Audi A6 hybrid range, MPG, CO2 & charging

Plug-in hybrid executive cars such as the A6 TFSI e have to offer enough electric range for the average commute, as well as reasonable fuel economy on longer motorway journeys. The Audi lives up to both of these requirements, with figures comparable to those of equivalent BMW, Mercedes and Volvo models.

It pays to remember that you're highly unlikely to get anywhere near the official fuel-economy numbers in the real world, though. In normal driving, you're more likely to see two-figure returns, somewhere between those of a conventional petrol-engined A6 and a diesel.

To maximise efficiency, it's best to keep the battery topped up, travel on electric power as much as possible and avoid strong acceleration. However, with a 40% taxpayer saving over £4,000 a year compared to the Benefit-in-Kind payable on an equivalent petrol-only A6, fuel costs are unlikely to be a big concern.

Audi A6 hybrid range, MPG & CO2 emissions

The Audi A6 plug-in can travel around 40 miles on a single charge with no help from its petrol engine. This should be more than enough for most shorter commutes – and it's better than what the BMW 530e (up to 37 miles) and Mercedes E 300 e (32 miles) can manage. Our experience suggests all three will fall somewhat short of their official claim in real-world driving, however.

Official fuel-economy figures vary depending on specification, with smaller-wheeled cars being the most efficient on paper, at 235mpg. Larger-wheeled, higher-spec cars return a potential maximum of 217mpg. It's the same story with CO2 emissions, which range from 27 to 32g/km.

Charging time

The A6 TFSI e can charge at a maximum speed of 7kW, which equates to around two hours for a full top-up from a compatible home wallbox or public charger. A full charge from a three-pin domestic socket should take around six hours, or four hours from a 3.7kW wallbox. There's no rapid-charging capability.