PLUG AND PLAY
Audi’s largest estate, the A6 Avant, receives plug-in hybrid technology for the first time.
Does it really need to? After introducing plug-in hybrid technology to its large sedans and SUVs in Europe last year, Audi has extended the semi-electric principle to the A6 Avant. It’s the first time Audi has fitted plug-in hybrid tech to an estate, which is usually subject to carrying lots of load from points A to B.
Of course, it might be a little ironic for estates to additionally haul electric bits and bulky batteries in the course of their main duties. However, more electrification will be inevitable in the future in all types of cars to cope with more stringent CO2 emissions.
Arch rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz have yet to offer a plug-in hybrid alternative in the 5 Series Touring or the E-Class Estate. The only rival for this particular A6 Avant is the Volvo V90 T8.
Has Audi upped the ante?
The plug-in hybrid in the so-badged A6 Avant 55 TFSI e comprises a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled to an electric system.
Total output reaches a respectable 367hp, while the all-electric driving range using the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard is rated at 51km.
While this may not match the ballistic performance of the 407hp T8 from Volvo, this is quite a good balance being offered by Audi’s latest system.
At the moment, the most comparable ones with a 2.0-litre engine from BMW and Mercedes-Benz generate 292hp in the 330i and 320hp in the C300e sedans.
And when will Audi go plug-in in Thailand? At the moment, all of those aforementioned rival brands have assembly facilities in Asean to evade punitive import duties. But Audi doesn’t have one, so that’s one obstacle.
Apart from that, plug-in hybrids from BMW and Mercedes attract just 4% excise tax (Volvos 8% because they come from Malaysia).
The result is that the Thai Audi importer is not really rushing onto the plug-in hybrid bandwagon. The current coronavirus situation will also be pushing out sales plans of not just Audi, but other brands globally.
The earliest time frame in Thailand would probably be late next year, and starting with higher-selling models of various sedans and SUVs to help absorb costs.
Audis with plug-in hybrid options already available in Europe include the A4, A6 and A8 sedans, plus the Q5 and Q7 SUVs.