Luxury on a grand scale, consumption at its most modest – like its more familiar relatives the new Audi Q8 TFSI e quattro goes above and beyond to provide the most superlative driving experience in the Audi SUV range, but the brand’s seventh plug-in-hybrid also goes to even greater lengths to do so as environmentally sensitively as possible. The new version closes the last gap in the Q8 family and will be available in the UK in two forms – the Q8 55 TFSI e quattro with a system output of 381 PS and the Q8 Competition 60 TFSI e quattro with 462 PS. Both combine abundant V6 TFSI power with an electric motor that enables them to travel for up to 28 miles under electric power and therefore with zero local emissions.
“Luxury travel is obviously something to be savoured, but for an ever increasing number of drivers it can only be enjoyed with due consideration and respect for the environment,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle.
“Cruising on air suspension in the upscale surroundings of the new Q8 TFSI e accompanied only by the distant purr of its electric motor is a true golden moment, but also a green one that can be enjoyed for the entire duration of many commutes, eliminating exhaust emissions from numerous journeys. Factor in the V6 engine providing the luxury of abundant power and the convenience of a far-reaching driving range in hybrid mode and you have an SUV that really appeals on every level.”
Equipment befits the Q8’s positioning at the pinnacle of the Audi Q range, and naturally covers the full spectrum from supple valcona leather upholstery to HD Matrix LED lighting and adaptive air suspension Sport. The MMI touch response operating concept with its two high-resolution touch displays and haptic feedback is the technology hub for the lavishly trimmed cabin, enabling fingertip control of the infotainment, navigation and climate control systems and facilitating text input. As an alternative, the driver can deliver commands using the advanced natural language voice control, which processes all requests using either information stored onboard or sourced from the cloud.
The Competition 60 TFSI e quattro Vorsprung model takes luxury to the next level, with black styling detailing that shows the body and its S line sculpting in its best light, and powered soft-close doors that set the tone for the exceptional comfort and luxury within. Ventilated super sport seats with massage function, an Alcantara headlining, an extended leather pack and Bang & Olufsen audio are just a few of the fixtures that combine to create an exceptionally opulent feel, and the technology quota is also augmented by a head-up display and the integration of virtually every driver assistance aid available in the Q8 range.