Audi reveals A8 L 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid variant

The German automobile manufacturer, Audi has taken the wraps off the plug-in hybrid variant of its A8 L luxury sedan. It has a combination of a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged petrol mill, a 14.1kWh battery and a synchronous electric motor.

The V6 engine can make a maximum power of 335 hp along with a peak torque of 500 Nm. On the other hand, the electric motor can churn out a maximum power of 134 hp, while the peak torque is 350 Nm. The entire combination can push out a maximum power of 443 hp and peak torque of 700 Nm.

Performance-wise, Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e plug-in hybrid can speed up from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and can achieve a maximum speed of 250 kmph. As per the WLTP test cycle, the 14.1 kWh battery is capable of providing an electric driving range of 46 Km, while using only the electric motor the car can accelerate up to a maximum speed of 135 kmph. Besides, the fuel consumption is quite good at 40 kmpl.

There are three driving modes available for the PHEV that includes Auto, Hold and EV. The former usually shuffle between the electric power and petrol depending on the requirements, so that the overall efficiency will be maximised. For the 'Hold’ mode, the car uses the petrol engine as the source of power on the highways so that the electrical power can be used for driving in urban environments. In EV mode, the vehicle will be solely dependent on the battery pack. 

Audi A8 L 60 TFSI e PHEV features the brand’s own signature LED DRLs on the front bumper. Also, there are model-specific 19-inch aero-optimised five-arm turbine alloy wheels, 'chrome clasp' and a unique diffuser insert as the other notable features.

In Germany, Audi A8 L 60 TFSI PHEV comes with a price tag of $177,539 (€109,000). The PHEV is available for booking in Europe, while the deliveries will start from Q4 of 2019.

Audi Australia’s, corporate communications manager, Shaun Cleary, said, “At this stage, we don’t have concrete plans to tell you about the A8 L 60 TFSI e, but these ‘e’ PHEV models are part of our consideration for the future rollout of electrification in Australia.” He added, “However, the e-tron SUV, our first full-electric vehicle, remains our priority ahead of its arrival in 2020."

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