Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro: the flagship goes electric

The Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro has arrived, the plug-in hybrid version of the flagship from the brand whose models carry the DGT ECO label

The Audi A8 has been the flagship of the brand of the four rings since its first generation. The large German saloon has always been characterised by enveloping its passengers in an atmosphere of comfort and luxury.

The executive saloon from Ingolstadt now faces a new era: electrification. To this end, the new Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro is presented, a plug-in hybrid that joins the brand’s lineup, where its smaller siblings already feature, the Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSIe and the Audi A6 55 TFSIe. Furthermore, as with the rest of the range, it will be offered with two body versions: standard or extended wheelbase.

The elegant design of the large German saloon barely changes in the plug-in hybrid version. Where the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro differs most is in its light signature, inspired by that of the Audi e-tron we were able to test a few months ago.

In addition, another distinctive element is the 19-inch alloy wheels with a turbine design, which favour aerodynamics and thereby optimise consumption and electric range.

The Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro combines a V6 with a 134 CV electric motor

The powertrain responsible for this designation consists of the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine producing 340 horsepower and an electric motor delivering 100 kW, that is, 134 CV. The electric part of the drivetrain has been placed next to the clutch used by the eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox, which transmits the power to all four wheels thanks to the quattro all-wheel drive system.

The electric motor of the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro also has a dual function: when power is required, it converts the direct current stored in the batteries into three-phase current to feed the motor. Conversely, during energy recovery moments, such as braking or deceleration, the electric motor works as an alternator and returns energy to the batteries.

Audi has placed the battery pack under the boot floor, so it loses capacity compared with the combustion engine versions. It stores a total of 14.1 kWh of energy, so the electric range of the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro exceeds the 40 kilometres required to obtain the DGT Zero Emissions label.

With all this complex system, the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro delivers a combined output of 449 horsepower and no less than 700 Nm of torque. As a result, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Furthermore, it can run in fully electric mode at speeds of up to 135 km/h.

Goal: prioritise the electric motor

Audi has aimed to set up the operation of the PHEV system of the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro so that its drivers can cover most of their daily journeys running solely on electric power.

To do so, it features an “EV” button located at the bottom of the two MMI screens, which allows the interaction of the two motors to be configured. Therefore, if this button is pressed, the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro starts moving in electric mode, and the combustion engine only kicks in when the accelerator is pressed firmly.

The “Hybrid” mode has two operating modes: Auto and Hold. In the first case, the MMI Navigation Plus system lets the car manage the energy in its batteries so that it is used where it is most needed along the route. In Auto mode, the system ensures that the stored electrical energy is used to the maximum.

On the other hand, “Hold” mode does the opposite: it preserves the energy accumulated in the batteries. This mode is ideal if we are making a long-distance journey and want the electric motor available to enter the city we are heading to.

Several configurations available

Making use of the Audi Virtual Cockpit, the driver can check a wide variety of information about the electrical system, such as the power meter or the range stored in the batteries.

The Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro not only features the “EV” button, but the system also includes Audi Drive Select. This offers four driving modes: comfort, efficiency, auto and dynamic, which vary the response of the powertrain, the air suspension and the steering. In addition, there is the S position on the gear selector, which makes the electric motor support the 3.0 TFSI to sharpen its behaviour.

The Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro can be charged in two and a half hours if connected to a wallbox with a maximum charging output of 7.2 kW. It can also be plugged into a domestic power socket, in which case its battery will be 100% charged in six and a half hours.

Through the myAudi mobile app, customers will be able to check the battery status and range from their own smartphone, schedule the charging timer or check the consumption of their Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro. It also allows the cabin to be climate-controlled from the phone so that it is at the ideal temperature when we get in.

How much does the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro cost?

The new plug-in hybrid version of the brand’s largest saloon has already arrived at dealerships. The price of the Audi A8 60 TFSIe quattro starts at 110,050 euros for the short-wheelbase version and 113,950 euros for the extended-wheelbase version. The first units will begin to be delivered in December.