Audi A6 PHEV: plug-in hybrids with a range of more than 100 km
Audi is transferring two plug-in hybrids from the A5 to the larger A6. One weakness remains.
(Image: Audi)
For a number of years, plug-in hybrids were provided with an abundance of subsidies, of which the tax advantage for privately used company cars is still a powerful lever. The tax subsidy is still distributed regardless of whether the user makes use of the option to charge the battery externally. The industry is aligning itself with the realities of the market, which is why new plug-in hybrids will also be introduced in 2025. Audi is adopting the drive systems just presented in the A5 for the significantly larger A6.
Plenty of power
Fears that the unchanged system performance could make the A6 appear sluggish are completely unfounded. The PHEVs are offered with 220 and 270 kW system output. In both cases, Audi installs a two-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 kW and an electric motor with 105 kW. The difference in system output is achieved by means of artificial trimming. All models reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite a difference of no less than 50 kW, the standard sprint times of 6 and 5.7 seconds are extremely close to each other.
(Image: Audi)
The traction battery is rated at 25.9 kWh gross, of which 20.7 kWh can be used. Recuperation is possible with up to 88 kW. This should enable more than 90 percent of all braking operations to be carried out by the electric motor, says Audi. Audi promises an electric range of up to 106 km for the saloon and a maximum of 104 km for the estate.
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No DC charging possible
Similar to BMW in the 5 Series with plug-in hybrid, Audi did not aim to be the leader in charging performance. Three-phase AC charging with 11 kW is also the maximum in the A6. Even within the Group, things have moved on: some Volkswagen plug-in hybrids can now also be charged using direct current. This makes it possible to recharge the battery while shopping, for example. Users of plug-in hybrids in the Audi A5 and A6 are not able to do this.
(Image: Audi)
Elsewhere, it becomes clear which target group Audi is primarily aiming at. Even the basic model, the A6 Sedan e-hybrid, costs 65,800 euros, the estate version at least 68,300 euros. The higher system performance also includes more extensive standard equipment, which Audi is prepared to pay well for. 75,050 euros for the saloon, 77,550 euros for the Avant. From 64,450 euros, Audi also offers an A6 Avant e-tron with battery-electric drive and a high charging capacity. In terms of drive comfort, it has no direct competition with the new plug-in hybrids in the A6.
(mfz)