Audi has refreshed its Q7 and Q8 plug-in hybrids with new tech and improved range

Another day, another SUV update. This time it’s courtesy of Audi, which has facelifted its Q7/Q8 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs and increased their battery capacities to improve range and make them a bit more efficient. Wait, come back!

Both of these mammoth-sized vehicles will still use Audi’s 3.0-litre TFSI six-cylinder and compact electric motor pairing, albeit with an increased max output of 388bhp and 443lb ft of torque in the range-topping ‘55 TFSI e Quattro’ trim levels. And here we were thinking Audi was actually going to give up with the silly naming *rolls eyes*.

Anyway, it does mean 62mph is dispatched in 5.7s, and both will keep on gathering momentum to a limited top speed of 149.

The revised lithium batteries are also now placed in a ‘stack’ arrangement beneath the boot floor, with the new range output increased to 52 for the Q7 and 51 for the Q8. They’ll also take just under four hours to fully recharge at a rate of 7.4kW using the cable provided, so there’s plenty of time to write a scathing email to Audi about not yet ditching the silly naming.

Still, some parity is found in the new (and more efficient) driving modes. They’re… confusing, but essentially what Audi has done is altered the speed and rate at which the batteries charge to put increased precedence on all-electric driving.

As a result, you’ll likely also have a few extra coppers lying around to keep the updated exterior clean, which introduces revised lighting (and signatures) at both ends in addition to various 20-23in alloy choices. Audi has also extended the exterior finish palate so you might be able to get Woolly Mammoth Brown for extra authenticity.

Other notable standard features include adaptive air suspension and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit Plus system.

Pricing and delivery dates are yet to be revealed for both the new Q7 and Q8, but we expect the latter to start from around £70,000, and the former to be closer to £80,000. They should both be available to purchase by the time you understand the silly badging.