AUDI A6 AVANT

The current generation of Audi A6 has been around for some years now, but the plug-in hybrid model is more recent. This is our first opportunity to tow with one.

Model tested 50 TFSI e Quattro S Line Tiptronic Price £61,725 Kerbweight 2150kg

What’s new?

With a kerbweight of over two tonnes, 299hp and four-wheel drive, this makes an appealing alternative to a large SUV.

What are we looking for?

We want to know if the Audi tows well, and if there are any compromises involved in choosing plug-in hybrid power.

Towing ability

Look at the spec sheet, and you’d think that this car was a large 4x4. With a kerbweight of more than two tonnes, it’s very heavy indeed for an estate car, giving an 85% match figure of 1828kg.

We matched the Audi to a Swift Fairway 650 Platinum Grande with a MiRO of 1645kg, borrowed from Broadlane Leisure in Kenilworth.

With the petrol engine and electric motor working together, the combined power output is 299hp, with a maximum torque figure of 332lb ft. These are big numbers, so it’s no surprise that the Audi is such a quick tow car.

Towing at 60mph is easy with this much muscle to pull car and caravan up to speed. In fact, we were able to switch from hybrid to electric running while towing at 60mph. It’s very pleasant to travel so quickly yet quietly. Even with the engine running as well, the Audi’s cabin remains quiet, except for some road noise over coarse surfaces.