Audi Q7 & Q8 PHEV get more range and performance in Europe

Audi has upgraded its Q7 and Q7 SUV offerings in Europe, landing both models with superior hybrid powertrains. Sales will start soon from €85,500.

The old 17.3-kWh battery pack is no longer available, replaced with a larger 25.9-kWh version. This essentially doubles the all-electric range for both SUVs, allowing them to cover 85 km (53 miles) per charge instead of 43 km (26.7 mi). Charging from a 7.4kW charger now takes 3 hours 45 minutes.

The 55 TFSI e quattro retains the same 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, but gets a superior electric motor built into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to the new motor, the cars with this powertrain deliver up to 394 PS (389 hp / 290 kW) and 600 Nm (663 lb-ft) of torque to the wheels. The sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) succeeds in 5.7 seconds – two-tenths of a second faster than before.

The 60 TFSI e quattro spec is even better off with 490 PS (483 hp / 360 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque under its command. Both crossovers with this powertrain now conclude their sprint exercise in 5 seconds flat instead of 5.7. The top speed is electronically limited at 240 km/h (149 mph) in hybrid mode and 135 km/h (84 mph) in all-electric mode.