A SIX WITH EXTRA SPARK (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_audia6tfsie_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 59

Back in 2020, Audi announced its intention to play a key part in the plug-in part of the full-Executive saloon segment with this frugal A6 50 TFSI e model. If you can afford the significant PHEV price premium over an ordinary combustion C8-era A6 from this period, the other downsides aren't too great. From a very cool, classy Audi.

Modelsword count: 11

4dr saloon / 5dr Avant Estate (2.0 TFSI e petrol PHEV)

Historyword count: 150

If you're thinking of a full-sized Executive segment saloon, 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 back in 2020 made Audi's A6 50 TFSI e model significant. Unlike other larger Audi plug-ins from this era, it used four cylinder rather than six cylinder power. But in the used market for the right kind of customer, its figures might represent a compulsive argument against the diesel alternative. All 50 TFSI e models came with quattro 4WD. This C8-era A6 PHEV model was initially launched only in saloon form, but in 2021 an Avant estate variant followed; and in 2023 (along with a light facelift), Audi introduced a slightly larger battery for this model with longer EV range. When the new C9-era A6 arrived in early 2025, the Plug-in Hybrid variants got 'e-Hybrid' badging.

What You Getword count: 228

There are few visual giveaways as to this TFSI e 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. At launch in 2020, this PHEV A6 model was only offered in this saloon form, but an Avant estate version followed shortly after. The interior is of course virtually identical to a conventional C8-era A6 model. Up front, the dash features the black-panel design we first saw on the larger D5-era 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. Not so good was the way the PHEV tech reduced boot space - from 530-litres to just 360-litres in the saloon, thanks to the battery pack that must sit under the cargo area floor. It's 405-litres in the Avant. So you're going to need the split-folding rear bench.

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