by Plug-in hybrid cars have transformed from a way to avoid taxes in some countries into a genuine alternative to electric cars with practical range, and the new Audi A6 models only confirm this trend.
Compared to the previous hybrid version of the A6, the new models have received a significantly more powerful battery – its capacity has increased by 45% to 20.7 kWh. This allows the sedan to cover up to 111 km, and the station wagon – 106 km on a single charge according to the WLTP standard.
Although some competitors, such as Volkswagen or Range Rover, offer greater electric range, Audi reminds us how far hybrid technology has advanced. Thirty years ago, the first GM EV-1 electric car could only travel about the same distance, and older Nissan Leaf models, due to battery degradation, today barely cover 80 km.
Audi offers two versions of the hybrid A6 – both with a 2-liter turbocharged engine producing 252 hp, but with different levels of electric support. The base version has 299 hp and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds, while the more powerful 367 hp model reaches this mark in 5.3 seconds.
In electric car mode, the top speed is limited to 140 km/h, but with the internal combustion engine, the car can reach up to 250 km/h. As in most modern electric cars, drivers can adjust the level of regenerative braking using steering wheel paddles.
Among other updates is more powerful 11 kW charging (compared to the previous 7.4 kW), which allows the battery to be fully charged in 2.5 hours. It is also possible to charge the battery using the engine, but only at speeds above 65 km/h and up to 75% capacity.
Both hybrid versions have all-wheel drive and a steering rear axle. In the UK, the base sedan model starts from £61,755, and the station wagon from £63,705. The more powerful version with the S line package includes a sports suspension, larger wheels, and red brake calipers.
Would anyone choose a hybrid A6 over an electric car that costs about the same, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds, but has a range of up to 457 km on a single charge?
