Potent luxury limo and incredibly light on petrol.

Audi has added yet another hybrid model to its line-up with the reveal of A8 L 60 TFSI e.

Like many other new Audis, this luxury limousine features an integrated electric motor, which is homed in the A8’s eight-speed automatic transmission’s clutch-pack.

The A8 L 60 TFSI is a plug-in hybrid which also features impressive energy recuperation technology, but in terms of design, it does not look much different to any other A8: a slight reshape of the front bumper and concealed charging port being the only changes.

Primary power sourcesfrom Audi’s familiar 3-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine, which boosts 250 kW and 500 Nm. The synchronous electric motor can add 100 kW and 350 Nm, drawingits energy from a 14.1 kWh battery pack.

Total system output, delivering during peak acceleration, equates to an impressive 330 kW and 700 Nm, numbers which convert to 0-100 kph in 4.9 seconds and a predictable top speed, restricted to 250 kph.

As with any hybrid vehicle, efficiency and low fuel consumption are notable attributes for its A8 L 60 TFSI e, Audi is claiming 2.5L/100 km while cruising.

The energy harvesting system uses SatNav to determine its most efficient conversion profile and can recoup up to 80 kW of power during braking, when forces go beyond 0.3g of deceleration.

In low-speed urban driving, virtually all the A8 L 60 TFSI e’s braking is done by the regeneration function of its electric drivetrain components.

Drivers can also choose between three different modes: auto, hold and EV. In the auto mode, electric energy is dispersed as required, whilst in ‘hold’ it only release when the driver desires. The A8 L 60 TFSI e drives in EV mode by default, which uses pure battery power to move this large Audi limousine from standstill, with its petrol engine engaging as required.

The A8 L 60 TFSI e has a pure electric driving range of 40 km, which is best used in congested city traffic, where it uses no liquid fuel at all.

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