The Audi TFSIe range: plug-in hybrids for every need

Audi has no fewer than twenty plug-in hybrid PHEV versions on sale, combining twelve body variants across the A3, A6, A7 Sportback, A8, Q3, Q5 and Q8 ranges with different mechanical options. All of them are characterised by combining a petrol engine – which can be four- or six-cylinder – with an electric motor integrated into the transmission, thus combining performance and efficiency.

The brand with the four rings brought its entire TFSIe range together for a dynamic presentation in which we were able to get to know this technology a little better and check its advantages on the asphalt.

Three propulsion systems: TFSI plus electric motor

Audi uses three propulsion systems, depending on the model family. For the “compact” series, which includes the Audi A3 Sportback and the Audi Q3 and Q3 Sportback, the petrol engine is a 1.4 TFSI four-cylinder with 150 CV (110 kW). In the case of the A6, A7 and Q5 ranges, the petrol engine becomes the 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 265 CV (195 kW). And for the Q7, Q8 and A8, the TFSI engine is the 3-litre V6, which delivers 340 CV (250 kW).

These TFSI engines are combined with an electric motor integrated into the transmission with outputs between 80 CV and 105 CV, depending on the version. For the compact models, A3 and Q3, a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch gearbox is used, while the A6, A7 and Q5 have a seven-speed S tronic gearbox and quattro ultra all-wheel drive, and the Q7, Q8 and A8 use a tiptronic gearbox and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. The total system power ranges from 204 CV to 367 CV.

Depending on the model, the battery offers a capacity of between 13 and 17.9 kWh. This allows electric-mode ranges from 45 km in the Audi A8 TFSIe up to 73 km in the Audi A6 50 TFSIe. All versions enjoy the benefits of the CERO emissions label from the DGT.

Driving modes: electric or hybrid

A feature common to the entire Audi TFSIe range is that these models always start in electric mode. From there the driver can choose to travel without consuming fuel at a top speed of between 135 and 140 km/h (depending on the version), or select automatic hybrid mode, in which the electric motor and the combustion engine can work together depending on the driving. If the battery has enough charge, electric driving can be prioritised using the dedicated “EV” button.

As in most plug-in hybrids, the Audi TFSIe models also offer two interesting options when running in hybrid mode: the so-called “Battery Hold”, which keeps the battery charge at its current level so that it is reserved for later use (for example on arrival in the city); and the “Battery Charge” mode, which uses the TFSI engine to make the electric motor work as a generator and recharge the battery while driving. This last function is not very efficient, as a lot of fuel is consumed to recharge the battery. But it can be useful if, at some point, circulation is restricted to electric-only propulsion in some urban areas.

The entire TFSIe range comes with the Audi drive select system as standard, which allows you to choose between different profiles to prioritise efficiency, sportiness or, in the case of the SUVs, adjust for off-road driving. As in other Audi models, this system affects how the transmission, steering or suspension behave. In hybrids, it can also change how the combustion engine and electric motor interact.

Another outstanding feature is the predictive efficiency assistant. Whenever the navigation system is active with a destination and a programmed route, this system helps make the best possible use of the energy stored in the battery, taking into account not only the route but also traffic or driving style. For example, if you are approaching a roundabout or a car ahead that is travelling more slowly, it may suggest that you lift off the accelerator and activate the energy recovery system.

The charging options for the Audi TFSIe range

All Audi TFSIe models are designed to be comfortably charged at home overnight using a domestic socket, thanks to the compact charging system as standard, which includes both domestic and industrial sockets. With an industrial socket the charging time can be reduced to as little as 2.5 hours. The maximum charging power is up to 2.9 kW for the A3, up to 3.6 kW on the Q3 and up to 7.4 kW on the rest.

The Mode 3 cable with Type 2 plug, valid for public charging points, also comes as standard. As with the all-electric Audi e-tron and e-tron GT models, the TFSIe can use the Audi e-tron Charging Service, which lets you use a card to access around 220,000 public charging points across Europe.

Thanks to the myAudi app, the owner of a TFSIe model can remotely check the range or battery charge status, consult consumption data, search for charging stations at their location or at a possible destination, or schedule charging and pre-conditioning of the cabin.

