THE new plug-in hybrid version of Audi's A6 executive express is now available to order from British dealerships with a four-model range priced from £52,790.

With 295bhp on tap and quattro all-wheel drive, the new A6 50 TFSI e is a real driver's hybrid but it also boasts impressive green credentials with low overall CO2 emissions of 35g/km and the ability to drive up to 34 miles in zero-emission electric-only mode.

And there's a financial bonus for company car drivers, for the hybrid's eco-friendly performance means a low Benefit in Kind tax rate of as little as 10 per cent.

Providing this best-of-both-worlds performance are a 249bhp, two-litre TFSI petrol engine and 370 Nm (272 lb ft) of torque which is coupled with a 105kW electric motor delivering peak torque of 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft).

Together, the pair provide 295bhp of ‘system power' and 450Nm of system torque via a seven-speed Steptronic auto transmission - good for a top speed of 152mph with the 0-60mph sprint despatched in less than 5.5 seconds. In pure electric mode, the newcomer will still comfortably exceed the UK's legal motorway limit, maxing out at 84mph.

Drivers can choose between the three drive modes - EV for all-electric driving, Hybrid, which combines the petrol and electric motors and a Hold function designed to conserve the electrical energy available at any given time.

Initially, the A6 plug-in hybrid is only available in saloon form - an Avant estate model will follow later - with four specification options: Sport, S-Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung.

All four versions are fitted with Audi's all-digital MMI Touch Response system featuring two touchscreens with natural language voice control. The system is paired with the MMI Navigation Plus package as standard, providing a 10.1 inch upper display screen, replacing the standard dials with the Audi Virtual Cockpit and providing internet access.