The luxury car maker, Audi, is reported to launch a hybrid version of its A6 premium vehicle in the United States, during fiscal year 2012. Putting a full stop to all previously prevailing rumours, EPA's fueleconomy.gov has shortlisted it as the upcoming hybrid car. Previously, there were rumours that the car will not be launched in North America; however, the rumours have been put to rest.
Anyway, the question is not so much about the time scale of its launch, but its price range. It is expected that the new hybrid vehicle will fall in the price range of $55,000, which is $13,000 higher than the standard A6. According to the reports of EPA, the new hybrid car is powered by 5 mpg city and 33 mpg highway ratings for the standard, gas-powered 2012 4-cylinder A6. American model may witness a joint EPA rating in the low 30s, as the A6 hybrid is supposed to achieve around a 30 mpg joint rating under the European test cycle. Undoubtedly, drivers will look at the fuel economy for the expected 25% price premium.
The Audi will, probably, usher the Clean Diesel TDI Version of A6 which resembles hybrid version, both with respect to price and power. Thus, both the cars are expected to face the same challenges, albeit Audi-6's fuel economy has left good impression on consumers. It is believed that Infiniti M35 hybrid, which was launched this year with the price tag of around $540,000, will be the most challenging competitor of Audi-A6. It is good news for Audi that the all new Audi-A6 has received its first award, the Best Executive Saloon, at the 2011 Auto Express New Car Awards.
Audi launched its 2012 Audi A6 in the Indian market on 3rd August and showcased the A6 hybrid at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this year. Moreover, the standard redesigned 2012 Audi A6 was awarded the prestigious EyesOn Design Award at the Detroit Auto Show. By launching this car in US, Audi is expected to give competition to similarly priced luxury cars like Volkswagen Touareg.
