Audi has launched the Q8 60 TFSI e, which is a plug-in hybrid and might initially confuse you on where it sits in the Q8 line-up. The PHEV model is closely related to the petrol and diesel Q8 but not the electric e-tron which has only just adopted the Q8 name. So, it’s best to think of the 60 TFSI e as its own branch in the Q8 tree.
On paper, being a large and luxuriously appointed coupe-style SUV and having a plug-in hybrid powertrain means it blends the best of both worlds, but how does it perform in the real world? It faces some stiff competition from the likes of the BMW X5 xDrive 50e M Sport PHEV, Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid, Land Rover Defender 110 P400e and even the Volvo XC90 PHEV.
After a week, the 60 TFSI e has seen us cover a mountain road trip, camping and the general family holiday bustle. Keep reading to see how it went.
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Audi Q8 2024: 60 Tfsi E Quattro S Line Phev
| Engine Type | Turbo V6, 3.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | |
| Fuel Efficiency | 2.6L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Safety Rating |
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Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?
There is only one variant available for the Q8 60 TFSI e and it’s priced at $152,500 before on-road costs and optional extras. That positions it towards the higher end of the rival line-up but the starting prices for the BMW and Porsche are $149,900 and $154,600, respectively.
The Q8 e is a well-specified SUV and you get lots of premium features, like a panoramic sunroof, heated and electric front seats, Valcona leather upholstery and high-end haptic feedback technology screens like the 10.1-inch touchscreen multimedia system and the 8.6-inch climate control panel. However, at this price point, I am surprised that you miss out on a ventilation function for the front seats.
Other standard technology highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation, coloured head-up display, digital instrument panel, three-zone climate control and a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with a whopping 17 speakers. Hello, in-car concert!
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Adaptive air suspension, HD Matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and start, electric steering wheel adjustments, a handsfree powered tailgate and a bunch of safety features round out the package.
Our test vehicle is also fitted with the Full Leather package for $8900, which adds Nappa leather trims throughout the car, as well as electric sun blinds on the rear outboard windows. The Waitomo Blue paintwork tacks on an additional $2300, as do the upgraded 22-inch alloy wheels. So, our test model actually swings in at $163,700 before on roads.
Value for money-wise, if you compare only to its rivals, it’s not outrageous but if you compare it to its fuel-based cousins, which are around $15K less, it might be harder to justify. And if you’re looking for an electric alternative, the Q8 e-tron is only a little more expensive.
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Design – Is there anything interesting about its design?
The Q8 e is one of the few coupe-style SUVs that doesn’t feature a rear that is too pinched-looking. It has a more understated kerb-size appearance and yet still looks like it means business with its massive but well-proportioned body and wide stance.
Some design highlights include the upgraded 22-inch alloy wheels and sporty red calipers, black accents across the car and large air-intake vents at the front.
The updated grille is enormous and wide set but complemented by the HD Matrix LED headlights which makes the front really pop at night time.
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Head inside the cabin and you’ll notice a luxuriously appointed but, again, understated aesthetic.
The supple Valcona leather upholstery and Nappa leather trims add refinement but it’s the flush joinery and the way the dashboard seems so well settled that makes the cockpit look good. Add the LED ambient lighting with its 30 colour choices and combos and the interior can be customised to your liking.
Being a hybrid model, you do miss out on any frunk storage and the boot capacity drops by 100L to accommodate the battery. Other than those items, the added electrical component doesn’t affect the design.
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Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside?
The cabin feels spacious in both rows for head- and legroom. The wide door apertures and higher ground clearance also make it an easy car to get in and out of.
When it comes to seat comfort, the front seats feel ergonomic with the adjustable lumbar and under-thigh supports. The seats sit low and you sit in them rather than perch on top like some SUV set ups.
The rear seats are comfortable and the back rest supportive, so even adults will be happy on a long journey.
The individual storage is pretty thin up front and the cabin gets messy quickly because of it. You get a shallow shelf as a middle console, glove box and two cupholders but the storage bins in each door are quite big, which is a plus.
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The storage in the back seat is much better with two large net map pockets, two cupholders in the fold-down armrest and large drink bottle holders/storage bins in each door.
The boot is a good size at 505L but the sloped roof does mean you can’t position bulkier items at the front. The loading space is level and if you need to, you can adjust the height of the car via the adaptive air suspension.
The back seat has a 40/20/40 split and the boot features a luggage racking system with adjustable anchors, which opens up storage options.
Amenities is both rows are what you hope for at this price point with three-zone air-conditioning, two USB-C ports in each row and a total of three 12-volt ports, as well. The front also gets a wireless charging pad.
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The rear also has reading lights, four directional air vents and its own digital climate control but curiously, the fan control remains manual. The electric sunblinds were a hit for my seven-year old and I like that each door has a control of each blind – perfect for when you’re travelling solo in the back and want to adjust it.
