Audi has launched upgraded electrified Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrid models. They have advanced battery technology with increased capacity, allowing electric-only driving of up to 90 kilometers. The cars are equipped with a powerful 3.0 V6 Otto engine and an efficient electric motor. For the first time, all-wheel steering is available for both plug-in hybrids, as well as an electromechanical active lateral stabilization system (eAWS), which guarantees an even more dynamic driving experience. Highlighting the strong character of both models, their exterior design has also been reworked.
More capacious battery, more power and mileage reserve
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Both plug-in hybrids use three-liter six-cylinder Otto engines with 250 kW (340 hp), a compact electric motor (PSM) with a maximum power of 130 kW and 460 Nm of torque. In addition to this, there is also a more powerful lithium battery, located under the luggage compartment floor, with a maximum capacity of 25.9 kWh gross (22 kWh net) at 370 volts. The increased battery capacity provides the opportunity to drive up to 90 kilometers in the city on electric power alone according to the WLTP EAER City standard.
Thanks to a redesigned electric motor design, the maximum system power of both 55 TFSI e quattro models is 290 kW (394 hp) and the maximum system torque is 600 Nm. More powerful in this model range is the 60 TFSI e quattro with a system output of up to 360 kW (490 hp) and a torque of up to 700 Nm. In this configuration, the Q7 and Q8 accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 240 km/h for all variants, but top speed in all-electric mode is 135 km/h. The battery can be charged with a power of up to 7.4 kW, and when charging at maximum power, it reaches a 100% charge state in approximately three hours and 45 minutes.
Maximum efficiency: management strategy
Thanks to model upgrades, customers can drive their semi-electric Q7 or Q8 in full electric or hybrid mode. All-electric mode is fine-tuned so that even when the accelerator pedal is fully pressed, only battery-powered drive is used.
The updated Q7 TFSI e and Q8 TFSI e models include a new self-charging mode, which intelligently charges the battery while driving and only operates in charging mode when the driving speed exceeds approximately 65 km/h. This maximizes efficiency and provides a quality electric car driving experience in the city and in slow-moving traffic. In addition, in the charging mode, the car engine is no longer constantly used to charge the battery – only recuperation is used instead. Charging mode ends when the battery is charged to 75%. This allows you to extend battery life and increase efficiency.
Acting as a generator, the electric motor handles all light to medium braking operations with a force of up to 0.3g, which corresponds to more than 90% of all decelerations in everyday driving conditions. Hydraulic wheel brakes should only be used for heavy braking. During braking, the recuperation power reaches up to 80 kW.
An optimized range of equipment for all needs
Optional equipment includes innovative HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light as an additional high beam, which significantly increases the range of the light beam. New to the top-end headlights are digital daytime running light signatures. They give the semi-electric Q7 and Q8 a distinctive and unique look, allowing the user to choose one of four personalized light signatures. For the first time, digitized OLED taillights with digital light signatures can also be selected. In addition, the digital OLED taillights have a proximity detection function that warns those who approach closer than two meters by lighting up additional OLED segments.
All-wheel steering and transverse stabilization provide reliability in any situation
Only an Audi drives like an Audi: its four-ring branding characterizes the unmistakable Audi DNA, and this also applies to the brand’s plug-in hybrid models. The Q8’s handling is characterized by five characteristics: balanced, stable, controlled, precise and carefree. The suspension, steering and drivetrain, as well as the braking and steering system play an important role in creating a driving experience that is always reliable, safe, dynamic and at the same time comfortable.
Air suspension is available as standard for customers purchasing the Q7 60 TFSI e or Q8 60 TFSI e. In addition, for the first time, plug-in hybrids are offered the option of including all-wheel steering, which provides greater safety and comfort.
The Electromechanically Active Cross Stabilization System (eAWS) provides even greater dynamics and is also available as an optional extra for plug-in hybrids for the first time. In this system, both axles are equipped with a compact electric motor connected to the transmission. This system splits the anti-roll bar into two parts and allows them to operate largely independently of each other when driving in a straight line, reducing body roll on rough roads. On the other hand, when driving sporty, the electric motor causes both sides to rotate in opposite directions, so they work together as a single whole. This means that the car leans significantly less when cornering, providing more precise steering response. eAWS is powered by a 48 volt supercapacitor. The compact, lightweight energy storage unit, which can absorb and deliver a large current in a very short time, supplies the two electric motors with a maximum power of 1.5 kilowatts each.
