Greater electric range for Audi Q7 and Q8 PHEVs

Audi has revealed details of facelifted plug-in hybrid Q7 and Q8 SUVs with updated battery technology and more efficient driving modes.

The exterior design of both models has been reworked with new front and rear aprons, while both plug-in hybrids are available with optional all-wheel steering and electromechanical active roll stabilisation. Both models now have a larger liquid-cooled lithium battery located under the boot floor, offering greater range.

The 25.9kWh unit gives an electric range of up to 52 miles on the Q7 and 51 miles on the Q8 (pictured). The battery charges at up to 7.4 kW and reaches 100% in approximately 3hr 45min. The cars use a 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder petrol engine developing 340PS, alongside a compact electric motor, giving a combined system output of 394PS and 600Nm of torque on both Q7 and Q8 55 TFSI e quattro models.

Q7 or Q8 can be started in EV mode or hybrid mode, and the chosen mode remains active until manually changed.

Hybrid mode has two operating modes: auto and hold. In hold mode, the existing battery charge is kept at its current level by recovering braking energy. This allows drivers to switch to all-electric power on reaching an urban destination. In charge mode, the battery recharges only above speeds of 40mph using recuperation alone. This ensures high levels of electric driving in stop-go traffic. Charge mode ends when the battery has recharged to 75% of capacity.