It was initially intended to be an all-electric version only, but now the new Audi A6 e-tron has an e-hybrid quattro PHEV flavor, too. That one has a 2.0 TFSI engine and a beefed-up battery of 25.9 kWh (net 20.7 kWh), a gain of roughly 45 percent compared to its predecessor, to offer an electric range of 100 km.
Like many other carmakers—even BYD is going to build PHEVs in its European factories, initially meant for full electric only—Audi couldn’t resist giving in to the general public’s craving for plug-in hybrids instead of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), especially in Germany.
When set to EV mode, the new Audi A6 e-hybrid quattro allows ranges of 100 up to 111 km purely electrically in ‘city environments’, compared to the full WLTP range of 750 km of the BEV Audi A6 e-tron. AC charging power has been increased from two-phase 7.4 kW to three-phase 11 kW, recharging the battery in 2.5 hours.
The new Audi A6 Avant e-hybrid quattro and the Audi A6 Sedan e-hybrid quattro are both available in two power levels: 220 kW and 270 kW. Both have a 2.0 TFSI engine with an output of 185 kW (252 hp) and are helped up to 270 kW (360 hp) with an electric motor integrated into the housing of the seven-speed S tronic, which delivers up to 105 kW in the sportiest version.
With 220 kW and 450 Nm of torque, the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/hour in 6.0 seconds; the beefier version, with 270 kW and 500 Nm of torque, does that in 5.3 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/hour in hybrid mode and 140 km/hour in EV mode.
Fuel consumption is kept low to 2.8–2.2 l/100 km on the base version and 16.2–15.2 kWh/100 km in electric mode. The full fuel consumption with an empty battery is 7.6–6.7 l/100 km. In the sportiest version, these figures are 2.9–2.4 l/100 km, 16.2–15.4 kWh/100 km, and 7.7–6.9 l/100 km with a discharged battery.
Paddles for electric recuperation
Audi says the electric recuperation performance has also been improved when in EV mode. The degree of thrust recuperation can be adjusted to three different levels using paddles on the steering wheel, in Hyundai and Kia style.
The company claims that the A6 e-hybrid runs on electric power for as long as possible to fully utilize the battery charge to the driver’s destination. It will recover energy automatically when this function is activated based on route data stored in the navigation system.
In hybrid mode, the hybrid management system maintains a specific charge level to save enough electrical energy for later use. The car automatically selects the optimal operating strategy using the two operating modes available: EV and hybrid.
All-wheel steering standard
Thanks to the electrified dual-clutch transmission and quattro ultra drive, the A6 e-hybrid quattro models should deliver a sporty and comfortable driving experience. All-wheel steering is standard in all A6 e-hybrid variants.
It enables dynamic handling and a high comfort level by turning the rear wheels to five degrees opposite the front wheels at speeds up to roughly 60 km/hour.
Audi says that results in a smaller turning circle, making the vehicle more agile in city traffic and tight bends. The rear wheels turn in the same direction at medium and higher speeds, enabling stable and even more precise handling.
Official launch in summer
The initial launch of these new PHEV variants is planned for the summer. In Germany, they can be ordered from now on, with the A6 Sedan e-hybrid quattro starting at 65,800 euros, and the Avant e-hybrid at 68,300 euros.
Prices start at 75,050 euros for the Sedan and 77,550 euros for the Avant, which has a higher power level of 270 kW. The two top-of-the-line models come with sporty standard equipment, such as an S-line interior and exterior, sports suspension, larger wheels, and red brake calipers.
