50 TDI or 55 TFSI e for towing.

[Bryan Connelly]

Sorry me again. I really am stuck on which Q8 to go for. I know, it's an old man's thing but I tow a 2200 Kg, twin axle caravan. I have just ordered a brand new 50 TDI but didn't realise there was a 55 TFSIe plugin hybrid option. If i'm going to change, I have to do it quickly. Yes, straight diesel is usually the best option for towing but that's weekends and holidays. I still work during the week with a 25 mile round trip daily. A hybrid would have clear advantages for the daily commute but what about the towing? Has anyone tried a PHEV with a big caravan and willing to share your thoughts. Cheers.

[Francis007]

Hi Brian

Cannot help you much mate as I'm not into towing but my first few questions would be how long do you intend to keep your new Q8 for and whats the price differential between a 50 TDI and the 55TFSIe ! I havent looked but I guess considerable and would you get that cost back over a number of years depending on the range that the electric motor in the hybrid gives you.

The extra torque of a 3 litre TDI shoud be a better tower.

When I picked my current Q8 at the Bury St.Edmunds Audi dealership, I was told by the Business Sales Manager there that the only people who were condidering the Q8 hybrid were business guys who were benefitting from the tax breaks. Otherwise it didnt make any financial sense.

Just a quick point. I do hope you were able to get a decent deal with your impending purchase. I went to " Drive the Deal " a much respected and long standing Car Broker and was able to get a brilliant deal on my new Q8. Many thousands of pounds cheaper than the listed price. It has to be in stock but I have just looked up the Bury.St.Edmunds website and they have some 50 TDI's in stock. No 55 TFS IE's though .

The key to obtaining a better deal was by taking out a PCP deal with Audi. By doing that I took advantage of a very substantial deposit contribution from Audi and a considerable discount on list price....but only if I took out the PCP. It really was a no brainer.

Good luck with your decision and please let us know what you decide.

Frank 

[Sid2020]

I would Tow with a Tdi, tfsi or a full electric. I would not with a hybrid unless you are only planning to own it while it’s under warranty due to the complex integration of the drive systems and possible weaknesses 

[Bryan Connelly]

Thanks Frank & Sid.

I'll be getting the car on a four year PCP probably looking to change in year three (still under warranty). I got a good offer from Audi Finance saving me about 8K on a brand new 2025 model that should apply to either model. Sadly i'm losing a small fortune trading in my Range Rover early due to a fall out with the dealer (long boring story). Unfortunately, full electric is not an option as towing will at least half its range. The TFSi on it's own doesn't make much sense compared to the TDI fuel economy. The PHEV will cost about 3K more than the diesel but should pay itself back from my fuel free daily commute. Too many choices for my liking but thanks for your opinions, they will help me decide.