Audi Revamps Q7 and Q8 Hybrids with Enhanced Efficiency
Audi has updated the Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrids with upgraded battery technology and more efficient driving modes. The exterior design has also been revised, featuring new bumpers to highlight the strong character of both models. For the first time, both electrified models are available with four-wheel steering for increased safety and comfort. Prices start from 87,240 euros for the Q7 55 TFSIe and from 102,995 euros for the Q8 55 TFSIe.
At the heart of both plug-in hybrids is a six-cylinder, three-liter engine with 250 kW (340 hp) of power, a compact electric motor (PSM) with a maximum power of 130 kW and 460 Nm of torque, and a new, more powerful lithium battery, liquid-cooled and located under the trunk floor. With both engines working together, the electrified Q7 and Q8 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. At the top of the range is the 60 TFSIe quattro, which also benefits from a newly designed electric motor to develop up to 360 kW (490 hp) of system power and 700 Nm of torque. In this configuration, the Q7 and Q8 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. All versions have an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h, with a maximum speed in electric propulsion mode of 135 km/h.
The battery can be charged with a power of up to 7.4 kW and reaches 100% in approximately three hours and 45 minutes when charged at maximum power. Customers who subscribe to the Audi charging service have access to around 630,000 charging points in 29 European countries.
Thanks to the product update, customers can start their partially electric Q7 or Q8 in fully electric EV mode or hybrid mode. Once selected through the MMI, the desired program remains active until manually changed. The EV mode has been configured to use battery propulsion only even when the accelerator pedal is fully pressed.
The standard high-intensity LED headlights illuminate the road; while, optionally, Matrix LED lights are available. A novelty of the top of the range are the digital signatures of the daytime running lights, giving the Q7 and Q8 TFSIe a characteristic and unmistakable look, allowing the user to select from four individual light signatures via the MMI. For the first time, the vehicles come optionally with extensively digitalized OLED taillights, which also feature digital light signatures. In addition, the digital OLED taillights have a proximity indication function in combination with the assistance systems.
Just like the product update for the rest of the versions, the electrified Q7 and Q8 also come with a significantly enhanced range of equipment. Contrast colors for seat stitching are included, while the range of wheels includes five new designs for sizes ranging from 21 to 23 inches, depending on the model. Audi has also expanded the range of applications and driver assistance systems.
Standard equipment now includes, among other elements, alloy wheels from 19 to 21 inches, a rear-view camera, parking assistant, high-beam assistant, and comfort key. In the 60 TFSIe quattro, the S line exterior and sport package are standard elements. All models include a Mode 3 charging cable.
The electronically controlled air suspension with continuous adaptation damping is available as an option, although in the Q7 60 TFSIe and Q8 60 TFSIe it comes as standard. Additionally, and for the first time in plug-in hybrid models, four-wheel steering ensures greater safety and comfort.