Audi Q8 gains plug-in hybrid versions with 28-mile electric range

• Seventh Audi available as a PHEV
• 376bhp and 456bhp power outputs
• Available to order later this month

The Audi Q8 is the brand’s latest model to get plug-in hybrid power, and there are two powerful options for Audi’s flagship SUV. Badged 55 TFSI e and 60 TFSI e, both use the same powertrain and are able to manage 28 miles of zero-emission driving. Prices start at £73,860 and £85,760 for the 55 and 60 models respectively.

These two models share a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine and a 17.8kWh battery, plus a 134bhp electric motor that’s integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. In total, the powertrain produces 376bhp in the 55 TFSI e and 456bhp in the 60-badged model. Even the 55 TFSI e gets from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds, and the 60 TFSI e knocks nearly half a second off that time.

Because they’re so powerful, the Audi Q8 plug-in hybrids aren’t hugely economical, but a 28-mile electric range and up to 100mpg means they’ll be the least expensive Q8 models to run - provided you keep the battery topped up. CO2 emissions of 65g/km mean a surprisingly low 12% Benefit-in-Kind rate for company-car drivers, but it’s worth noting that the BMW X5 xDrive45e is essentially twice as economical on paper: 54 miles of electric range, 201mpg and 6% BiK.

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You can charge the Audi Q8 PHEV from a three-pin socket or a 7.4kW wallbox, with the latter recharging the battery in around 2.5 hours from empty. The car starts in EV mode unless the battery’s empty, while the Hybrid setting comprises ‘Auto’, ‘Hold’ and ‘Charge’ modes that tell the car how to use the two power sources.

There’s predictive efficiency assist, which determines whether to freewheel or recharge the battery when you take your foot off the accelerator. Costly Vorsprung models, due later, will also have adaptive cruise assist, which also helps you to drive more economically.

See where the Audi Q7 lands on our list of the best large SUVs.