The new Audi A8 60 TFSIe Quattro arrives in Spain, for the first time with electric technology

Audi is progressively expanding its hybrid offer in the Spanish market, first with the arrival of the A6 saloon, A7 Sportback and Q5, which are already on sale in our country and, while we wait for the same to happen with the future Q7 TFSIe, Audi is starting sales in Spain of the new A8 60 TFSIe Quattro, which receives plug-in hybrid propulsion for the first time.

Aesthetically, the Audi A8 60 TFSIe Quattro will not feature significant changes compared with the rest of the range, but it is true that we will find small distinguishing details. In this regard, we can see that Audi has installed five horizontal daytime running light segments on the outer edges of the side air intakes in the front bumper, which form a distinctive signature and serve as a nod to the Audi e-tron. We also find new chrome trim on the front bumper itself, the door handles and the lower part of the rear bumper, and the car comes as standard with 19-inch wheels in a turbine design with 5 spokes.

Inside the new Audi A8 60 TFSIe Quattro there are no changes, so it will continue to offer the same luxury and comfort to its occupants, especially those in the rear seats. That said, it is worth noting that both the myAudi app and the MMI Navigation plus infotainment system will have functions specific to this model. Both will show available and nearby charging stations, but the myAudi app will offer more possibilities, as we can check the battery status and range, start the charging process, schedule the timer and consult charging and consumption statistics; and, together with the vehicle key itself, we can also activate the steering wheel heating, the seats, the mirror, the heated rear windows and seat ventilation.

But the big news of the new Audi A8 60 TFSIe Quattro is logically under its bonnet, where we find a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine that delivers a power of 340 CV and a torque of 500 Nm, linked to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox that sends its power to all four wheels thanks to the Quattro system, which in turn integrates a synchronous electric motor with a power of 100 kW and a torque of 350 Nm, which translates into a combined power of 449 CV and a combined torque of 700 Nm. Thanks to these figures it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and reaches a limited top speed of 250 km/h, along with a combined consumption of 2.7 l/100 km according to the WLTP test cycle.

The lithium-ion battery, located at the bottom of the boot so as not to take up space, has 104 cells arranged in eight modules and is capable of storing 14.1 kWh and supplying a voltage of 385 V, with a cooling circuit connected both to the air conditioning system and to the low-temperature system. In addition, the automatic climate control can function as a heat pump to make use of the residual heat from the components and improve energy efficiency. This battery can be charged during braking when the electric motor acts as a generator, or via the Mode 3 cables or the domestic plug cable fitted as standard, requiring around two and a half hours to complete charging using a maximum power of 7.2 kW, and about six and a half hours from a domestic socket.

There are several driving modes depending on our needs, which can be selected from the instrument cluster. In EV mode we drive exclusively on electric power, for a maximum of 40 km and as long as we do not exceed 135 km/h; in Hybrid mode we have, on the one hand, the Auto programme so that the vehicle efficiently and automatically manages the stored energy and, on the other hand, the Hold programme, which preserves the energy stored in the battery so it can be used later when we need it.

The new Audi A8 60 TFSIe Quattro can already be ordered at Spanish dealerships, with a starting price set at 111,050 euros for the short-wheelbase version and 113,950 euros for the long-wheelbase version. The first units will soon reach dealerships and their owners, specifically throughout December.