A6 Hybrid vs 520d

[tweftfom]

the hybrid system use by this a6 is it the same as prius? i mean the engine can't even be started without the hybrid system or like crz which is independent...

 

[kuntakinte]

The A6 is a full hybrid like the Prius, which means its capable to run on full electric mode unlike the Honda's mild hybrid. So, I'm guessing that it should behave like the Prius. Then again, I'm sure the Audi and Toyota engineers are smart enough to implement storing of enough juice for the car to start.

hybrid or petrol, you can't start the car if the battery is flat anyway

 

[kuntakinte]

Was at Audi glenmarie yesterday to check out the car. Impressions as follows

- the A6 certainly look huge in the metal. Much bigger than in the pics.
- the hybrid was hidden at the backyard but was freely available for potential customers to view.
- the interior cockpit was beautifully Audi and comes with the full load but no google earth capability as in the overseas models
- the leather seats were of the A4 type coarser grain as compared to fine grain nappa on the standard A6
- the hybrid will also be shod with sunroof and 18 inch rubbers
- test drove the standard A6 2.0 and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by its responsiveness. It only had 180hp with 320nm with CVT box but it pulls the car effortlessly. This may be due to the 30% usage of aluminum materials in the car. For comparison,the hybrid version's stock engine itself will count 211hp and 350 nm with 8 speed tiptronic and paddle shifters
- offered with 4 year warranty or 120k km including batteries but guidance from Audi Germany is that the battery is expected to last a lifetime of the car circa 15 years but just like Toyota will not provide any further warranty on what's verbal.
- my conclusion, still undecided. While the A6 has a more user oriented cockpit, the rest of the color scheme in the interior looked very spartan and uninspiring. And for the hybrid, no customization is allowed as according to SA, euromobil has ordered 2500 units this year and you can have any color for the interior as long as its black
- still prefer the exterior looks and the cinnamon leather interior of the 5er. Will test drive the 5er again and decide later

Update:
- compared to the standard A6, no space saving spare tyre is included, only a repair kit.
- and the full LED headlamp is absolutely gorgeous. The white turns yellow when signal lights are indicated. The LED is an option on the standard A6 with an astounding $13k price tag but is made standard on the hybrid

 

[genkis3]

hi kuntakinte,
do u still remember a6 hybrid steerling is 4spoke or 3spoke design?
my SA told me need to wait 3-6month for customization.

 

[kuntakinte]

hi kuntakinte,
do u still remember a6 hybrid steerling is 4spoke or 3spoke design?
my SA told me need to wait 3-6month for customization.

If my memory had not failed me, it's 3 spoke. Well, as for customization, SA says strictly not allowed due to bulk order from Germany but who knows, maybe if the customer is willing to wait and pay, I guess anything is possible.

The leather seats are a disappointment. It's kinda crude for a car in its class

 

[primus2211]

My 2 cents:

Handling, not really much point in looking at this since both cars were meant to be comfort cruisers. The 520d does not exactly handle any better than any FWD cars I've had and I still find it very soft, wallows and corners like a boat even on Sport mode. This is spoken with 20" wheels and 285 tires at the rear in actual conditions. Therefore the handling issue to me is moot.

Interior, both the A6 and 520d has very nice plush feel to it. It would obviously be nice to have a choice of colors, I'm quite fond of the cinnamon in my car, but this should not be a major deal killer since there are locals that can even re-upholster a Lambo to better quality leather if necessary. Most important would be the trim, as long as you're happy with the plastic bits then it's ok since those can be costly to replace. Looks and design wise, both looks good and are on par in terms of functionality. Don't expect much from the nav systems, both are crap where map is concerned, this is typical with most stock navs, even the 991's has crappy maps.

Exterior, again both are meant to be cruisers and daily driver, they were not meant to look like M5's or RS6's. Again, modable but what's the point? Slap on a set of rims that you like and both cars would look decently ok.

FC, my F10 borders around 9.9 - 10.5 km/l with urban driving. Over the period of CNY, was driving my sisters PriusC around, I averaged 15.6 km/l. If that is any indication, who's to say which car has better FC?

I know it sounds like I'm angling towards the A6 but in all honesty I'd say trust your own judgment and don't be swayed by what other people say. Just do it! It's not like either party would ban you from buying their car next time right?

 

[kuntakinte]

Nice take, primus

I guess my point was really that the A6 does not invoke the impulse buy factor in me simply because the 5er is such a bloody good overall car in the first place, as attested by Paul Tan's driven mag team in the executive car shoot out sections.

Had it not been that attractive price point, the 5er would have been a no brainer decision for me but because of this competitive advantage, one may be willing to overlook the minor compromises discussed and justify the buy on that basis alone.

As it is, I'm more skewed to the A6 Hybrid for the price and features, and will test drive both that car after its launched and the 520d again before plonking down my dough.

