Audi Thailand has reiterated its superiority in electric power technology with the launch of the latest generation of Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrids. The vehicles feature added options at a reduced price of up to 1 million baht.
At least 20 electric cars will be launched by Audi by 2025, but the Thai government’s objective is to promote electric vehicle usage starting this year. Audi Thailand has a plan to progressively introduce new electric vehicles using Audi’s latest generation of plug-in hybrid technology which it claims is incredibly powerful, fun to drive, and fuel-efficient.
The Audi Q7 60 TFSI e Quattro S line Black Edition and the Audi Q8 60 TFSI e Quattro S line Black Edition are the first two Audi plug-in hybrid technology cars to be released in Thailand. The Dynamic Badge 60 TFSI e appears on the back of each vehicle, indicating the cars’ horsepower rating.
Power and Torque
Powered by a 2,995cc turbocharged V6 engine that produces 340hp and 450Nm, a total of 462hp and 700Nm is generated when combined with the battery system.
Please note that this is the most powerful plug-in hybrid SUV in Thailand today. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in only 5.4secs and has a top speed of 240kph.
Battery
In addition to having a 17.9kW capacity, the high-voltage Li-ion battery is capable of charging at a rate of up to 7.4kWh. This enables the battery to be recharged to 100% in 2.5 hours. Audi has placed the battery in the boot area, where it has been engineered to be as tiny as possible. As a result, the luggage capacity in the new Q8 is 550 litres while the Q7 has a boot space of 650 litres.
Both versions can go more than 40km on a single charge, making them ideal for city driving with the highest range of cars in their segment. According to Audi’s study, most city dwellers only drive electric cars 30km in one day. In the event of damage, technicians will be able to replace parts and batteries for individual modules on an as-needed basis. As a result, when the battery is no longer under warranty, the maintenance costs are minimal. Audi plug-in hybrids have a warranty of eight years or 160,000km for the high-voltage battery (whichever comes first).
Both the Q7 and Q8 are equipped with e-tron mode, which is available in four distinct configurations:
1. EV (electric driving) is a mode in which the car is driven by 100% electric power. This mode is good for city driving.
2. Auto Hybrid (intelligent use of battery charge) means the engine and electric motor will automatically work together to maximise efficiency. This technology uses Predictive Efficiency Assist, which analyses the state of the route in tandem with the car’s navigation system, to help the driver get to their destination faster. Reducing pressure on the accelerator is advised when the automobile hits junctions, ramps and different joints. The system works with the Predictive Operating Strategy, which looks at how people drive in cities to see if there’s a lot of traffic, in order to use the power from the electric motor properly.
3. Battery Hold (maintain battery charge) is ideal for entering a city from out of town. The engine is designed to maintain the maximum battery charge so that it can be used when entering the city and travelling as far as possible.
4. Battery Charge (increase battery charge) will get the car to use the engine together with an energy recovery system in order to recharge the battery.
Black Edition
Designed to be athletic, both the Q7 and Q8 Black Edition feature an exterior ornamented with an S line design. The vehicles have been upgraded by having the chrome trim surrounding the car replaced with black and black side mirror covers to make the car seem even more intimidating.
They feature a new set of 21-inch alloy wheels with red brake callipers on both the front and rear wheels, two different types of headlights, including LED headlights and smart matrix LED headlamps that can automatically adjust the light output to prevent distractions on a driver’s eyes, and a new suspension system that includes a spring feature. When unlocked, it has a mild staging effect.
In the front, there are SuperSport seats with a diamond-cut design. It is necessary to arrange the seat slope so that it is in proportion to that of the window. It aids in the alignment of the eye level to provide the most advantageous position for the driver. It also features high-quality Valcona leather material that is soft and comfy, as well as a sporty multi-function steering wheel.
The MMI Navigation plus system, with a 10.1-inch MMI touch and multi-function touchscreen with 8.6-inch haptic feedback, paddle shifters, 12.3-inch virtual cockpit driving information display, premium 700W audio system from Bang & Olufsen with 3D sound and three-zone automatic air conditioning are all standard features. For a hot country like Thailand, being able to switch on the air conditioner when the motor is off (Stationary Air-conditioning) is a plus.
The Q7 has adaptive air suspension, while the Q8 features sport air suspension. The inside of each cabin, as well as the luggage compartment, are spacious. This is one of the most spacious SUVs available in the market. Besides that, the Q8 has standard features such as a 360-degree video, automatic electric doors and a rooftop luggage rack.
Price
Q7 60 TFSI e Quattro S line Black Edition (LED headlight): 4,799,000 bahtQ7 60 TFSI e Quattro S line Black Edition (Matrix LED headlight): 4,899,000 bahtQ8 60 TFSI e Quattro S line Black Edition: 5,799,000 baht
Keyword: Audi unveils its halo hybrids