For the Shanghai Auto Show 2015, the 2016 Audi A6 L e-tron plug-in hybrid has been officially launched. Set to be made exclusively available in China, the car is based around the long-wheelbased variant of the Audi A6 and as the name implies, adopts a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The hybrid system consists of a 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. The internal combustion engine delivers a total of 211 hp and 258 lb-ft with the electric motor providing an additional 124 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. When it is all said and done, the Audi A6 L e-tron plug-in hybrid will accelerate to 100 km/h from a standstill in 8.4 seconds before topping out at 210 km/h. The top speed decreases to 135 km/h when the car is being driven in pure electric mode. These figures are quite impressive considering it weighs over 2000 kg.
Of course the focus of the Audi A6 L e-tron plug-in hybrid isn’t performance but fuel efficiency. With that in mind, it sips just 2.2 litres of petrol per 100 km while emitting 52 grams of CO2 emissions per kilometre. As a result, the car has a range of 880 km and can run solely on electric power for 50 km.
A number of different driving modes are offered for the Audi A6 L e-tron plug-in hybrid. EV mode sees the car operate solely on electric power while hybrid mode draws on power from the engine and electric motor in the most efficient way possible. A battery hold mode is also offered with it storing and maintaining the battery’s charge while battery charge mode actually charges the battery.
Visually, the Audi A6 L e-tron plug-in hybrid is easy to distinguish from other A6 models. For example, it features tightly spoked 18-inch wheels as well as a revised front fascia incorporating new air intakes.
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The new Audi A6 L e-tron for China
First Audi plug-in hybrid model from Chinese production
Output of 180 kW (245 hp) with extremely low consumption
50 km (31.1 mi) electric range and total range of 880 km (546.8 mi)
With the A6 L e-tron, Audi is taking an important step toward even greater fuel efficiency in China. The sedan has been developed specifically for the Chinese market. Its plug-in hybrid drive with 180 kW (245 hp) provides for powerful performance. The model consumes on average just 2.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (106.9 US mpg).
After launching the e-tron era in China with the imported A3 Sportback e-tron* in 2015, Audi is taking the next step with the local production of the A6 L e-tron beginning in 2016. The model is based on the long version of the Audi A6, which is already built in China, and is configured as a highly efficient parallel hybrid, meaning that its two drives are arranged one directly behind the other. The 2.0 TFSI is a state-of-the-art, four-cylinder, gasoline engine producing 155 kW (211 hp) and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft) of torque. The disk-shaped electric motor provides 91 kW and 220 Nm (162.3 lb-ft) of torque. Together with a decoupler, this is integrated into the eight-speed tiptronic transmission, which transfers the power to the front wheels. System output is 180 kW (245 hp); maximum system torque is 500 Nm (368.8 lb-ft).
Sporty performance, low consumption
The Audi A6 L e-tron, which has a curb weight of just over 2,000 kilograms (4,409.2 lb), delivers sporty performance: The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) takes just 8.4 seconds, and top speed is limited to 210 km/h (130.5 mph). According to the measurement method prescribed in China for plug-in hybrid vehicles, it consumes just 2.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (106.9 US mpg), corresponding to 52 grams CO2 per kilometer (83.7 g/mi). The Audi A6 L e-tron 2.0 TFSI covers 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) purely on electric power and with zero local emissions. It therefore meets the Chinese definition of a New Energy Vehicle. Total range is 880 kilometers (546.8 mi).
Its lithium-ion battery comprises 104 cells and stores 14.1 kWh of energy. Located beneath the luggage compartment, the battery reduces its volume only slightly — capacity is 340 liters (11.9 cu ft). The car thus offers sufficient stowage space for longer trips. The new two-phase charging technology allows charging with 7.2 kW of power. With the appropriate infrastructure (high-power industrial outlet) and high-power charging cable, the batteries can be fully charged in roughly two hours. On a typical household outlet in China, the procedure takes somewhat longer than eight hours, and can thus easily be performed overnight.
Electric driving at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph)
The intelligent hybrid management system controls the operating states of the Audi A6 L e-tron. The driver can choose between four driving modes. “EV” (electric vehicle) mode prioritizes electric driving at up to 135 km/h (83.9 mph). In “hybrid” mode, the hybrid management system chooses the drive type for the best possible efficiency. In “battery hold” mode, the system stores the available electrical energy and charges the battery in “battery charge” mode. The sedan can coast in hybrid mode — when the driver takes his or her foot off of the accelerator, both drives are deactivated. The electric motor assumes most of the braking, charging the battery. The hydraulic brakes are used only for heavy braking.
Controls and displays
The displays of the Audi A6 L e-tron provide detailed information about the status of the drivetrain and the battery charge. The powermeter in the instrument cluster displays the total system output. The monitor for the MMI navigation plus visualizes the energy flows in the hybrid system; range and consumption figures for electricity and gasoline are displayed in the driver information system.
A number of visual cues identify the plug-in hybrid models from Audi. The 18-inch alloy wheels feature the delicate e-tron design, and LED light guides in the air inlets generate a signature of staggered lines. e-tron badges adorn the fenders and the trunk lid; the diffuser conceals the exhaust system tailpipes.
All the strengths of the A6 model series*
Elegant design, a supremely spacious and cultivated interior, high ride comfort, comprehensively equipped and advanced infotainment — the Audi A6 L e-tron offers all of the strengths of the successful A6 model series. It will be produced by an Audi joint venture with FAW-Volkswagen in the northern Chinese city of Changchun, and will be launched on the Chinese market in 2016.
Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A3 Sportback e-tron:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 1.7 – 1.5** (138.4 – 156.8 US mpg);
ombined power consumption in Wh/km: 124 – 114**;
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 39 – 35** (62.8 – 56.3 g/mi)
Audi A6:
Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 9.6 – 4.2** (24.5 – 56.0 US mpg);
Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 224 – 109** (360.5 – 175.4 g/mi)
**The fuel consumption and the CO2 emissions of a vehicle vary due to the choice of wheels and tires. They not only depend on the efficient utilization of the fuel by the vehicle, but are also influenced by driving behavior and other non-technical factors.
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