And if I ever choose the 520d, I'll wait a little longer because I am sure the A6 hybrid will put hefty price pressures on the corresponding sales of the 5er in the immediate months to come. Maybe pick one from a pre reg or premium selection at fire sale prices? Haha, I wish indeed

 

[SinghisKing]

The A6 hybrid seems to have great features at a great price. After seeing the car in the flesh last week when my boss ordered one, the one key thing to consider is the boot space. You actually can't fit golf bag in. So if you're a golfer you need to be prepared to put your golf bag in the backseat. If you do carry lots of luggage that could impact you. Besides that I think it's a nice car though the looks of F10 I find slightly more attractive.

Interestingly there is no spare tyre as well but they don't use RFTs. They just provide tyre repair kit of some kind.

 

[primus2211]

For golfers you may have to check whether the car comes with the long load function. My previous Audi did and that gives you the rear centre armrest that pops into the cabin attached with a protective bag for golf bags or skis.

 

[mika]

but but Audi is FWD, not RWD..unless its Quatro

 

[primus2211]

but but Audi is FWD, not RWD..unless its Quatro

Sorry bro, lost your point?

 

[mika]

Sorry bro, lost your point?

Audi car are front wheel drive mar..unless its the quatro version
BMW and Benz are all Rear wheel drive (except X-drive) which have better handling

 

[Mavik]

Audi car are front wheel drive mar..unless its the quatro version
BMW and Benz are all Rear wheel drive (except X-drive) which have better handling

Sorry I am quite the noob here but how does rear wheel drive equate to better handling?

 

[primus2211]

Audi car are front wheel drive mar..unless its the quatro version
BMW and Benz are all Rear wheel drive (except X-drive) which have better handling

Obviously didn't read the thread properly? As mentioned earlier, for a luxury saloon/cruiser handling is not a primary concern since comfort probably plays a bigger role. Apart from an M5, have you actually seen most buyers here doing drifts with their F10 or for that matter driving that actually involves losing traction on either front or rear wheel? If not, then point of RWD and FWD is actually pretty much moot on this comparison.

 

[primus2211]

Sorry I am quite the noob here but how does rear wheel drive equate to better handling?

This is actually pretty much an antiquated thoughts that BMW and Mercedes used to propagate to differentiate themselves from other cars in the past. Recently both has quietly toned this down as news of FWD cars coming from both parties has eroded this claim.

In the past RWD was touted as being better because the front wheels are dedicated to steering while the back wheels to drive. FWD will use the front for both drive and steer which in theory would result in less response, accuracy and control. Unfortunately with advent of new tech e.g. electronic diff, ABS, ESP, etc... most of those advantages are splitting hairs.

Currently I have in my parking:

Front engine, rear drive
Front engine, front drive
Mid engine, rear drive
Front engine, AWD
Mid engine, AWD

And in all honesty, if they were all driven ala cruiser style, I would not really be able to say which is better.

 

[mika]

as the front wheel will be dedicated for steering (also braking) , not only it's better handling for RWD vehicle but safety as well.
also the center gravity of car are better and the weight ratio of front and back are achievable 50:50 just like the F10.

of course if ur talking about driving ala cruiser style, don't think u can tell even by driving a Kancil

 

[Mavik]

This is actually pretty much an antiquated thoughts that BMW and Mercedes used to propagate to differentiate themselves from other cars in the past. Recently both has quietly toned this down as news of FWD cars coming from both parties has eroded this claim.

In the past RWD was touted as being better because the front wheels are dedicated to steering while the back wheels to drive. FWD will use the front for both drive and steer which in theory would result in less response, accuracy and control. Unfortunately with advent of new tech e.g. electronic diff, ABS, ESP, etc... most of those advantages are splitting hairs.

Currently I have in my parking:

Front engine, rear drive
Front engine, front drive
Mid engine, rear drive
Front engine, AWD
Mid engine, AWD

And in all honesty, if they were all driven ala cruiser style, I would not really be able to say which is better.

Cool stuff, have you brought your cars to the track or rempit drives? In your opinion may I ask which is your favourite?

 

[Mavik]

as the front wheel will be dedicated for steering (also braking) , not only it's better handling for RWD vehicle but safety as well.
also the center gravity of car are better and the weight ratio of front and back are achievable 50:50 just like the F10.

of course if ur talking about driving ala cruiser style, don't think u can tell even by driving a Kancil

Ah icic, thanks for the info.

In a situation not like cruiser style, let's say in a spirited drive or on a track, how does it fare? I am also quite lost because I see FWD cars having the faster times on Sepang

 

[mika]

Ah icic, thanks for the info.

In a situation not like cruiser style, let's say in a spirited drive or on a track, how does it fare? I am also quite lost because I see FWD cars having the faster times on Sepang

definitely the RWD handling will fare better in a race/spirited drive. also in a race track, RWD vehicles are suppose to have better track times as the better handling of corners will reduce lap timings.

 

[shahnaz]

When are they launching the car ? I thought its sometime this week right.