The hybrid version of Audi’s flagship saloon A8 has been unveiled. And it’s got a four-cylinder engine!
Yep, this large and luxurious sedan is powered by a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor which together churn out 180 kW (245 hp) and 480 Nm (345.03 lb-ft) of torque. The gasoline engine alone is responsible for 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque of that output.
The sedan can travel at speeds of up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a constant speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).
The performance is not that shabby either, as it reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.7 seconds from a standing start and has a top speed of 235 km/h (146.02 mph).
The real upside of this system is fuel economy, as it averages (provisional figures) 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg), and CO2 emissions are below 148 grams per km (238.18 g/mile).
If it weren’t for the hybrid badges, you wouldn’t be able to tell the A8 hybrid apart from normal models. There are some subtle details though, like the ten spokes of its alloy wheels, or the exclusive Arctic Silver body color.
A8 hybrid comes as standard with metallic paint finish, three-zone automatic air conditioning, LED headlights and the BOSE sound system.
Audi A8 Hybrid driving modes:
The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: with the TFSI engine alone, with electric drive only or in hybrid mode; recuperation and boosting are also possible. Two displays show the driver all operating modes in detail.
The lithium-ion battery, which weighs 36.7 kilograms (80.91 lb), is located in a crash-proof area in the trunk. It provides 1.3 kWh of nominal energy and up to 40 kW of power. Two different methods are used to air-cool the battery, depending on need: with air blown from the passenger compartment by a fan and via a separate cooling circuit coupled to the automatic air conditioning system. The battery is thus kept within the temperature window required for it to perform to its full potential over a wide range. The electric motor and the compact power electronics which serve as a controller between the electric motor and the battery are water-cooled.
