The new A6 could be the harbinger of the product-intense period Audi is about to enter, which includes stepping up electric power to take on the ever-expanding list of EV rivals.
The recently released A6 Sedan makes use of mild hybrid vehicle technology. While its’s no petrol / electric Prius, there is middling energy recuperation when braking or coasting, producing the odd power boost, as well as fuel savings.
Powerplants are TFSI turbo-petrol drivetrains, the A6 55 TFSI quattro, with its 250 kW / 500 Nm 3.0-litre V6 engine and the 45 TFSI quattro, producing 180 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque between 1600 and 4500 rpm.
Both engines feature mild hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the 55 TFSI and the 45 TFSI, using 48 and 12-volt systems respectively. The former functions as the car’s main electrical system and allows power regeneration of up to14 kW, plus start-stop operation from 22 km/h.
Both powerplants are mated to Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive.
The 45 TFSI quattro comes to market at $95,900, plus on-road costs; an S line version, the test car, adds almost 10k. This vehicle also boasted a Premium plus package 2, which nudges the price over $120,000.
Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new A6 sedan hooks into $13,000 added style, quality, technology and value over its predecessor with an eye to the $300,000-plus yearly household income family.
STYLING
Renowned for sporty vehicles, Audi has tuned to the A6 to introduce the latest thoroughbred from its sedan stable.
Elegant styling is touched up with sharp aero elements up front and a fastback behind, producing a co-efficient of friction of Cd 0.26 compared to the 0.28 of its predecessor.
The Audi A6 S line models add S line exterior package, 20-inch alloy wheels in five V-spoke design, suspension with adaptive damper control.
A Premium plus package (from $9800) is available on S line models, and includes HD Matrix LED headlights, S line interior package, privacy glass, panoramic glass sunroof, Bang & Olufsen 3-D sound, power steering column adjustment, electrically opening and closing boot lid, as well as a colour interior lighting package.
INTERIOR
The interior is more spacious than before and features genuine timber trim. Sport front seats are upholstered in Valcona leather, illuminated door sill trims are S design and head-up display helps keep the driver’s eyes on the road.
Back-seat occupants are well catered for with easy access to up to three positions, more legroom than before and their own USB slots and climate controls.
INFOTAINMENT
Automotive technology involved is next generation. There’s MMI navigation with 10.1 and 8.6-inch touch screens, Audi virtual cockpit, and Audi connect plus, which includes real-time traffic information and how to avoid trouble, a check of petrol station fuel prices, availability of spaces at a parking station, as well as advanced assistance and emergency response services.
Convenient wireless charging for Qi mobile phones and an Audi music interface has two front and rear USB outlets.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The 2-litre four-cylinder turbo engine brings up maximum power of 180 kW between 5000 and 6000 rpm. The powerplant includes mild hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the 45 TFSI utilising the 12-volt system.
Power is put to ground via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
SAFETY
The Audi A6 sedan has already earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and brings Down Under a full suite of Audi driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise assist with traffic jam assist, plus 360-degree cameras with kerb view standard across the range.
Also included are active lane assist, side assist with cross-traffic alarm, collision avoidance, turn and intersection assist, and exit warning. There are even illuminated seat buckles to highlight passive safety at night.
The A6 Sedan body is 30 per cent more rigid than previously thanks to a mix of steel and aluminium.
DRIVING
The Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro S line is no sports sedan – zero to 100 km/h comes up in 6 seconds – but acts as a showcase for all Audi can present with a non-SUV of the highest automotive pedigree.
The driver-oriented Audi virtual cockpit takes up the majority of the dashboard width, with more than enough info on tap clearly readable against dark, if somewhat sombre, cabin surroundings.
Touch screens have taken over from the old Audi central control knob, for which I still yearn, especially when trying to hit the right spot on the screen to call up the info I want. On the other hand, I can’t fault the virtual cockpit, especially with its Google maps.
Drive-select modes – efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic and individual – are straight out of the Audi playbook, changing throttle response, weighting of steering, transmission mapping and adaptive cruise control.
All-wheel drive remains ‘on’ until the front wheels maintain enough grip to work well enough on their own.
Ride is what you’d expect from big-end-of-town transport – down to a suspension making, well, executive decisions and reacting to any untoward outside influences sometimes thrown up by less-than-perfect Aussie road surfaces.
SUMMARY
While not as versatile as Audi’s popular premium sports utility vehicles, the A6 makes a welcome return to the executive ranks with a sedan of style, quality and with a taste of cutting-edge mild petrol / electric hybrid technology.
MODEL RANGE
Audi A6 sedan 45 TFSI quattro $95,900
Audi A6 sedan 45 TFSI quattro S Line $105,200
Audi A6 55 TFSI quattro S line $116,000
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
SPECIFICATIONS (Audi A6 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol, direct petrol injection, intercooled turbocharging and 12V Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technology)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.0 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders
Maximum Power: 180 kW @ 5000-6000 rpm
Maximum Torque: 370 Nm @ 1600-4500 rpm
Fuel Type: Petrol 95 RON
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 7.3 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 228 g/km
Battery: 380 A / 68Ah, 3 kW
DRIVELINE: Seven-speed S tronic dual clutch, quattro permanent all-wheel drive
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4939 mm
Wheelbase: 1630 mm
Width: 1886 mm
Height: 1457 mm
Turning Circle: 12.1 metres
Kerb Mass: 1695 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 73 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Three years / unlimited kilometres
