The Audi Q8 TFSIe Plug-In Hybrid SUV: The Complete Guide For The UK

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Overview

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Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry.

Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.

With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles.  Audi also offers plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), to include:

• A3 Sportback TFSIe
• A6 TFSIe
• A6 Avant TFSIe
• A7 Sportback TFSIe
• A8 TFSIe
• A8 L TFSIe
• Q3 TFSIe
• Q3 Sportback TFSIe
• Q5 TFSIe
• Q5 Sportback TFSIe
• Q7 TFSIe
• Q8 TFSIe

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Electric Cars: The Basics

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For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:

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The Audi Q8 TFSIe PHEV SUV

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The Audi Q8 is a premium SUV launched in 2018. The Q8 is a flagship model of the German automotive group and is manufactured at the Volkswagen Bratislava plant. The Audi Q8 is available as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

If you like the Audi Q7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, but are keen on a sportier exterior design, the Audi Q8, is your best option for a spacious, but stylish large-sized environment-friendly coupè-SUV. Though the Q8 and Q7, have much in common, the Q8 sloping roofline sets it apart from the Q7.

One of the many advantages of driving a plug-in hybrid electric SUV, is the lower cost per mile when driven on e-mode, and the overall increase in fuel economy.  Depending on when and where the electric vehicle (EV) is charged, the cost per mile will be between 5 pence and 10 pence.

The Audi Q8 PHEV has a claimed fuel economy up to 100.9 mpg, though not as efficient as some of the more recent plug-in hybrids, still significantly better than the fuel economy of the conventional petrol or diesel Q8 variant (34.0 mpg).

However, the key in leveraging the benefits of the electric mode, is to use it as often as possible. Therefore, adopting a habit of topping-up on a regular basis, and using the onboard EV battery range to its maximum, is imperative in lowering driving costs. Put another way, achieving anything close to the manufacturers claimed fuel economy will require driving the EV on e-mode as much as possible.

The financial savings are not limited to improved fuel economy. For company-car drivers, the obvious advantage is the reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate, compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant i.e. lower monthly tax bills. Of course, for all stakeholders, lower air pollution is another benefit. The Audi Q8 EV has a claimed 69g (CO2/km) tailpipe emissions, again much lower than the conventional petrol or diesel variant (217g CO2/km).

The Audi PHEV has a 17.9 kWh onboard EV battery with a WLTP zero-emission electric range of up to 28 miles. Depending on driving style, weather condition, passenger load, services used in the EV, expect a real-world range closer to 23 miles. Though the EV range is limited, it is still sufficient for shorter commutes: grocery store, high street, school-runs, work etc. Like most electric vehicles (EVs), the Audi PHEV incorporates regenerative braking to increase driving efficiency i.e. EV range.

The Q8 plug-in hybrid does not offer DC charging compatibility. The EV has a 7.2 kW AC onboard charger. Using a dedicated domestic EV charger, the Q8 PHEV can be fully charged in 2.5 hours. Though an EV can be charged using a 3-PIN domestic socket, we at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug! 

The all-wheel drive Audi Q8 PHEV combines a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor, which is powered by the onboard EV battery. The EV has a maximum output of 381 PS and total system torque up to 600 Nm.

Despite the weight of the electric vehicle, which has increased due to the placement of the EV battery, the EV can achieve 0-62 mph in 5.8 seconds for the 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic variant. Top speed is up to 149 mph. Bottom-line, good driving performance and the EV benefits from instant torque, a smoother and quieter drive.

In regards to practicality, the PHEV does not offer a 7-seater option, but the 5 seat PHEV is luxurious and comfortable for rear and front seat passengers. The roofline does impact headroom for taller passengers in the rear, but there is ample legroom. The EV offers 505 L boot space.

The EV interior cabin is completed to a high specification, as is expected from a premium brand, and the EV is technology-filled, to include, the MMI navigation plus, MMI touch response, a 12.3″ Audi virtual cockpit and more. The EV also incorporates a host of driver safety assistance technology, to include, pre sense front and lane assist.

The PHEV does not qualify for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet. You can lease electric vehicles (EVs) via e-zoomed at very competitive prices!

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PROS	CONS
High standard specifications and tech	Limited electric range (28 miles)
Attractive exterior styling	Does not have a seven-seat option
A comfortable and refinded drive	High tailpipe emissions and low MPG compared to alternative PHEVs

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The Audi Q8 TFSIe PHEV SUV (credit: Audi)

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At A Glance
EV Type:	Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
Body Type:	SUV
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):	Not Available
Engine:	Petrol-Electric
Available In UK:	Yes

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Variants (3 Options)
Audi Q8 S line 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic (from £76,305)
Audi Q8 Black Edition 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic (from £80,205)
Audi Q8 Vorsprung 55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic (from £97,805)

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EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:	Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:	Available in one battery size: 17.9 kWh
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs and 30 mins)
Charge Port:	Type 2
EV Cable Type:	Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:	69 – 64g (CO2/km)
EV Battery Warranty:	8 years or 100,000 miles

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Average Cost Of Residential Charging
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh	£1.27
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh	£1.67
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh	£1.73
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh	£1.89
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh	£2.03

• Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
• Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.

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Charging Times (Overview)
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW):	6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC)
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW):	3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)
Rapid charging AC (43 kW):	0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC)

• Note 1: SoC: state of charge

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Dimensions
Height (mm):	1705
Width (mm):	2190
Length (mm):	4986
Wheelbase (mm):	2995
Turning Circle (m):	13.3
Boot capacity (L):	505

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55 TFSIe quattro tiptronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	28 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	24.4 – 24.9
Fuel Consumption (MPG):	94.2 – 100.9
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs and 30 mins)
Top Speed:	149 mph
0-62 mph:	5.8 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	381
Torque (Nm):	600
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,430 – 2,515
Colours:	11
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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60 TFSIe quattro tiptronic
EV Battery Capacity:	17.9 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):	30 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):	24.6 – 24.9
Fuel Consumption (MPG):	94.2 – 97.4
Charging:	DC charging not available. On-board charger 7.2 kW AC (0% – 100%: 2 hrs and 30 mins)
Top Speed:	149 mph
0-62 mph:	5.4 seconds
Drive:	All-wheel drive (AWD)
Electric Motor (kW):	N/A
Max Power (PS):	462
Torque (Nm):	700
Transmission:	Automatic
Seats:	5
Doors:	5
Unladen Weight (kg):	2,430
Colours:	10
NCAP Safety Rating:	Five-Star

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While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.

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