A6 plug-in hybrid revealed

Hot on the heels of the Audi A8 60 TFSI e quattro, Audi has revealed another high-end luxury model with plu-in hybrid drive – the A6 55 TFSI e quattro.

This hybrid A6 is the latest in what will be an extensive range of new hybrid models that form part of the brand’s e-assault that will include all-electric and plug-in hybrid models across the range.

All wearing there ‘TFSI e’ logo, the A8 and A6 models will also be joined by plug-in hybrids in the A7, Q7 and Q5 model lines.

The new A6 55 TFSI e quattro features a system output of 270kW, combining the power of a 2.0-litre petrol engine which produces 185kW and an electric motor capable of 105kW. This is mated to a seven-speed S tronic transmission for a vehicle with 500Nm of system torque available from as low as 1250rpm.

The A6 55 TFSI e quattro sees off the sprint from stop to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds and has a governed top speed of 250km/h. But, thanks to its  lithium-ion battery with 14.1 kHh of energy, can hit 135km/h on purely electric power and has an electric range of up to 53km.

The new hybrid A6 model offers three drive modes for for all-electric driving, with ‘Hybrid’ for the efficient combination of both drive types and ‘Hold' to conserve the electrical energy available at any given time. 

In ‘Hybrid’ mode the predictive operating system ensures maximum efficiency and the maximum possible amount of electric driving. It controls the drivetrain so that the last stage of the journey can be covered in all-electric mode and the battery is charged up beforehand via the combustion engine. Fine planning on a stage of the journey is performed by the predictive efficiency assist. It also uses a large amount of information, including navigation, online traffic events, the driver’s style and the vehicle sensors. It plans the management of the drives and decides between freewheeling with the engine deactivated and coasting recuperation. 

A6 55 TFSI e quattro works closely with the myAudi app, which is equipped with a route planner that shows where charging terminals are located enroute. Customers can use the app to manage charging and pre-entry climate control even before they set off. The air conditioning system operates together with a highly efficient heat pump that uses the waste heat from the electrical drive components. 

A supremely elegant car, the Audi A6 55 TFSI e quattro will be offered in Europe with the S line exterior package, the black styling package, black exterior mirror housings and privacy glazing to further enhance the exterior. Matrix LED headlights, sport seats, four-zone automatic air conditioning, the Audi virtual cockpit, sport suspension, 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers add further accents.

At time of writing, no decision had been made on the introduction of the Audi A6 55 TFSI e quattro to the Australian market.