AUDI UPDATES THE Q7 AND Q8 TFSI E QUATTRO AND NOW IT'S THE COOLEST PREMIUM PLUG-IN SUV THERE IS.
SUVs are one of those cars we love to hate. We’ve sort of always been against them because the rise of SUVs has meant automakers have put more attention into the category which meant less attention on sedans and hatchbacks. But on the other hand, we like them when they’re big and beautiful and fast, especially the fast part. One of the best in our books, well a few of the best, come from the Audi stable. Anything in the Q range makes us happy, but the range-topping Q7 and Q8 models are the ones that have all the right dimensions, and they’ve just been updated to be even more awesome. It’s the plug-in hybrid models that we see here, well, we see the Audi Q7 TFSI e quattro, not the Q8 yet, and the updates to both models have been quite comprehensive, changes have taken place under the bonnet with new battery technology along with new drive modes that offer up better efficiency, and to complete the update, some of the visuals were also attended to. Just enough to be different but not enough that we’re seeing a whole new model. Both models receive an upgraded equipment range that includes things like contrasting colours for the seat stitching, nine different decorative inlays and three new finishes, five new wheel designs for sizes ranging from 21” to 23”, an expanded app range, and driver assistance systems. Standard equipment has also been expanded to include 19” to 21” wheels, a rearview camera, park and high beam assist, a convenience key, all-wheel steering and electromechanical active roll stabilisation (eAWS). The big daddy 60 TFSI e quattro features that amazing-looking S line exterior and sport package as standard. This is the one to spend those lotto winnings on. Especially in silver like the one in the attached images, daaaamn it looks good!
The electrified Q7 and Q8 models have a brilliant powertrain, the base of which is the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0 V6 Otto engine. This petrol-fed part of the equation has different ratings across each variant offered. In the 55 TFSI e quattro power is rated at 290 kW and 600 Nm of torque. In the 60 TFSI e quattro the power rises to 360 kW and 700 Nm of torque. The compact electric motor (PSM) in the setup adds an extra 130 kW and 460 Nm. The 55 versions of the Q7 and Q8 accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds with a top speed limited to 240 km/h. In the 60 version, the bigger power means the large SUV can get to 100 km/h in as little as 5.0 seconds flat and runs on to the same limited top speed. The SUVs can also be used in an all-electric mode and this one even gives the SUVs a top speed higher than the highway speed limit of every country there is at 135 km/h. The battery charges up to 7.4 kW and reaches 100 % in a little under four hours. A new feature included with the update for the Q7 TFSI e and Q8 TFSI e is that the battery recharges intelligently only above speeds of approximately 65 km/h when in charge mode to maximize efficiency and ensure high levels of electric driving in the city and stop-and-go traffic. In charge mode, the petrol-fed side is no longer constantly used to charge the battery; instead, this is done with recuperation alone. The charge mode automatically ends when the battery has recharged to 75 % to conserve the battery and increase efficiency. The tech updates and new features are plentiful, and you can catch all that info over at Audi’s website. The updated plug-in electric versions of the Ausi Q7 and Q8 will be available in Europe as of the end of April, they should filter into SA in good time though. The pricing is going to be interesting.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the DPCcars crew who put together a video detailing the changes to the range-toppers of the Audi premium SUV range: 2025 Audi Q8 TFSI e Quattro Plug in hybrid technology | DPCcars
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