Audi A6 TFSI e 2021 Review - A hybrid worth the premium price tag?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE AN AUDI A6 TFSI e FROM OSV: bit.ly/3cRx74s
Background
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
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 5.5s. 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.
Design and Build
There are few visual giveaways as to this TFSIe model's plug-in status - unless you're eagle-eyed enough to spot the altered badgework and the extra charging flap. So, as usual with a fifth generation A6, there are taut surfaces, sharp edges and striking lines, plus a long bonnet, a long wheelbase and short overhangs. The wide, low-slung Singleframe grille, the flat headlights and the powerfully contoured air inlets lend a suitably purposeful air. In profile, three striking lines reduce the car's visual height. The powerfully taut contours, which are drawn over the wheels, are testimony to Audi's quattro genes. This shape is certainly very sleek: thanks to advanced aerodynamics, a class-leadingly-slippery drag coefficient of as little as 0.24Cd has been achieved.
The interior is of course virtually identical to a conventional model. Up front, the dash features the black-panel design we first saw on the current A8. You're going to need to like screens because this car's classy interior can incorporate no fewer than three of them, the two you'll notice first powering up as soon as the door is opened and dominating the upper and lower parts of the piano black-trimmed centre stack. Legroom in the rear exceeds the space you'll get in core competitors, while headroom and shoulder room measurements in both front and rear are also generous.
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#AudiA6TFSIe #PluginHybrid #CarReview

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Would you buy one? 🤔

[@tlig]

PHEVs are too pricey for now.

[@fuzzynavel]

For a company car a PHEV is a no brainer unless you can afford a full electric and can cope with range anxiety.. BMW 330e is leading for me at the moment

[@antwonefernandez7554]

How is this boot so small? I’ve been considering this but don’t know if that boot is too small, how does a passat saloon GTE still have almost 500 litres and this is almost 150 less. I may have to go 330e touring (like everyone else!)

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@antwonefernandez7554 Hi Antwone, we can explore your options to find the make and model that suits you best. Head over to this page, request a free call-back and our Vehicle Specialists will be in touch! bit.ly/39YHCml

[@daxenzo58]

I dont mean to be off topic but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly lost the login password. I love any tips you can offer me.

[@johnstdominic9887]

I hired an A6 TSFI 50 e last weekend. It took me from Chelmsford to Exeter (about 230 miles/360km) on just half a tank, without using the electric motor!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Wow, that's incredibly impressive! Thanks for sharing John. Be sure to subscribe if you haven't already done so: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@mike390099]

I have the Q5 Tfsie and the gearbox is most impressive; you can hardly tel it has changed gear it is that smooth. Surprised they say the gearbox isn’t good in this as I would have thought it to be the same.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Mike, are you looking to get a new car soon?

[@mike390099]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply No I just got one in August.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

@@mike390099 No worries, Mike! More than happy to help when you're ready for a new one 👍

[@Bob-vb6ry]

As usual urs are one of the most practical car reviews in a very simplistic manner , there is a newer version 2.0 tfsi with sport version just under 40k( saving road tax) , is it possible to give some feedback on that if its decent engine for this size of a car for usual daily drive ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Bob, one of our Vehicle Specialists can look into the Sport version for you and help explore your options further. Fill-in this quick form and we'll get in touch: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@yes8032]

Looks like a great car luxurious and advanced technology