Audi A6 allroad e-hybrid vs V6 TDI: Which One to Buy, and When to Choose the e-tron Instead

The new Audi A6 allroad has arrived at European dealerships in two versions: a V6 TDI and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid called the e-hybrid. Both come with quattro ultra all-wheel drive, and in Germany they’re priced close together, at €77,250 for the diesel and €80,250 for the plug-in. The choice between them comes down to how you’ll actually use the car. For some buyers, the right answer is neither one, but an A6 Sportback e-tron.

One note for U.S. readers before we start: Audi hasn’t announced this A6 allroad for the United States. There’s no U.S. price, EPA rating, or launch date.

Glacier white A6 allroad e-hybrid, front three-quarter on gravel. © AUDI AG.

The quick answer

Choose the e-hybrid if you can charge at home or work and most of your driving fits within its electric range.
Choose the V6 TDI if you tow, carry heavy loads, or cover long distances.
Choose the A6 Sportback e-tron if you’re ready to go fully electric and don’t need a raised wagon.

The e-hybrid: for drivers who will plug it in

The plug-in pairs a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor for 270 kW (367 PS, or 362 hp) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Audi quotes 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and a top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph) on electric power alone.

The 22 kWh usable battery gives 92–102 km (57–63 miles) of electric range on the WLTP cycle, and up to 114 km (71 miles) in city driving. AC charging runs at up to 11 kW, for a full charge in about two and a half hours. Audi doesn’t quote a DC fast-charging rate.

The battery has a cost. Compared with the diesel, the e-hybrid is 85 kg heavier, has a smaller trunk (404–1,423 liters versus 466–1,497 liters), and tows less (2,000 kg versus 2,500 kg braked). It does get all-wheel steering as standard, which tightens the turning circle to 11.4 meters.

That makes the target buyer easy to define. If you charge regularly and keep most weekday driving within the electric range, the e-hybrid gives you quiet electric commuting and a capable allroad for the weekend. If the charging cable stays in the trunk, you’ve paid more for a heavier car with less space and nothing to show for it.

On the road, early impressions are promising. In GTspirit’s first drive, the electric motor got the car moving instantly, the engine joined in smoothly, and the cabin was quieter than in the V6 diesel.

The V6 TDI: for drivers who need it to work

The diesel uses a 3.0-liter V6 with 220 kW (299 PS, or 295 hp), a mild-hybrid boost of up to 18 kW, and 580 Nm (428 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, a tenth quicker than the plug-in, and uses 5.8–6.4 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle.

An electric compressor helps the diesel respond quickly from low revs. Audi says it spins up to 90,000 rpm in 250 milliseconds, building full boost nearly a second faster than in the previous engine. That should take care of the low-speed lag older big diesels were known for.

The practical advantages are where this car earns its place. It has the bigger trunk, a 2,500 kg braked towing capacity (400 kg more than the regular A6 Avant), and no need to plug in. All-wheel steering is optional. You do have to want a six-cylinder diesel in a new wagon, which is a narrower taste than it once was. But if towing and long days on the road are the job, it’s still the right choice.

Plateau Gray A6 allroad TDI, rear three-quarter with a roof box. © AUDI AG.

quattro ultra: all-wheel drive when you need it

Both allroads use quattro ultra, which disconnects the rear axle when all-wheel drive isn’t needed, saving fuel on dry highways. Audi says the system anticipates grip demands about half a second ahead and re-engages the rear axle in around 200 milliseconds. Under hard acceleration on dry roads, more than 70 percent of torque can go to the rear wheels.

When the A6 Sportback e-tron makes more sense

If you’re ready to go fully electric and don’t need the raised ride height, consider the A6 Sportback e-tron instead. The performance version is rear-wheel drive with a 94.9 kWh usable battery and a WLTP range of up to 777 km (483 miles). We covered how far it can go in our 831-mile record story: https://audiobsession.com/audi-a6-etron-831-miles-real-world-range/

The two cars happen to share a 270 kW output, but they’re built for different drivers. The allroad e-hybrid is a gasoline wagon that handles your commute on electricity. The e-tron suits drivers who are comfortable planning longer trips around charging stops.

Spec sheet

Spec	A6 allroad e-hybrid	A6 allroad V6 TDI
Price Germany	€80,250	€77,250
Engine	2.0L I4 + electric motor	3.0L V6 diesel mild hybrid
System output	270 kW / 367 PS	220 kW / 299 PS (+18 kW boost)
Torque	500 Nm	580 Nm
0–100	5.5 s	5.4 s
Top speed	250 km/h (140 km/h electric)	250 km/h
Electric range WLTP	92–102 km	none
Battery usable	22.0 kWh	none
AC charging	11 kW, ~2.5 hr full	none
Fuel use WLTP	none	5.8–6.4 l/100 km
Trunk	404–1,423 L	466–1,497 L
Towing braked	2,000 kg	2,500 kg
Curb weight without driver	2,205 kg	2,120 kg
All-wheel steering	Standard (11.4 m)	Optional (12.3 m)
Drivetrain	quattro ultra, 7-speed S tronic	quattro ultra, 7-speed S tronic

Audi figures for German-market cars. WLTP results are lab figures. Real-world range and consumption depend on driving style, weather, and load.

Availability

Both versions are now at European dealerships. UK reports from Autocar and Auto Express say the diesel is available there now, with the plug-in to follow later. Audi hasn’t announced plans to bring this A6 allroad to the United States.

Sources