Plug-in hybrids have gone from being a convenient tax dodge in some countries to genuine EV alternatives with useful electric ranges, and Audi’s new A6 sedan and Avant e-hybrids only reinforce that impression.

Compared with the previous pluggable A6, the new e-hybrids get a massive 45 percent boost in battery capacity, the power pack under the rear floor growing to 20.7 kWh net. That’s enough for a WLTP range of up to 69 miles (111 km) in sedan form and 66 miles (106 km) with the wagon rear-end.

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True, some PHEVs such as the Euro VW Tiguan and Range Rover can deliver more than 70 miles (113 km) of electric range, but the Audi serves as another reminder of how far plug-in hybrids have come. Thirty years ago, the original GM EV-1, a dedicated electric car, could go no further on a charge, and some used examples of the early Nissan Leaf – good for 100 miles (160 km) when new – now only deliver around 50 miles (80 km) due to battery degradation.

Audi has come up with two versions of the A6 PHEV, both featuring the same 248 hp (252 PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four, but different levels of electrical assistance. The milder PHEV makes a total of 295 hp (299 PS) and needs 6.0 seconds to reach 62 mph (100 kmh), but upgrade to the 362 hp (367 PS) version and that time drops to 5.3 seconds.

Stick to electric mode and you’re limited to 87 mph (140 kmh), but bring some ICE to the party and the top speed is extended to an electronically limited 155 mph (250 kmh). Like all the best EVs and PHEVs, the Audi duo lets you tweak the amount of brake regeneration, in this case via paddles on the steering wheel.

Other upgrades over the old PHEV include an 11 kW onboard AC charger – boosted from the previous 7.4 kW – which allows the battery to be refilled in 2.5 hours. Or you can use the combustion engine to recharge the battery, though only above 40 mph (65 kmh) and only to a maximum of 75 percent fill. For a complete top-up you’ll have to hook up to the mains.

All-wheel drive and rear-axle steering are standard in both PHEV models, which start at £61,755 in the UK for the 295 hp sedan and £63,705 for the Avant wagon. But splash out on the 362 hp car (its €9k/£8k more in Germany) and you get standard S line trim including sports suspension, bigger wheels and red brake calipers.

Would you pick an A6 e-hybrid over an A6 e-tron which costs around the same as a base PHEV, takes the same 6.0 seconds to reach 62 mph and can travel up to 384 miles (457 km) on a charge?