Audi Q8 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid priced for Australia

Audi Australia will add a second plug-in hybrid (PHEV) to its range later this year, confirming the Q8 60 TFSI e quattro for a local introduction during the fourth quarter of 2023.

Priced from $148,375 before on-road costs, the Audi Q8 60 TFSI e will sit between the 50 TDI and 55 TFSI S line models and the V8-powered SQ8 performance variant.

The Q8 60 TFSI e basically runs the same plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the related Volkswagen Touareg R eHybrid – which has been promised for Australia for sometime but is currently being ‘negotiated’ for early 2024 – combining a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack.

On its own, the 3.0 TFSI generates 250kW and 450Nm, essentially the 55 TFSI specification, while the e-motor contributes 100kW and 400Nm. Together, the PHEV system quotes outputs of 340kW and 700Nm.

Audi says the Q8 60 TFSI e will complete the 0-100km/h dash in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h, while being capable of combined fuel consumption of just 2.6L/100km and offering an all electric driving range of up to 59km (NEDC) on a full charge of its 14.4kWh (net) battery.

By comparison, the Q8 55 TFSI quotes a 5.9s 0-100 acceleration time and combined fuel consumption of 9.2L/100km from its 48V mild-hybrid version of the 3.0 TFSI V6, while the V8-powered SQ8 TFSI dashes to triple figures in a brisk 4.1 seconds and quotes combined economy of 11.9L/100km.

Overall the look and feel of the Audi Q8 TFSI e models are pretty much identical to the standard range, though the hybrids pack in a couple of bespoke 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 special readouts on the virtual cockpit and MMI displays, along with additional information like battery and range status on the myAudi smartphone app.

The Q8 60 TFSI e is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre factory warranty. The hybrid battery is also covered by a eight-year, 160,000 km warranty.

Standard Equipment

Q8 60 TFSI e highlights:

• 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels
  • 5-arm turbine design
  • Gloss platinum grey finish
• Red brake calipers
• Audi HD Matrix LED headlights
• LED front, rear dynamic indicators
• Black exterior styling package
• S line exterior package
• Power tailgate
• Sport front seats
  • Electrically operated
  • 4-way lumbar
  • Driver memory function
• Valcona leather upholstery
• Rear privacy glass
• Panoramic sunroof
• MMI navigation plus with MMI touch
  • 10.1-inch HD infotainment touchscreen
  • 8.6-inch HD climate control display
  • Voice control incl. natural speech recognition
  • 3D navigation maps
  • MMI search
• DAB+ digital radio
• Head-up display

Options

Full Leather Package: $8900

• Extended fine Nappa leather trim
  • Centre console
  • Door armrests
  • Dashboard upper
  • Dashboard lower
  • Door rails incl. door pockets
• Electric sunblinds for rear side windows
• Manual sunblind for rear window

22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels, 5-V-spoke design: $2300

Premium paint: $2300

Roof rails in black: $900

Power-assisted door closure: $1500

Inlays in oak, grey brown high-gloss: $400

Headliner in black dinamica: $3400

Bang & Olufsen Advanced 3D Sound System: $12,100

• 23 speakers
• Subwoofer
• 1920-watt output

The Audi Q8 60 TFSI e is available to order now

MORE: Everything Audi Q8