COMBUSTION'S LAST STAND?(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 30

Audi delivers its first really capable A6 PHEV in the form of this A6 e-hybrid. You can use it like an EV - and perhaps even instead of an EV.

Background word count: 118

We can understand why you might be hesitant over the idea of choosing a Plug-in Hybrid Audi A6. The first one of these we tried back in 2020 was a 50 TFSI e C8-series model with a 14.1kWh battery that claimed a feeble 34 miles of EV range and in reality got nowhere near that. But forget about that now because with this C9-era A6, PHEV tech is on a completely different level. There's a completely different badge for it too - 'e-hybrid' - the same as that used in the PHEV A5 which donates its Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain without change to this large Audi. How will that work in this bigger, heavier car? Let's take a look.

Driving Experience word count: 307

This A6's new generation e-hybrid powertrain is carried over unchanged from the A5 e-hybrid, which means that much about it is recognisable. Principally the EA888-era 2.0-litre TFSI turbo petrol unit, its associated seven-speed s tronic dual clutch auto gearbox and the quattro 4WD system you have to have. New (compared to this model's old C8-era A6 50 TFSI e predecessor) is the 142PS electric motor the e-hybrid system links to it, energised by a 25.9kWh (20.7kWh net) battery that's 45% bigger than that used by the outgoing TFSI e model. EV drive range for the saloon is rated at up to 70 miles (it's up to 69 miles for the Avant version) and total output at 299PS with 450Nm of torque, allowing for 0-62mph in 6.0s en route to 155mph. Europe also gets a 365PS version of this powertrain, which isn't offered here. Two operating modes are available; 'EV' (for all-electric power) and 'hybrid' (combining engine and battery). This A6 always prefers to drive on electric power, can do so at speeds of up to 87mph and can be started in either mode. Whatever setting you're in, the combustion engine engages in kick-down and the engine charges the battery at speeds of over 40mph. If you're if you've keyed in a navigation route, your A6 e-hybrid will automatically calculate which parts of it are suitable for electric driving and save charge accordingly (eg for town travel at the end of a long trip). There's a braked towing capacity of up to 1,900 KG (pretty good for a PHEV). And there are three different levels of selectable brake energy recuperation activated by steering wheel paddles (just like in an Audi EV). The left paddle increases regen, while the right paddle reduces it. The system can recover up to 88kW of power and feed it into the HV battery.