Audi A6 Avant 55 TFSI e quattro PHEV launched

Audi has launched a new, plug-in hybrid-powered version of its largest estate car. Called the A6 Avant 55 TFSI e quattro, it uses the same PHEV powertrain as the recently launched Q5 55 TFSI e and A7 55 TFSI e – and it’ll be available to order in the UK later this year, with prices starting from around £63,000.

The A6 Avant 55 TFSI e’s PHEV powertrain comprises a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack and an electric motor, which sends power to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Total system output stands at 362bhp and 500Nm of torque – which gives the A6 Avant a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

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Economy and emissions figures stand at 148.6mpg and between 44–48g/km of CO2 respectively. It’ll cover a claimed 32 miles on electric power alone, at speeds of up to 84mph.

When plugged into a 7.4kW charging point with Audi’s supplied mode 3 cable, the A6 Avant 55 TFSI e will recover a 100 percent charge in around 2.5 hours. The PHEV powertrain’s regenerative braking system is also constantly topping-up the battery under normal driving conditions.

However, practicality has been affected by hybrid powertrain. The battery pack eats heavily into the A6 Avant’s boot, leaving only a 405-litre capacity – which is 160 litres smaller than the standard estate’s and 45 litres less than that of the Hyundai i30 Fastback. With the rear bench stowed, capacity swells to 1,535 litres, but this figure is still 145 litres less than the standard A6 Avant.

Audi is yet to confirm the UK specification of the A6 Avant 55 TFSI e quattro. However, European examples will receive 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, Matrix LED headlamps, black door mirrors, rear privacy glass and Audi’s sporty S line body kit – all of which are likely to feature on the cars destined for UK shores.

Inside, buyers should get a pair of sports seats, a sports steering wheel, four-zone automatic air conditioning and aluminium pedals. Like the standard A6, there should also be a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system and an additional touchscreen for the centre console, which operates the car’s climate control settings.

What does the Audi A6 Avant 55 TFSI e quattro have to beat? Check out our list of the best PHEVs on sale in the UK now…