By big Audi’s incidentally, we mean of course the mighty Q7 and Q8 sport utility vehicles (SUV), now with new variants which are upwardly specified with electrical hybrid and other technology upgrades. To give both model variants their full nomenclature, they are the ‘Q7 SUV 55 TFSI e quattro’ and ‘Q8 SUV 55 TFSI e quattro’, neither of which exactly roll of the tongue. Never mind; they are prestige vehicles from a premium German car maker, so what’s not to like?
Upgrades Inside And Out
The cars have that familiar Audi look that we are used to but with the added benefit of ‘High-Intensity Matrix LED’ headlights which light up the road ahead and are a standard fitment. The innovative HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi ‘laser light’ as an additional high beam make for a significantly increased beam range feature, but only on the ‘Vorsprung’ trim models. New for the top-of-the-range headlights are digital daytime running light signatures too. They give the partially electric Q7 and Q8 a characteristic and unmistakable appearance, allowing the user to select one of four individual light signatures via the MMI (multi-media Interface).
For the first time, also only on top specification ‘Vorsprung’ models, the vehicles also come with largely digitalised ‘OLED’ rear lights, which have digital light signatures as well. Moreover, these rear lights feature proximity indication in conjunction with the assistance systems.
Both the electrified Q7 and Q8 have a significantly upgraded equipment range. Customers can choose from three new finishes and the wheel range includes new designs ranging from 20 to 23 inches (depending on the model chosen). Audi has also expanded the range of apps and driver assistance systems as part of the model upgrade.
The standard equipment is further being expanded and now includes 20-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, Audi ‘virtual cockpit plus’, three-zone automatic climate control, and adaptive air suspension. Both models also come as standard with a Mode 3 charging cable to top up the hybrid battery.
On The Road
Only an Audi drives like an Audi; that seems to sum up the driving experience. We have come to expect the best from this premium manufacturer and they always deliver. It’s built-in to Audi's DNA, the company insists. This is no less true for the brand’s plug-in hybrids. For example, five characteristics define the Q8’s handling: balanced, solid, controlled, precise, and effortless. The suspension, steering and drive, as well as the braking and control systems, all play a key role in creating a reliably safe, dynamic yet simultaneously comfortable driving experience.
Electronically controlled air suspension with a continuously adaptive damping system is a standard fitment. In addition, and for the first time in the plug-in hybrids, the all wheel steering, ‘eAWS’, (Once again, on the top specced ‘Vorsprung’ trim only, it should be noted) ensures increased safety and comfort. At low speeds, the back wheels turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This reduces the turning radius by up to one metre and increases manoeuvrability. At the same time, the driver feels more comfort and stability at higher speeds because the back wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels. It really does work and delivers a more confident drive.
Electromechanical active roll stabilisation ensures even more dynamics as another optional first for the plug-in hybrids. Both axles are equipped with a compact electric motor coupled to a transmission in this system. It splits the stabiliser into two halves and, when driving straight, allows them to work largely independently of each other, which reduces body movements on uneven roads.
In sporty driving, however, the electric motor causes the two halves to rotate in opposite directions of each other, so they work together as a unit. This means that the car leans into the curve significantly less for a more precise steering response. The ‘eAWS’ is powered by a 48-volt supercapacitor. The compact, lightweight energy storage unit, which can absorb and release high currents in a very short time, supplies the two electric motors with a maximum power of 1.5 kilowatts each.
Main Power
At the heart of both plug-in hybrids is a 3.0 TFSI six-cylinder petrol engine developing 335BHP (340PS), a compact electric motor (PSM) with a maximum output of 130kW and 460Nm of torque, and a new, more powerful, liquid-cooled lithium battery located under the boot (trunk) floor.
The battery's energy is concentrated in 17 cells with 70Ah each, called “stacks”. Six stacks form one unit, which are connected in series. For the technically minded reader, this interesting compact design inside the battery housing eliminates the need for an additional module housing, resulting in higher power density. The design achieves a maximum capacity of 25.9 kWh (gross; 22 kWh net) at 370 volts. The increased capacity results in an all-electric range of up to 52 miles on the Q7 and 51 miles on the Q8.
At low engine speeds, the electric drive now bridges the fraction of a second that the turbocharger needs to build up the pressure even more powerfully, thanks to the increased torque from the product upgrade so that the drive system responds spontaneously. Put simply, the predictive operating strategy works by driving as far as possible on electric power and using up the existing battery charge by the time the driver reaches the destination.
MHH International With Audi
As the leading exporter of cars from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand and twenty-five other countries around the world, we offer a very wide range of new and used Audi cars for the discerning driver. See our current stock on these pages. From high powered models to stately family-sized SUV’s, our customers have a wide choice available, backed up by our well-established expertise, knowledge and finance options. Our website has full details. Get in touch to find out more.
