While traditionally available just with petrol and diesel engines, in more recent years Audi has expanded its line-up for the times with a new plug-in hybrid version, known as the TFSI e. But is this worth choosing or are you better off with the standard cars? Let’s take a look.
Powertrains
Starting with the regular Audi A6 Saloon, this continues to be available with petrol and diesel engines, albeit with mild-hybrid technology these days. All are 2.0-litre options, with the only diesel now being the ‘40 TDI’ – producing 201bhp. If you want petrol, there’s either the 201bhp 40 TFSI or a 261bhp 45 TFSI if you want something a bit brisker.
Moving over to the TFSI e plug-in hybrid model, this comes in a ‘50’ guise, and uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine as its base, though it’s combined with an electric motor for 295bhp in all – the most of any A6 outside of the performance versions.
Performance
While this plug-in hybrid Audi A6 gets more power than the other versions, it’s slightly heavier because of its battery, which means the performance between the two cars is actually very similar. Accelerating from 0-60mph with the TFSI e will take six seconds, and it sits in the middle of the two standard petrol models when it comes to performance.
The quickest A6 outside of the S6 and RS6, however, is the 45 TFSI petrol model, which can manage 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.
Efficiency
The key advantage of choosing the Audi A6 TFSI e plug-in hybrid model is its efficiency. Thanks to a fairly sizable 17.9kWh battery, Audi claims you can manage 42 miles of driving purely on electricity. This equates to some seriously impressive efficiency figures, though you will need to plug the car in regularly to see such numbers. Audi says CO2 emissions are as low as 25g/km, and a fuel economy figure of up to 256.8mpg.
Compare that to the standard A6, and even the 40 TDI diesel, the best model on fuel, Audi claims 51.4mpg and 143g/km CO2 emissions. It’s worth adding that the plug-in hybrid is significantly cheaper in terms of company car tax as well.
Interior and design
One area where you can’t separate these two A6 models is when it comes to the level of quality inside and out. There’s nothing really to differentiate these two cars (other than the boot of the plug-in hybrid is slightly smaller), and each gets a classy exterior design, which can look more aggressive if you opt for a stealthier Black Edition grade.
Inside, the Audi A6’s cabin is one of the best of any executive car, with a great combination of quality and technology working to create a fantastic ambience.
Trim levels and cost
Whether you choose the standard A6 or the plug-in hybrid, the trim levels are the same, with a choice of Sport, S line and Black Edition.
Standard equipment is very generous regardless of version, with entry-level equipment including Matrix LED headlights, electric and heated leather seats and twin-screen infotainment.
In terms of pricing, the standard petrol A6 starts from £44,650, but you’ll want to compare the hybrid with the top-spec 45 TFSI e model, which costs £47,730. The plug-in hybrid is more expensive, unsurprisingly, coming in at £58,915.
Verdict
Which Audi A6 suits you will really come down to your requirements and what you’ll be using the car for. If you can’t charge at home or work, the standard petrol and diesel will make more sense, but if you can make the most of the electric-driving ability, the TFSI e hybrid is certainly worth having, and you will claw some of its increased cost back over time and the more you plug it in.
Regardless of which A6 you go for, though, you’ll get a refined, comfortable and upmarket executive car.