Sixth-Gen Audi A6 Gains New Plug-In Hybrid Variants

The sixth-gen Audi A6 gains new PHEV variants, offering up to 111 KM of EV range and AWD as standard.

Months after its initial global debut, the new sixth-gen Audi A6 has now gained several new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. Offered to both the Sedan and Avant bodystyles, the new A6 PHEV boasts a maximum EV range of up to 111 KM, while Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system now comes standard to all plug-in variants.

The decent EV-only range stems from the larger 20.7-kWh battery pack that offers up to 45% boost in capacity over its predecessor. As a result, the A6 Sedan PHEV gets a decent WLTP EV range of 111 KM, while the long-roofed A6 Avant PHEV settles for a slightly discounted WLTP EV range of 106 KM.

In terms of power, the new A6 PHEV comes in two configurations, both featuring the same 248 HP-rated 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged TFSI engine. The lower-end variant gets a slightly discounted total system output of 295 HP, which allows a six-second century sprint finish, while the top-end S Line variant gets a healthier total output of 362 HP, which drops its century sprint time to 5.3 seconds.

The improved PHEV setup also grants the new A6 PHEV with more usable EV driving mode, where it can cruise on electric alone at up to 140 KM/H speeds. Once the TFSI engine kicks in, the A6 PHEV can hit up to 250 KM/H, before the electronic limiter intervenes.

Not to forget, all variants of the A6 PHEV now come standard with both Audi’s quattro AWD system and rear-axle steering, thus promising equal driving dynamics as its full combustion siblings.

Charging has also been improved as the new A6 now supports 11 kW AC charging that allows the battery to be refilled in 2.5 hours, but the lack of a DC fast charger makes it fall short against its eternal German rivals. Alternatively, the battery can also be recharged using both the regenerative braking and the combustion engine, although the latter is limited to only 75% state-of-charge.

Prices for the all-new Audi A6 PHEV starts from €65,800 (RM314,813) for the Sedan and €68,300 (RM326,774) for the long-roofed Avant. Meanwhile, the sportier S Line variants start at €75,050 (RM359,069) and €77,550 (RM371,030) for the Sedan and Avant, respectively. Deliveries are expected to commence sometime later this summer in Germany, so it may take a while before the new A6 PHEV goes on sale in other overseas markets.