The United States is currently the biggest market for hybrid vehicles as it is more than willing to accept new hybrid vehicles rolled out by carmakers. It seems though that Germany will alter this vision as Audi will not bring the A8 hybrid to the U.S. Instead, the vehicle will be marketed in Western Europe and Asia.
Audi already started deliveries of the Audi A8 Hybrid in Germany last May and deliveries in parts of Asia will commence next year. Audi will be marketing the long wheelbase version in Asia and another model for the right hand drive countries.
The 2012 A8 hybrid will be sporting a four-cylinder TFSI with 2.0-liter displacement. This powerplant can give out 208 horses and is far better than just a modified V-8 or V-6. The choice of the engine helps to keep down the car’s weight and the price. The A8 Hybrid goes for 70,700 euros in Germany after some taxes. The long-wheel base version sells for 85,400 euros or about $105,000. Looking at the trends of prices on both sides of the pond and consumer preference, most likely the short-wheelbase A8 Hybrid will have a tag price of around the area of $70,000.
If the U.S. price seems cheaper, it’s because the one being released in Germany points to a front-wheel drive version that depends on a 3.0-liter TDI V6 that gives out 201 horses. The model is obviously less powerful and according to sources, less luxurious.
The hybrid version cannot beat the fuel efficiency of the base diesel model but the CO2 emission average will be lower. The better emission is important in Europe for purposes of insurance. Both cars run from 0 to 62 miles per hour between 7.7 seconds and 7.9s. The A8 Hybrid though does not do well with regard to cargo room. The lithium-ion batteries that weigh 84 pounds take much of what’s supposed to be the trunk. From the regular 13.2 cu.ft. the space is limited to 10 cubes. It just does not make sense if the car is for four adults yet have a very limited space for luggage.
During test runs, the car is just numb with the steering a bit detached. Clearly this car is not for drivers who want some attitude from their cars. The electric motor that gives out 52 horses performs smoothly. Combined, the A8 Hybrid can easily get a 37.3 mpg average for city/highway.