Audi has expanded its engine line-up for the Q8, adding two V6 units. The new Q8 55 TFSI is equipped with a 3-liter six-cylinder spark-ignition engine that produces 345ps. The second new engine is an additional variant of the current 3-liter diesel.
The turbocharged gasoline will develop 500Nm of torque between 1,370 and 4,500rpm, meaning a 0-100km/h time of just 5.9 seconds. Its maximum speed is electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph).
The new diesel powerplant will provide 231ps peak power and also develops 500Nm of torque. The plateau is available between 1,750rpm and 3,250rpm. From a standing start, the Audi Q8 45 TDI accelerates to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 233km/h.
All of the Q8 powertrains feature Audi’s mild hybrid system, which uses a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter (BAS) to supply the 48V main electrical system of the SUV with electricity.
During deceleration, the BAS enables up to 12kW of energy to be recovered and fed into the battery. At speeds between 55km/h and 160km/h (34mph-100mph), the Q8 can coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine switched off when the driver lets off the accelerator.
The two engine additions are paired with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
