ICE and PHEV Headline Refreshed Audi A8 Line-Up

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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2nd November 2021

ICE and plug-in hybrid powertrains are the headline grabbers of the refreshed mild hybrid supported Audi A8 range.

For while a powerful V8 leads the pack in the range topping S8, a PHEV is not far behind it in terms of outright performance. The Audi A8 60 TFSI e quattro and the long-wheelbase A8 L 60 TFSI e quattro both employ a 3.0-liter TFSI gasoline engine supported by a compact electric motor.

The lithium-ion battery in the rear can now store a net 14.4 kWh of energy. With 458bhp of system power and 516ft-lbs of system torque, the Audi A8 60 TFSI e quattro claims a 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds for both models. There are four drive modes, including “EV” for fully electric driving, “Hybrid” for an efficient combination of both drive system types, and “Hold” for conserving the available electric energy, while the combustion engine charges the battery in “Charge” mode.

The maximum charging capacity, with alternating current, is 7.4 kW. Customers can use the compact e-tron charging system for that in their garage at home or the mode 3 cable when they are on the road. In Europe, the Audi e-tron Charging Service grants access to approximately 250,000 charging points.

The flagship Audi S8 TSFI quattro uses a biturbo gasoline 4.0-liter V8 generating 567bhp and 590ft-lbs of torque from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm, enough for it to claims a 62mph sprint from standstill in 3.8 seconds. The cylinder-on-demand system also increases overall fuel efficiency and sound flaps in the exhaust system can be opened to sharpen the sound when desired. Naturally, the model boasts extensive standard equipment including predictive active suspension, sport differential and dynamic all-wheel steering.

Below this, The enhanced Audi A8 is available with two other engine options including two V6 3.0-liter TDI and the 3.0-liter TFSI are V6 units. The diesel used in the Audi A8 50 TDI quattro and the A8 L 50 TDI quattro claims 282bhp and 442ft-lbs of torque. Claimed performance sees zero to 62 mph sprint time in 5.9 seconds and on to the electronically limited top speed of 155mph, which is uniform across all A8 models. The gasoline unit driving Audi A8 55 TFSI quattro boasts 336bhp and 368ft-lbs of torque. From a standing start, it claims to reach 62 mph in 5.6 seconds.

European deliveries are expected to begin in December with the UK starting price for the A8 is £73,375 ($100,294) with long wheelbase starting from £77,375 ($105,761) The S8 is priced at £99,650 ($136,208).