The electric motor of the renewed Audi Q7 and Q8 55 TFSIe is powered by a more powerful 25.9 kWh lithium battery, cooled by liquid, and located under the trunk floor. The increase in capacity results in a fully electric range of up to 90 km in urban areas, according to the WLTP EAER City standard, which equates to a combined electric range of up to 85 km, according to the WLTP EAER standard.
The battery charges up to 7.4 kW and reaches 100% in approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes when charged at maximum power. The hybrid module uses two operating modes: auto and hold. In auto mode, the predictive operating strategy is automatically activated when navigation is started in the standard MMI navigation plus system.
Acceleration is primarily provided by the TFSI engine, supported as needed by the electric motor. At low combustion engine speeds, the electric motor fills the fraction of a second that the turbocharger needs to increase pressure even more vigorously, thanks to the additional torque resulting from the product update, so that the propulsion system responds immediately.
In summary, the predictive operating strategy works to cover the maximum number of kilometers possible with electric energy, optimizing the battery charge considering the destination.
In hold mode, the battery charge is maintained at its current level, with minimal fluctuations. This is made possible through regenerative braking, a process known as regeneration, and by shifting the charge point through specific interventions in the 3.0 TFSI engine management system. Therefore, after a longer conventional journey, the driver can arrive at their destination (in urban areas) with fully electric energy to travel without emissions and almost noiselessly.
A new feature included in this update for the 55 TFSIe versions of the Q7 and Q8 is the battery now charging intelligently and only above a speed of approximately 65 km/h when set in charging mode, allowing to maximize efficiency and ensure long distances in electric driving mode in the city and traffic.
Furthermore, in charging mode, the combustion engine is no longer constantly used to charge the battery, instead, only regeneration is used. Charging mode ends when the battery has been recharged to 75%, in order to preserve the battery and increase efficiency.
Both models come standard with steel spring suspension with damping control, with the option of adaptive air suspension or adaptive sport air suspension available.
Esthetically, the renewed Q7 and Q8 stand out for the redesigned Singleframe grille, with a hexagonal pattern; for the new vertical front air intakes; for the new lighting signature displayed by the front optics.
High-intensity LED headlights are part of the standard equipment, with Matrix LED headlights available as an option, and OLED taillights, which have a proximity indication in conjunction with the assistance systems.
The renewed Q7 and Q8 TFSIe have a significantly improved optional equipment offer. In addition to contrasting colors of the seat stitching, there are also nine decorative inserts and three levels of finishes. Five new wheels with a new design and dimensions between 21″ and 23″ (depending on the model).
As for prices, Audi has already announced that the Q7 55 TFSIe is available for a recommended price starting at €87,358, while the Q8 55 TFSIe starts at €101,419.