Audi A3 Sportback TFSIe: the entry point to the Audi PHEV range

In the case of the Audi A3 Sportback TFSIe the hybrid offer splits into two versions: the 40 TFSIe S tronic, with a system power of 204 CV and 350 Nm of torque, and the 45 TFSIe S tronic, with a more performance-oriented character, with 245 CV and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The 7.6 seconds the first one needs to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h gives an idea of its dynamic qualities, with a top speed of 227 km/h. The more powerful one brings acceleration down to 6.8 seconds, figures more typical of a GTI. The differences in performance are due to the specific software management of the propulsion system.

Compared with the first generation of this model, its new 13 kWh battery allows the WLTP range to be increased up to 65 km in the case of the 40 TFSIe, while maintaining a boot capacity of 280 litres, expandable to 1,100 litres with the rear seats folded. The Audi A3 Sportback 40 TFSIe is available from 42,150 euros in Advanced trim and from 43,500 in the S line variant. The more powerful 45 TFSIe is associated with the sporty Black Line trim, and its price starts at 44,820 euros. In addition to the distinctive styling details, it also has brakes with larger-diameter discs.

Audi Q3 TFSIe and Q3 TFSIe Sportback: sporty efficiency

For the compact SUV family, both in Q3 bodywork and in the Q3 Sportback version, the only PHEV version available is the Q3 45 TFSIe S tronic, with the same propulsion system used by the most powerful of the Audi A3 Sportback TFSIe.

With this engine, the Q3 45 TFSIe S tronic accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h and reaches a top speed of 210 km/h in either body version. As in the A3, the battery is 13 kWh and is positioned ahead of the rear axle, with the petrol tank located under the boot. Boot capacity is 380 litres.

Thanks to its maximum charging power of 3.6 kW, the battery can be fully recharged in less than 4 hours. Electric range is 51 km for the Q3 TFSIe and 50 km for the Sportback. Compared with the rest of the Q3 range, the body height is 10 mm higher, thus compensating for the space needed for the cover protecting the battery, which allows the same ground clearance to be maintained.

The price for the Q3 45 TFSIe starts at 47,700 euros in basic trim, and you can also choose Advanced, S line and Black Line trims. The Sportback body costs about 2,800 euros more.

Audi Q5 TFSIe and Q5 Sportback TFSIe: one car for everything

Also in the mid-size SUV of the range, the Audi Q5, the brand splits the offer into two versions, always with S tronic gearbox and quattro ultra all-wheel drive. The Q5 50 TFSIe produces 299 CV and 450 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds. Its price starts at 61,180 euros in basic trim, and from 67,780 euros for the Q5 Sportback 50 TFSIe, which is only offered in Advanced trim.

The most powerful version, the Q5 55 TFSIe, raises the power to 367 CV, with a maximum torque of 500 Nm. Its performance: 5.3 seconds to accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill, and a top speed of 232 km/h. As befits a more performance-oriented and sporty version, this engine is only associated with the S line and Black Line trims, with prices starting at 71,330 euros for the Q5, and 3,000 euros more for the Q5 Sportback.

Compared with the first generation of the Audi Q5 PHEV, the new 17.9 kWh battery capacity (14.4 kWh net) and an update to the propulsion system management allow the Q5 TFSI to exceed 60 km of range in electric mode. Charging the battery from a domestic socket takes about six hours, and this is reduced to 2.5 hours from an industrial socket.

Personally, I think the Q5 50 TFSIe is one of the best options among plug-in hybrids in its category, and the most balanced of the Audi TFSIe range, with the comfort and presence of a saloon in an elegant SUV body (or sportier if you choose the Sportback) and, above all, very versatile. The excellent 2.0 TFSIe multiplies its virtues thanks to the assistance of the electric motor, providing a drive that can be as comfortable and pleasurable as it is sporty, depending on what you ask of it.

