Q8 PHEV confirmed for Australia

Just as the new Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid Electric model range arrives on Australian roads, Audi Australia has confirmed that its larger sibling, the Q8 will also offer a plug-in hybrid variant by year’s end.

The Audi Q8 60 TFSI e quattro is set to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2023, and like its Q5 stablemate, offers a combination of electric and conventional drive to deal with all driving eventualities. As a member of the larger Q8 range which represents the pinnacle of the brand’s Q family, the new PHEV Q8 will boast all of the appointment, technology and luxurious finished associated with the model, but with the added versatility of hybrid drive.

With pricing starting at $148,375* the Q8 60 TFSI e quattro will use a 3.0 TFSI engine producing 250kW of power and 450Nm of torque along with an electric motor producing 100kW and 400Nm of torque for a combined output of 340kW and 700Nm. 

This potent combination will see the Q8 hit 100km/h from a standing start in 5.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240km/h and yet will be capable of delivering fuel economy of 2.6L/100km.

Of course the Q8 60 TFSI e will also be able to drive on purely electric power for up to 59 kilometres – giving owners the versatility of emission-free motoring around town – and can achieve speeds of up to 135km/h on purely electric power.

The vehicle’s 17.9kWh battery (14.4kWh net) allows Ac charging at up to 7.2kW which means a full charge in 2.5 hours, but like the Q5 plug-in hybrid, offers the versatility of using the combustion engine and indeed braking to charge the battery while in use, as well as the convenience of different drive modes which allows the driver to select all electric, pure combustion or a combination of the two depending on the circumstances.

As you would expect from a Q8 model, standard equipment for the forthcoming Q8 60 TFSI e quattro will be extensive, with an S line exterior package, panoramic sunroof and HD Matrix LED headlights. The vehicle will ride on 21-inch alloy wheels with brake calibers highlighted in red.

Interior highlights will include Valcona leather upholstery throughout, with the front sports seats and the multi-function steering wheel also heated. Three-zone climate control is also standard along with a colour ambient lighting package, head-up display and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as the sublime Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system.

Safety and driver assistance systems are likewise state-of-the-art, with a full suite of systems including adaptive cruise control with traffic fam assist, park assist, Intersection assist and 360 degree cameras all forming part of the equipment offering.

The Q8 60 TFSI e quattro will arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2023. Visit Audi Australia to register your interest and receive updates on this new model. 

(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

Overseas model shown.