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Audi claims to have ‘closed the last gap’ in its SUV Coupe Q8 family by adding a plug-in hybrid variant. Customers will be able to choose between two PHEV models; a Q8 55 TFSI e quattro with a combined output of 375bhp and the Q8 Competition 60 TFSI e quattro with 455bhp. Both models feature a turbocharged V6 petrol engine with a 100kW electric motor that enables them to travel for up to 28 miles under electric power.
The Q8’s lithium-ion battery is installed under the luggage compartment and contains 104 pouch cells arranged in 13 modules. Each of these cells provides an electrical capacity of 48 Ah, with the overall pack delivering a modest 17.8 kWh. Audi claims that the new Q8 can reach speeds of up to 83mph without combustion engine intervention, but we’re too law-abiding to verifty that claim ourselves of course…
The Q8 Competition 60 TFSI e quattro delivers a total output of 455bhp and torque of 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft). It can accelerate from rest to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and reach an electronically governed top speed of 149mph. The less potent Q8 55 TFSI e quattro can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 5.8 seconds and match its counterpart’s top speed.
Audi claims that the Q8 55 TFSI e quattro has the potential to return up to 100mpg with CO2 emissions of as little as 65 g/km, while the Q8 Competition 60 TFSI e quattro sacrifices a little in return for its extra power and pace, returning 97mpg with minimum CO2 output of 66g/km.
The new Q8 TFSI e quattro models are equipped with charging cables for use with household three-pin plugs and AC wallboxes and at public charging points. With the maximum charging capacity of up to 7.4 kW, Audi reckons that an empty battery can be fully charged in around 2.5 hours.
Order books for both new Q8 PHEV models open later this month with the 55 TFSI e quattro priced from £73,860 OTR and the Competition 60 TFSI e quattro model coming it at £85,760 OTR.
A plug-in Q8? Looks all white to us 