Onto the other technology, the touchscreen multimedia system has haptic feedback, which means it vibrates when you press it - a bit gimmicky for me but the system itself is easy enough to use once you spend some time with it. You also get built-in satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The climate control panel can feel fiddly to use at times but on a whole, the cockpit feels very driver-orientated.
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Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission?
The Q8 60 TFSI e has a 3.0-litre, V6 turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain for a combined power output of 340kW and 700Nm of torque. You’ll get a happy tummy sucking sensation if you ever have to put your foot down because it can do a 0-100km/h sprint in just 5.4 seconds.
The Q8 e features an eight-speed automatic transmission and is an all-wheel drive. The switch between the petrol and electric engine components is seamless leading to a pleasant driving experience.
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Being a plug-in hybrid, the Q8 e has a 17.9kWh lithium-ion battery that produces a pure electric driving range of 47km WLTP, although I only ever saw a top range of 43km. You will chew through that range quickly.
The Q8 e has a Type 2 charging port but misses out on the fast DC charging component, so you’re stuck with AC charging. Audi says the charging speed is 2.5 hours but you’ll need a 7.2kW wall-box for that. Expect much longer from a wall socket. You also can’t charge larger appliances as it lacks a standard three-pin household plug port.
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range?
The official combined fuel cycle is 2.6L/100km but that’s in a perfect world when the electric battery remains charged at all times. Realistically, my best onboard fuel figure is 4.9L in hybrid mode but when the battery is depleted, my figures hovered around the 9.1L mark.
Overall, not a terrible consumption figure, given how large and powerful the car is but as with most plug-ins, you get the best fuel economy if you charge the battery regularly. For someone who lives regionally and typically does longer trips, it’s not the best combo for me but for an urban dweller, it might be perfect.
The regenerative braking doesn’t feel particularly strong but you do gain percentage when going down a mountain. My average kWh usage sat around 8.7kWh/100km when cruising but hit the mid-to-high 30s when accelerating.
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Driving – What's it like to drive?
The Q8 PHEV has plenty of power and you never feel like you’re tapping into the full scope of what it could do.
There are moments where the acceleration from a full stop can feel a little anaemic in the sense that it doesn’t ‘jump to it’ as quickly as what the 5.4-second 100km/h sprint time would suggest.
That being said, those moments are short lived and the Q8 PHEV has proven to be a fun ride overall.
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The steering and nimble footing produce dynamic handling when you’re hitting corners or winding roads. You feel confident tackling terrain like this at speed. Taking it camping also proves it can handle damp grassy campgrounds and the gravel/dirt stuff very well.
The adaptive air suspension makes for a comfortable ride and even though you have those 22-inch wheels, the outside world sounds wonderfully muffled. The engine is near silent most of the time and honestly, a bit too quiet for my liking with a V6 engine on board but that also helps create a Zen-like cabin space.
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At 4986mm long, 2190mm wide and 1705mm high you’d be forgiven for thinking the Q8 e would feel big to drive but it doesn’t at all. At least, not until you come to park it.
It can feel cumbersome to manoeuvre in tight spaces due to its 13.3m turning circle but the ultra-clear 360-degree view camera system helps takes out the guesswork.
The front and rear parking sensors are also great but I downgraded the sensitivity of the collision avoidance detection system because it activates too early, or when there is seemingly nothing behind it to set it off.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating?
The Q8 has a lot of standard safety features, but a highlight is the adaptive cruise control with its lane keeping and stop and go functions – it has the right balance of sensitivity and doesn’t slow down dramatically when approaching cars in front.
Other standard features include daytime-running lights, lane-keeping aid, lane departure alert, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, collision avoidance assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, intelligent seat-belt reminders, 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors.
The Q8 PHEV variant is untested by ANCAP and thus unrated but its fuel-based cousins all achieved a maximum five-star rating in 2019. The Q8 e has eight airbags, including side chest airbags for both rows but it’s common to only find these on the front.
For any families out there, you have ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear outboard seats and three top tethers. You may be able to fit three skinny child seats and there is plenty of room for front passengers when a 0-4 rearward facing child seat installed.
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Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs?
The Q8 e comes with a five-year/unlimited km warranty, which is a normal term for the class.
There is a five-year or up to 75,000km servicing plan which costs $3570 or an average of $714 per service, which is reasonable for the class.
Servicing intervals are good at every 12 months of 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
Verdict
The Audi Q8 60 TFSI e offers an interesting engine combination but with its small electric driving range and strictly AC charging, I kind of feel like it’s a case of ‘what’s the point?’
It’s expensive compared to its fuel-based cousins and it’s only a little bit more for the fully electric Q8 e-tron. That being said, I like everything else that it offers.
The luxurious appointments, comfort and the awesome handling helps to make up for the shortfall of the plug-in hybrid component for me. Regional or country folk might not wring out the full plug-in potential, but urban dwellers will find better luck.
Pricing Guides
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