![]() ![]() One of Audi’s biggest sellers, the Q3 was a prime candidate for plug-in petrol-electric power when the latest version debuted a couple of years ago. That said, its size and soft demeanour mean it’s better suited to cruising than carving up back roads, especially the long wheelbase version which gives rear passengers acres of space to lounge around in hushed comfort. A new and larger 17.9kWh battery means just 37 miles on a charge, while the 3.0-litre petrol V6 and electric motor deliver 456bhp and 516lb ft of torque for a sub five second 0-62mph sprint - these figures mean it travels further and is faster than the BMW 7 Series, but still trails the Mercedes S-Class. Looking a little like a scaled-up A4 the big Audi it lacks kerb appeal, but its hybrid system makes up for it. Understated and often overlooked, the recently refreshed A8 is a luxury limousine that flies under the radar even if it gives away little to rivals in terms of luxury. There is decent grip and composure, but the controls are light and lifeless. On the move, comfort and refinement are the order of the day. Of course, these figures demand lots of plugging in (a full charge is around two and a half hours using a 7kW wallbox). Thanks to a 17.9kWh battery, the A7 can travel up to 40 miles in EV mode, deliver 235.4mpg and emit just 30g/km. That means the same EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four and 141bhp electric motor with a combined output of 295bhp. Best to take it easy and enjoy the comfort and the exquisitely finished and spacious interior.Įssentially a swoopy, coupé-inspired version of the A6, the A7 TFSIe uses the same plug-in underpinnings but wraps them in a more stylish package. ![]() It’s quick enough but not particularly thrilling to drive despite quattro all-wheel drive security. It’s a smooth and well-integrated system that can travel at up to 84mph in all-electric mode and claims a range of 43 miles (41 miles for the roomy Avant estate). ![]() Powered by the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a 141bhp electric motor, it’s now only available in 50 (295bhp) guise. Elsewhere it’s pure A3, which means its beautifully finished inside with all the latest tech, while on the move its handling composure and refinement are undermined by a stiff-legged ride.Īvailable in sleek saloon or reasonably roomy Avant estate guises, the A6 TFSI e is a capable and desirable alternative to efficient diesel versions. There’s a choice of 201 or 242bhp outputs, plus a maximum claimed EV range of 40 miles. Now badged TFSI e, the angular five-door compact hatchback uses the same combination of 1.4-litre petrol and electric motor (both driving the front wheels) as the VW Golf GTE and Skoda Octavia iV. ![]() View all electric car news, advice and reviewsĪudi’s entry-level plug-in hybrid has been around for a few years now, making its debut as the e-tron in the previous generation model. And as the name suggests, you can also plug the car into the mains to replenish the battery, making PHEVs a great choice for the sort of short hops and commutes that most of us undertake day to day. Yet car manufacturers are still under intense pressure to get the overall CO2 output of their model ranges down, which is leading to an explosion in the number of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).Įssentially a ‘best-of-both worlds’ compromise, these machines offer pure electric running for anything between 15 and 100 miles, yet unlike pure EVs there’s an internal combustion engine as back-up when the battery is depleted, enabling you to travel further afield and fill up with fuel as you would with a traditional ICE model. A lack of charging infrastructure, high prices and, crucially, the number of potential buyers still hung up on range anxiety mean these vehicles remain niche offerings. While the fully electric car is seen by many as the future of motoring, its total domination of the sales charts is a way off yet. ![]()
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