You’ll have to move to China if you want to buy Audi’s 100-mpg A6 L e-tron

By Ronan Glon April 16, 2015

Audi has big plans for the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show. The company will introduce a new concept car called prologue allroad, and it will launch an e-tron-badged version of the A6 L that promises to return better gas mileage than any hybrid currently sold in the United States.

Don’t run down to your local Audi dealership quite yet, the A6 L e-tron was developed exclusively for the Chinese market. Starting with a locally-built long-wheelbase A6, engineers have shoehorned an advanced gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain made up of a 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder engine that provides 211 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque and a disc-shaped electric motor that adds 122 ponies and, more importantly, 258 foot-pounds of instant twist. The motor is built into a hybrid-specific eight-speed tiptronic gearbox

When all is said and done, the hybrid drivetrain generates a total of 245 horsepower and 368 foot-pounds of torque, enough to send the roughly 4,400-pound A6 from zero to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 130 mph. The A6 L can drive on electricity alone for a little over 30 miles at speeds of up to 84 mph. Alternatively, it returns a jaw-dropping 106.9 mpg in a mixed Chinese cycle, a figure that makes it one of the most efficient regular-production sedans that Audi has ever offered by a long shot.

The visual differences between the e-tron and the standard A6 L are largely limited to new multi-spoke alloy wheels, a redesigned lower bumper up front and model-specific emblems on both ends. Similarly, the cockpit is largely standard A6 L fare save for a revised instrument cluster that provides vital information about the hybrid drivetrain.

Built in China, the 2016 Audi A6 L will go on sale early next year. At the time of writing Audi is not planning on offering the sedan in the United States or in Europe.

Interestingly, Audi is not the only European manufacturer that is preparing to introduce a long-wheelbase plug-in hybrid sedan designed only for China. Volvo recently unveiled the S60L Twin Engine, a highly efficient version of the stretched S60 that can drive on electricity alone for up to 32 miles.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.