The Audi A8L (D5) 60 TFSI e, produced from October 2019 to November 2021, represents Audi’s foray into high-performance plug-in hybrid luxury sedans. Positioned as a premium offering within the fourth generation (D5) A8L lineup, this variant combined a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 449 horsepower. It was designed to appeal to buyers seeking both the refinement and space of the A8L with the benefits of electric driving and reduced emissions. The “60 TFSI e” designation signifies its power output (roughly corresponding to 600 PS in the European metric) and its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Audi |
| Model | A8 |
| Generation | A8L (D5) |
| Type | 60 TFSI e (449 Hp) Plug-in Hybrid quattro tiptronic |
| Start of production | October, 2019 |
| End of production | November, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 2.6-3.0 l/100 km (90.5 – 78.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 59-68 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 2.5-2.7 l/100 km (94.1 – 87.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 57-61 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 5.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.3 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 14.1 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 11.3 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 385 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Under the trunk |
| Recuperation output | 80 kW |
| All-electric range (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 46 km (28.58 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (NEDC, WLTP equivalent) | 20.9-21.2 kWh/100 km (33.64 – 34.12 kWh/100 mi) |
| Max speed (electric) | 135 km/h (83.89 mph) |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 350 Nm (258.15 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor location | Between the combustion engine and the transmission |
| System power | 449 Hp |
| System torque | 700 Nm (516.29 lb.-ft.) |
| Power | 340 Hp @ 5000-6400 rpm |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1370-4500 rpm (368.78 lb.-ft. @ 1370-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA839 / CZSE |
| Engine displacement | 2995 cm3 (182.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 84.5 mm (3.33 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 7.6 l (8.03 US qt | 6.69 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.4 l (13.1 US qt | 10.91 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2330 kg (5136.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2920 kg (6437.5 lbs.) |
| Max load | 590 kg (1300.73 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 65 l (17.17 US gal | 14.3 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 5302 mm (208.74 in.) |
| Width | 1945 mm (76.57 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2130 mm (83.86 in.) |
| Height | 1486 mm (58.5 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3128 mm (123.15 in.) |
| Front track | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1623 mm (63.9 in.) |
| Front overhang | 989 mm (38.94 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1185 mm (46.65 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.26 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor permanently drive the four wheels of the car with the ability to work in full electric or mixed mode. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission tiptronic |
| Front suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Air suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
INTRODUCTION
The Audi A8L (D5) 60 TFSI e, launched in late 2019, was a key component of Audi’s push towards electrification. Built on the modular longitudinal platform (MLB evo), also known as the 1HX0/A3 platform, the A8L 60 TFSI e aimed to provide a luxurious and technologically advanced experience while significantly reducing fuel consumption and emissions. It occupied a middle ground in the A8L range, offering a performance boost over the base 50 TDI models while remaining more accessible than the high-performance 60 TDI. The model was discontinued in November 2021, likely due to shifting market demands and the introduction of newer, fully electric models.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the A8L 60 TFSI e lies the EA839 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine, designated as the CZSE code. This engine utilizes a single twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection to produce 340 horsepower and 500 Nm (368.78 lb-ft) of torque. The engine’s design incorporates features like an integrated exhaust manifold and a sophisticated thermal management system to optimize efficiency. Coupled with this is a powerful electric motor, integrated between the engine and the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, contributing an additional 136 horsepower and 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) of torque. The combined system output reaches 449 horsepower and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft). The 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, located under the trunk floor, provides an all-electric range of up to 46 km (28.58 miles) under the NEDC standard. The transmission itself is a well-refined eight-speed tiptronic, known for its smooth and responsive shifts. It’s programmed to prioritize efficiency in hybrid mode, often utilizing the electric motor for low-speed driving and assisting the gasoline engine during acceleration.
Driving Characteristics
The A8L 60 TFSI e delivers a unique driving experience. In electric-only mode, it offers near-silent and emissions-free operation, ideal for city driving. Switching to hybrid mode seamlessly blends the power of the gasoline engine and electric motor, providing strong acceleration and responsive performance. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 4.7 seconds. The eight-speed tiptronic transmission is well-matched to the powertrain, offering smooth gear changes and intelligent shift logic. Compared to the standard A8L models, the 60 TFSI e feels noticeably more responsive, particularly during acceleration. However, the added weight of the battery pack (approximately 200 kg / 440 lbs) does slightly impact handling agility compared to lighter A8L variants. The quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability in all weather conditions.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The A8L 60 TFSI e came generously equipped as standard. Interior features included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. The MMI touch response system, with its dual touchscreen displays, controlled infotainment and vehicle settings. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system. Optional extras included a rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display, and various customization options for interior trim and exterior paint.
Chassis & Braking
The A8L 60 TFSI e utilizes an advanced chassis setup featuring independent multi-link suspension on both the front and rear axles, coupled with Audi’s adaptive air suspension system. This system automatically adjusts the ride height and damping characteristics based on road conditions and driving style, providing a comfortable and controlled ride. Braking duties are handled by ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. The electronic stability control (ESC) system is integrated with the all-wheel-drive system to enhance stability and prevent skidding. The added weight of the battery pack necessitated slightly stiffer spring rates and dampers compared to non-hybrid A8L models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The A8L 60 TFSI e was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and impressive performance. The plug-in hybrid powertrain was lauded for its ability to deliver both efficiency and power. However, some critics noted the limited all-electric range and the impact of the battery pack on trunk space. Compared to the A8L 50 TDI, the 60 TFSI e offered a more engaging driving experience and lower emissions. Compared to the A8L 60 TDI, it provided similar performance but with the added benefit of electric driving capability. Fuel economy figures varied depending on driving conditions, but the A8L 60 TFSI e consistently achieved significantly better fuel economy than its gasoline and diesel counterparts.
Legacy
The Audi A8L 60 TFSI e represents an important step in Audi’s electrification strategy. While production was relatively short-lived, it demonstrated the potential of plug-in hybrid technology in the luxury sedan segment. On the used car market, these models hold their value relatively well, appealing to buyers seeking a sophisticated and environmentally conscious luxury vehicle. The powertrain, while complex, has proven to be generally reliable, with few widespread issues reported. However, potential buyers should be aware of the cost of replacing the high-voltage battery pack if necessary. The A8L 60 TFSI e paved the way for Audi’s subsequent fully electric models, such as the e-tron GT and the Q8 e-tron.