The Audi Q7 TFSIe and Audi Q8 TFSIe: going big

After its beginnings as a plug-in hybrid with a TDI combustion engine, Audi abandoned this technology, and the brand’s large SUVs also rely on TFSI engines. In both cases, for both the Q7 and the Q8, two power versions of the propulsion system are offered, with the 340 CV 3-litre TFSI V6 engine and an electric motor of 100 kW. All of them have tiptronic gearbox and permanent quattro all-wheel drive.

With the arrival of the Q8 TFSIe, Audi took the opportunity to update the propulsion system of the Q7, increasing power and battery capacity. For the Q7 55 TFSIe and Q8 55 TFSIe, system power is 380 CV, with a maximum torque of 600 Nm. In the Q7 60 TFSIe and Q8 60 TFSIe, a specific management of the propulsion system raises the power to as much as 462 CV (340 kW), with a maximum torque of 700 Nm. However, the feeling is that both versions perform much closer to each other than the large difference in power would suggest.

Electric-mode range is up to 49 km on the Q7 TFSIe, and up to 46 km for the Q8 TFSIe, with its coupé-style bodywork and sportier steering feel. Performance is comparable: 240 km/h top speed across all versions regardless of body and engine, up to 135 km/h in electric mode, and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of 5.8 seconds for the 55 TFSIe, and 5.4 seconds for the 60 TFSIe.

The price for the 55 TFSIe versions starts at 81,350 euros for the Q7, while the Q8 costs 6,200 euros more. The 60 TFSIe variants start from S line trim, with prices from 93,050 euros for the Q7, and from 98,507 euros for the Q8. Our choice would be the Q8 55 TFSIe, which, with its 505 litres of boot capacity and a very spacious cabin, loses little versatility compared with the Q7, which in these PHEV versions is not offered with seven seats.

Audi A6 TFSIe and A7 Sportback TFSIe: family saloon or sporty Grand Tourer

Since early 2021, Audi has updated the plug-in hybrid versions of its A6, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback models, adopting the 17.9 kWh battery. This allows the A6 TFSIe to claim an electric-mode range of up to 73 km, the highest figure in the entire Audi TFSIe range. The A6 Avant and A7 Sportback reach up to 66 km on a single charge.

All three body styles are available with two variants combining the 2.0 TFSI engine, with its power increased to 265 CV, and a 105 CV electric motor. The gearbox is an S tronic, and the standard four-wheel drive uses quattro ultra technology. It is the same propulsion system as the Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback PHEV.

In the 50 TFSIe models, system power reaches 299 CV (220 kW), with a maximum torque of 450 Nm. The 55 TFSIe goes up to 367 CV, with a maximum torque of 500 Nm. With exceptional dynamism even in the less powerful versions, the homologated consumption figures are very low: from 1.0-1.4 l/100 km for the A6 50 TFSIe quattro, demonstrating high performance with maximum efficiency. Again, considering performance, consumption and prices, our choice would be the 50 TFSIe in any of the three body styles, whether you are looking for a saloon or estate for daily use and long journeys or are attracted by the sporty elegance of the A7 Sportback.

If you need a large boot, these versions lose quite a bit of capacity compared with the combustion-engine models, so the option to consider would be the A6 Avant, which reaches 405 litres of capacity, expandable to 1,535 litres.

Prices start at 69,790 euros for the A6 50 TFSIe quattro, and from 80,760 euros for the A6 55 TFSIe quattro, which comes directly with the sporty Black Line trim. The Avant body costs about 3,000 euros more, while the A7 Sportback costs about 10,000 euros more than the A6 saloon.

Audi A8 TFSIe: great luxury

In December the new Audi A8 reaches the market, which will also have TFSIe versions. Compared with the generation still listed in price lists, and which was available at this presentation, the new model updates the hybrid propulsion system based on the 3.0 TFSI V6 engine, raising system power to 462 CV (340 kW). This allows the plug-in hybrid A8, both in standard bodywork and long-wheelbase form, to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The update comes with a corresponding increase in battery capacity, which, like the other models sharing this hybrid module, rises to 17.9 kWh gross (14.4 kWh net). This will allow electric-mode range to be increased, which in the current A8 TFSIe, with 449 CV, is 45 km.