Audi A8 hybrid set for UK

* A8 Hybrid on sale next year * 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and 40kW electric motor * 44mpg, sub-148g/km CO2 emissions...

Audi A8 hybrid set for UK

Audi will launch an A8 Hybrid towards the end of next year.

The flagship limousine will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 40kW electric motor to give a combined power output of 242bhp. It will come mated to an eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

The A8 Hybrid will average around 44mpg, while Audi says CO2 emissions will be 'below 148g/km'. It will boast a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds and have a top speed of 146mph.

The car can drive on electric power alone at up to 62mph. At a constant speed of 37mph it has a range of 1.86 miles on electric power.

The electric motor is charged by a lithium-ion battery pack in the car's boot.

The A8 Hybrid will get styling touches to mark it out from the rest of the range including alloy wheels with spokes 'reminiscent of turbine blades' and hybrid badges on the bodywork.

Three-zone climate control, LED headlights and a Bose sound system will come as standard.

There is no indication on prices as yet, but we expect the A8 Hybrid to cost around 60,000.