The new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid has gone on sale in Germany as Audi progresses with the electrification of its line-up. The A6 55 TFSIe quattro, first revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, takes its power from a 249bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 141bhp electric motor integrated into the gearbox for a combined output of 362bhp. This powertrain also features in plug-in hybrid versions of the Q5 and A7 Sportback. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with maximum torque output rated at 369lb ft. The saloon will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and on to a top speed of 155mph. A less powerful variant, the 50 TFSIe, is set to arrive later, offering 295bhp and 332lb ft. The 55 TFSIe can run on electricity alone at speeds of up to 84mph for 33 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, with Audi claiming “customers can do most of their daily driving electrically”. Three driving modes feature, allowing drivers to easily switch between electric, hybrid and petrol power as desired. Audi claims a charging time from empty of around 2.5 hours from a 7.4kW charger, while the firm’s MyAudi smartphone app offers drivers sat-nav instructions based around public charger locations. The app can also be used to control air conditioning and heater settings before entering the car. The 55 TFSIe is equipped with Audi’s sporty S line exterior package, black trim elements and privacy glass as standard. Inside, it gets sport seats, four-zone climate control and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit screen. UK pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed, but prices start from €68,850 (£59,128) in
Origin: Audi A6 55 TFSIe quattro plug-in hybrid arrives with 362bhp
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Audi to unveil AI:Trail quattro electric off-roader at Frankfurt
Audi will showcase an electric off-road concept car called the AI:Trail quattro at this year’s Frankfurt motor show. The firm has released a single teaser image of the machine, and has simply described it as “an electrically driven off-roader.” The image shows a buggy-like four-seater sitting on large off-road tyres, and with large glass elements on the side doors. The use of the quattro name confirms the machine will feature four-wheel-drive. The machine completes a quartet of electric concepts that Audi has released, which showcase differing visions for future machines. They started with the Aicon concept car at the 2017 Frankfurt show, an autonomous machine designed for long-distance cruises between cities. That was followed by the PB18 e-tron, a low-slung sports car that likely previews the next-gen R8. The most recent machine was the AI:ME, an autonomous ready city car that showcases a future electric hatch based on the VW Group’s MEB electric car platform. The AI:Trail quattro appears to have compact dimensions similar to the AI:ME, and could also make use of the MEB platform. That architecture has already been used for the Volkswagen ID Buggy off-roader, showcasing the production potential for an electric version of such a
Origin: Audi to unveil AI:Trail quattro electric off-roader at Frankfurt
Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro
Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro The PHEV Q5 SUV leads a new range of four plug in models from Audi Audi has launched its new Q5 55 TFSI e quattro, with the plug-in hybrid SUV kicking off a number of new PHEV model launches. The Q5 has a 14.1 kWh battery, which powers a 105 kW electric motor – supported by a 2.0 litre TFSI petrol unit. This allows for WLTP economy figures of 113 MPG, a range of more than 26 miles on a single charge, and CO2 emissions of 49 g/km. The Audi produces a combined 367hp and 500 Nm of torque, for a 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds. The Q5 will be able to run on electric power alone at speeds of up to 84mph. Already a popular SUV, the addition of a PHEV powertrain will appeal to a number of buyers, particularly those running one as a company car. The Q5 55 TFSI e quattro can be set to electric-only driving, battery hold, or conventional hybrid modes. The Audi’s navigation system can help put the car in the most efficient setting for any part of a trip, allowing the car to coast when at higher speeds, recuperate energy when heading down hill, and picking which powertrain or combination there or to use at particular sections. Charging is carried out via the Type 2 inlet on the rear flank, with an on-board charger capable of taking 7.4 kW. This means a charging time of just a couple of hours from a fast home or public point. Audi is in the process of re-launching its plug-in hybrid line-up. Having had an A3 and Q7 e-tron on its books, these have been removed, and the e-tron badge reassigned to pure-electric models only – like the e-tron SUV. A new range of ‘TFSI e’ models will be coming along shortly though, with the Q5 set to be joined by the A6, A7 Sportback, and A8 saloons in 2019. Order books will open early in June, with deliveries due in the last three months of 2019. Although UK pricing is yet to be confirmed, Audi expects the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro to start at around £55,000.
Origin: Audi launches new PHEV range with Q5 55 TFSI e quattro
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