If the tempting taste of the new A6, recently dished up to the media, is anything to go by, we can look forward to a deep and meaningful degustation of the mid-size Audi sedan over the next few years.
For starters, turning its back on searing heat and choking smoke from bush fires, the German auto giant served up the 45 and 55 TFSI sedans for the scribblers to sample in South Australia.
Consisting of three petrol TFSI turbocharged 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 utilising 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 and progressive steering, delivering exemplary grip and handling to match performance.
While Europe has gone for diesel, Australia has not, because Audi here sees how diesel fuel efficiency and torque advantage have been whittled away at the expense of petrol.
The 45 TFSI quattro comes to market at $95,900, plus on-road costs; an S line version adds almost 10k, while an A6 55 TFSI quattro S line tops the trio at $116,000.
Other cast members waiting in the wings to make an entrance Down Under in 2020, is an entry-level 40 TFSI model ($85,500), powered by a 140 kW / 320 Nm 2.0-litre TFSI engine, driven through the front wheels.
At the top of the range will be an S6 TFSI at $154,000 and an S7 TFSI for $164,900. The year 2022 will see RS6 and RS7 joining the throng. In the meantime, there is much to keep potential A6 buyers interested.
Completely redesigned from the ground up, the new A6 sedan hooks into style, quality, technology and value with an eye to the $300,000-plus yearly household income family.
For example, the fastback styling comes up with co-efficient of friction of Cd 0.26 compared to the 0.28 of its predecessor; the interior is more spacious than before and features genuine timber trim; automotive technology is next generation; and the body is 30 per cent more rigid than previously thanks to a mix of aluminium components.
The Audi A6 sedan has already earned a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating and brings Down Under with the 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 entry-level A6 45 TFSI boasts more than $13,000 of features over the previous generation, with 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights, heated front seats, 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.
There is wireless charging for Qi mobile phones and an Audi music interface with two front and rear USB outlets.
The Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro S line and A6 55 TFSI quattro S line models add S line exterior package, 20-inch alloy wheels in five V-spoke design, suspension with adaptive damper control, Sport front seats upholstered in Valcona leather, illuminated door sill trims in S design and head-up display.
A Premium plus package (from $9800) is available on the 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.
Peak power comes in for both 180 kW and 250 kW engines at 5000 rpm, with the latter hold its ground for 400 rpm more at 6400 revs. The 500 Nm of peak torque with the same engine is reached at a low 1370 rpm, while the 370 Nm motor needs 1600 revs to meet its pinnacle.
The result is a far more responsive reaction to the accelerator with the 55 TFSI model reaching 100 km/h from rest in 5.1 seconds, as opposed to 6 seconds for the 45 TFSI. That may not seem much but the difference in flexibility showed up markedly on the launch drive.
Audi claims fuel consumption on the combined urban / highway cycle to be identical at 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres for both motors.
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.
The all-new Audi A6 sedan is on-sale now and is offered alongside a comprehensive maker’s service plan package, including a three-year service plan, priced at $1700, or $2630 for five years.
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
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 dealer or government charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
