Background
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
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 64 miles (it's 63 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 pedal increases regen, while the right paddle reduces it. The system can recover up to 88kW of power and feed it into the HV battery.
Design and Build
Apart from external badgework and a charging flap, there are no external giveaways to this A6's PHEV status. It comes in both saloon and Avant estate forms. This C9-series design is by far the most dynamic-looking combustion A6 there's ever been. With its lower roof line and pumped-up wheel arches, even an entry-level variant appears to have an S6-vibe. Aerodynamics have been prioritised over practicality, resulting in a low drag coefficient - even the Avant manages 0.25Cd.
The front end borrows cues from the A6 e-tron and the e-tron GT, with the familiar Audi rings moved from the enormous grille up to the bonnet and the headlights placed higher and wider across the new nose. The sculpted rear has a striking light bar that sits below bright brake lights with OLED panels. Wheel sizes are between 18 and 21-inches.
Inside, Audi serves up most premium-feeling cabin in the segment, its architecture similar to recent models like the A6 e-tron, the Q6 e-tron and the Q5 (all developed at much the same time). Which means a huge central fascia panel called the 'digital stage' that houses an 11-inch instrument screen and a 14.5-inch central infotainment monitor in a single curved housing. There's no lower centre stack screen as in the old model, but customers can specify an optional 10.9-inch passenger side display.
As long as you don't mind shiny black trimming, you should feel it to be all quite high-end, with high quality soft-touch finishes and leather-like materials wherever you look. There are some nice tech touches, like the optional 'dynamic' sunroof which can be switched between translucent and clear - and also has an interim slatted 'pergola' mode. We're pleased to see the retention of some proper physical controls around the dashboard too.
Rear seat space is impressive; even a lanky passenger stuck behind a tall driver will have plenty of leg room. And the swept-back roof line doesn't seem to compromise head space too much. It has though, affected boot space, which is even more restricted in this PHEV model due to its under-floor battery. The A6 e-hybrid saloon has a 354-litre boot (down from 492-litres in the conventionally-engined models), while the A6 e-hybrid Avant has 404-litres (down from 503-litres normally). Thanks to its width of 1,050mm, this is at least a practical space - two large suitcases can fit in side by side. The standard 40:20:40 folding rear seats enable variable loading for items such as ski equipment. A rail system and a partition net come included.
Market and Model
From launch, A6 e-hybrid pricing started from around £61,000 - which is about £10,000 more than you'd pay for the equivalent 2.0 TFSI petrol model and about £5,000 more than you'd pay for the equivalent 2.0 TDI diesel version. It's around £2,000 more for the Avant estate bodyshape.
There are the usual 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Edition 1' trim levels. Opt for mid-range 'S line' trim (as most customers will) and you'll be offered the change to find an extra £2,650 to get Audi's optional 'Sound and Vision Pack'. This includes a head-up display, headrest speakers, increased charging capacity for the USB ports and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound. The pack also includes Audi's 'ambient lighting package pro' set-up, which means you get the useful 'dynamic interaction light' which arches around the top of the dash and illuminates in different colours to warn you of safety issues, drive mode selections or 'phone settings. Many customers will also want to pay extra for the optional 'dynamic' panoramic sunroof.
Matrix LED headlights come as standard - with a choice of seven digital light signatures for the daytime running lights at the front. Alloy wheel rim sizes range from 18 to 21 inches across the range. The central screen has the latest version of the "Hey Audi" voice-activated Audi assistant, which puts you on speaking terms with numerous vehicle and infotainment functions, from adjusting heating to weather information. And you can control a lot of these features remotely via the my Audi app. 'S line' models get sport exterior touches. And a few well-chosen sporty cabin embellishments, including branded contoured front sports seats. All the usual camera driver assistance safety systems you'd expect are of course included.
Cost of Ownership
The efficiency figures here aren't as outlandish as they usually are with Plug-in Hybrids, but they're probably a great deal closer to stats you might get somewhere near in day-to-day motoring when fully charged; 134.5mpg on the combined cycle and 48g/km of CO2, which are virtually the same stats as for the A5 e-hybrid. Audi says these figures will make an important contribution to helping it achieve its CO2 reduction targets. Obviously to get close to the stated figures, you'll need to regularly engage the most frugal drive mode (Efficiency) and get proactive with the provided three brake regen settings.
Charging power is much better than the old TFSI e Plug-in Hybrid system could provide, increased from two-phase 7.4kW to three-phase 11kW (if you can use that). With a three-phase supply, you could completely re-charge this A6 e-hybrid model's battery in 2.5 hours.
As usual with Audi models, there's a choice of either a 'Fixed' or a 'Flexible' servicing regime, the choice between the two depending on the extent of your likely annual mileage. The 'Fixed' schedule is aimed at drivers covering fewer than 10,000 miles a year and includes an oil change service every 9,000 miles or every year, plus an inspection service every 19,000 miles or every two years. If you cover more than 10,000 miles a year, the 'Flexible' service schedule will be more appropriate, this regime including oil change and inspection services at variable intervals of up to every 19,000 miles or every two years.