Geneva show: Audi Q5, A6, A7 and A8 plug in
BY SPENCER LEECH | 26th Feb 2019
AUDI has revealed that it will offer plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) systems for its petrol-powered Q5 medium SUV and A6, A7 and A8 sedan models, wearing the new ‘TFSIe’ moniker.
All TFSIe models will be matched with turbocharged petrol engines, with two variants offering different levels of performance and equipment – a “comfort” model and one with a higher-output tune and S line equipment.
Audi’s e-tron nameplate will now be reserved for its pure-electric models.
The new PHEVs will each offer 40 kilometres of electric-only driving range, with the idea being that customers can travel around a third of their usual routes using just the electric system.
By integrating with the car’s onboard navigation system, the electronic control unit (ECU) creates a route profile to allow for efficient use of the battery.
Under brakes, the PHEV system will recover up to 80kW of energy, applying slight deceleration which will help conserve rotors and pads.
Lithium-ion batteries for the A6, A7, and A8 are made up of 104 pouch cells to store 14.1kWh of energy while the Q5 uses prismatic cells with the same capacity.
An eight-speed automatic transmission translates power to a quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system, with recalibrated suspension on each corner to adapt to the electrified powertrains.
S line variants will benefit from a black styling package with darkened trim, red brake calipers and privacy windows.
Audi’s local wing has yet to confirm if the TFSIe models will join the mild-hybrid models currently on sale in Australia, however they will likely sit near the top of their respective ranges.
For context, the standard Q5 line-up is priced from $67,650 plus on-road costs up to $83,900, while the A6 starts at $81,900 up to $127,400 and the A7 tops out at $131,900.
The A8 is the most expensive of the bunch, ranging between $192,000 and $210,000.
Audi will unveil the new hybrids at the Geneva motor show in the coming weeks.
