Plug-in hybrids aren’t the most obvious starting point for a tuning project.
They’re heavy, mechanically complicated and normally sold on the promise that you can commute quietly on electricity before letting the combustion engine handle longer journeys. ABT apparently sees no reason why any of that should prevent one from having more power and 21-inch wheels.
Its Audi A6 Avant Hybrid package takes the more powerful factory version from 367 hp to approximately 428 hp, while maximum system torque rises to 550 Nm. The 299-hp version isn’t ignored either; ABT increases that one to roughly 360 hp and 500 Nm.
It’s an interesting direction for ABT because the company isn’t trying to turn the A6 into an RS6 substitute.
The A6 remains a plug-in hybrid estate designed for daily use. The electric side of the drivetrain stays intact and ABT says the upgrade is intended to retain the refinement and everyday character of the standard vehicle.
It simply gives the petrol-electric system rather more to do when the driver presses the accelerator.
The rest of the conversion follows the same idea.
ABT adds a gloss-black front spoiler, rear trim and a rear spoiler with additional aero elements. There are four matte-black stainless-steel exhaust tips measuring 102 mm, while 21-inch ABT EVO wheels fill the arches with 255/35 tires.
Optional suspension springs lower and tighten the chassis, with ABT saying the setup improves turn-in and feedback without sacrificing the long-distance comfort expected from an A6 Avant. Cars equipped with factory air suspension receive a slightly different package without the springs.
The interior changes are almost surprisingly restrained. Illuminated ABT entrance lights and branded floor mats are essentially the extent of it.
Perhaps that’s appropriate.
An A6 Avant is still the sort of car someone may use for a 700-kilometer motorway trip with luggage in the back. Filling the cabin with carbon fiber and racing seats would rather miss the point.
What isn’t restrained is the bill.
ABT currently lists the complete package at €17,000 including German VAT, before installation, painting and TÜV inspection. For an A6 with air suspension, the alternative package costs €16,700 because the ABT suspension springs are omitted.
Interestingly, ABT’s April technical flyer lists slightly lower package prices of €15,500 and €15,200 respectively, so the current web release should be treated as the latest quoted pricing.
Seventeen thousand euros is enough money to make the obvious comparison with simply buying a more powerful Audi in the first place.
But that isn’t quite what ABT is offering.
An S6 or RS6 approaches performance from a completely different direction. This conversion keeps the plug-in-hybrid A6 and its everyday electric capability, then adds enough power and visual aggression to make it considerably less anonymous.
It’s a niche within a niche. Then again, that’s usually where tuning gets interesting.
