All-New 2013 Audi A6 Hybrid Launched in Malaysia from RM280k

After much hype and anticipation, Euromobil Sdn. Bhd. has finally lifted the curtains on its 2013 Audi A6 Hybrid and we can tell you immediately that OTR prices start from RM280,000 without insurance. Shocking!

This is Audi’s third attempt at producing a hybrid car following its Audi Duo hybrid and Audi Q5 hybrid models. And as they say, “third time’s a charm”.

The new Audi A6 Hybrid is focused on being a highly economical car, with zero compromise in power and performance figures; enhancing it, if anything.

Performance: Where does it get all that power from?

The Audi A6 Hybrid deploys a parallel hybrid concept which incorporates a petrol engine that delivers 211HP and an electric motor that produces 54HP.

A 2.0-litre four-cylinder TFSI (direct fuel injection, Audi valvelift system) is tasked with powering the Audi A6 Hybrid along, and the inclusion of its electric motor and lithium-ion batteries raises the A6 Hybrid’s power output up to a maximum 245HP and 480Nm of torque.

0-100km/h is relieved in just 7.5 seconds, and for a large family sedan hybrid, that is properly impressive; its top speed will tae you right up to 240km/h. This green Audi A6 is also capable of getting from 0 to 60km/h on pure electric energy and its lithium-ion cells can keep it at 60km/h for up to 3km.

Transmission in the new Audi A6 Hybrid is an eight-speed automatic (tiptronic), while power is sent strictly to the front wheels; no four-wheel drive systems here mean the A6 Hybrid’s tyres will be somewhat tortured for grip when pushed.

All of this is of course manageable by the Audi Drive Select system; Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Personal settings, available for you to choose from or customise.

Power meter: No rev meters of old, Audi turns a new leaf

Rather than a conventional RPM meter on your dash, the Audi A6 Hybrid uses what they call a ‘power meter’; visualising the overall power output of the hybrid system.

The power meter replaces RPM meters of old, and displays the current output and power consumption of your car; Very rewarding if you’re driving efficiently, even more encouraging when you’re boosting your way up to speed. The power meter is visually very clean and understandable, showing precisely just how much your engine accounts for your current speed.

Exterior styling: Full-on LEDs, glass sunroof and unique 17-inch wheels

There isn’t much in styling that sets the Audi A6 Hybrid apart from a regular A6. You will however be able to spot the numerous ‘Hybrid’ badges on the tailgate and side front panels, and it’s unique 10-arm turbine design 17-inch wheels that sit on 245/45 R18 rubbers.

Also unique to the Audi A6 Hybrid is its full-on LED headlights and tail lamps; yes, they aren’t just Daytime Running Light LEDs, they’re ALL LEDs. Why LEDs? LED’s require less maintenance with its longer lifespan and replicate daylight better in darker situations.

We personally feel that the Audi A6 Hybrid isn’t the best looking large family sedan out there, but it does hold its own well enough to persuade a purchase; it’s not shouty, does a good job and is – of course, distinctly Audi.

Economy: Go emissions-free from here to there

Yes, this is a whopper of a car with its 480Nm of torque; anyone will tell you this. But let’s not forget that it returns up to 6.3l/100km in fuel efficiency, and emissions come as low as 145g/km in CO2.

The instruments displayed on the dash give drivers a full LIVE view of exactly how economical your Audi A6 hybrid is to drive.

GO FULL EV: At the press of its ‘EV’ button located on the center console, the Audi A6 Hybrid is capable of running on full electric energy right up to 60km/h, and then can even hold itself up at that speed - using just its lithium-ion battery power - for a distance of 3km. Utilising the A6 Hybrid’s capabilities smartly, you could effectively drive the car completely free of any emissions for long periods.

REGENERATIVE BRAKING: The Audi A6 Hybrid is also revealed to have a clever regenerative braking system. What this does is to completely reverse the electric motor’s function, and convert the A6 Hybrid’s forward motion (kinetic energy) into stored energy (and brakes the car – more below). Putting your foot on the brake lightly also feed the battery cells with more energy.

Speaking of braking, typically putting your foot on the brake in any other car engages a hydraulic brake system to stop the car via its brake calipers. But, in the Audi A6 Hybrid, light, initial braking is done by its electric motor, which slows the car down, and recharges the 72 lithium-ion batteries; heavier braking will see the car employ its brake calipers to stop the wheels.

The Audi A6 Hybrid also recharges its batteries when the car is coasting (no pedal use).

72 battery cells to power your Audi A6 Hybrid

The Audi A6 Hybrid uses a total of 72 lithium-ion battery cells that weigh in at just 38kg; Audi no longer uses NiMH batteries which weigh a lot more, and have shorter lifespans. These batteries also power the car’s cooling system.

STOP/START TECHNOLOGY: Like most fuel-efficient cars available today, the Audi A6 Hybrid has stop/go technology fitted as well. But unlike most modern cars fitted with stop/start technology, the A6 Hybrid doesn’t cut off things like its air-condition; the air-conditioning remains switched on even when the engine cuts out.

Interior goodies: It doesn’t get better than Google Earth, 8 inches, and a big boot

There’s a very cool satellite navigation unit in the Audi A6 Hybrid that will work on ‘Google Earth’ for a few more of your ringgits. Further improving the navigation process – and a few other things, a cool looking touchpad is on the center console should you need to ‘write’ out your addresses.

Six airbags will keep you safe in the Audi A6 Hybrid while a reverse camera and Audi’s ‘comfort key’ are available as options and are sure to make great additions for the great value they sell for.

There’s a huge 8” TFT display that houses the MMI® navigation plus system, and also acts as the display for the Audi music interface system (iPod, USB and a 20gb hard drive for all your music and movie needs).

Seats are of course excellent, and boot space is tremendous despite the rear housing all 72 lithium-ion cells.

The overall feel of the interior in the Audi A6 Hybrid is almost entirely the same as you’d get in a regular A6, but for the very cool looking displays on the dash, and aluminium trims in favour of wood grain.

Verdict: Goodbye competition, hello A6 Hybrid

For what you get, the 2013 Audi A6 Hybrid is a staggeringly affordable car: it’s an A6 that’s more powerful than an A4, but is cheaper.

The car’s looks aren’t spectacular or very different from the current A6 – but for a few badges. Importantly, you can’t deny that it’s a handsome looking Audi.

The hybrid in the details are excellent; superbly cost effective to run and own, very clever application through good performance figures. And of course, you can’t possibly show up at a party without mentioning your recent arrival via 480Nm of torque.

Would we buy one? Yes; it looks handsome, is very efficient, makes great use of available technology, has a big boot, and 480Nm of torque - all at an extremely good price.

SPECS: 2013 Audi A6 Hybrid

Price: RM 280,000 (OTR without insurance)
Engine: 4-cylinder inline TFSI with Audi valvelift technology
Power: 245HP and 480Nm of torque
Transmission: eight-speed triptronic
0-100km/h: 7.5 seconds (Top speed 240km/h)
Fuel consumption: 6.2l/100km
CO2 Emissions: 145g/km