month. German pricing starts at € 85,500 for the Q7 55
TFSI e quattro and € 92,900 for the Q8 55 TFSI e quattro. The 60 variant, on the
other hand, begins at € 96,000 and climbs to € 103,200 in Q8 guise.
