A CLEANER WAY UP THE A6(some text hidden)

By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 74

Audi aims to play a key part in the plug-in part of the full-Executive saloon and estate segment with this frugal A6 50 TFSIe model. The figures here make compulsive reading: a 35g/km CO2 return, which means a first year BiK tax payment rated at just 10%. That could save you thousands. But if you can afford the significant PHEV price premium, the other downsides aren't too great. From a very cool, classy Audi.

Background word count: 109

If you're thinking of a full-sized Executive segment saloon or estate, you have to consider the option of Plug-in hybrid technology these days - the potential Benefit-in-Kind taxation savings are just too good to ignore. Which makes Audi's A6 50 TFSIe model significant. Unlike other larger Audi plug-ins, it uses four cylinder rather than six cylinder power. But for the right kind of business customer, its figures might represent a compulsive argument against the diesel alternative. But this model's two key competitors - the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class - both claim to offer much the same thing. What can this Audi offer to set itself apart?

Driving Experience word count: 332

Audi's latest TFSIe plug-in technology comes in a variety of forms. In this A6, it's based around the brand's usual four cylinder 2.0 TFSI petrol engine, to which has been added an electric motor integrated into the auto gearbox. That motor's powered by a 14.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack which, when fully charged, will allow the saloon version of this car to run in all-electric motion for up to 43 miles (WLTP-rated). It's 41 miles for the Avant variant. There's a total system output of 299PS and 62mph from rest takes just 6.2s. In all-electric mode, the car can cruise at up to 84mph - or up to 152mph with the engine in use. Pleasingly, in usual motoring, Audi has engineered the combustion powerplant only to fire up when you really flex your right foot (or obviously when the battery's low on charge). That's particularly the case if you run the car in its provided 'EV' mode which keeps you in electrified motion for as long as possible. More usually, you'll be driving in the 'Auto' setting, which mixes use of petrol and electric power and can be set in a 'Hold' form where the battery saves its charge for urban driving you might have to do at the end of a longer journey. Not particularly good is the response of the dual-clutch 7-speed S tronic auto gearbox which could switch between its ratios a little more smoothly. You might also notice a slightly firmer ride than would be the case in a conventional A6 - blame the extra weight of the hybrid system, which has necessitated firmer springs. Despite the stiffer damping, this front-driven Audi can't match a rear-driven plug-in BMW 5 Series or Mercedes E-Class for driver involvement, but points are regained by something typical executives will value more - low noise levels. There's a barely noticeable shiver when the petrol engine fires up to replace battery power on the move and refinement's excellent, even when you are using fossil fuel.