The new Audi A6 range is more versatile than ever before – with end-to-end digitalization, enhanced comfort, more sportiness and a technical, elegant design. The all-digital MMI touch response system provides intuitive operation and even more personalization. The improved assistance systems demonstrate intelligent automotive innovation and the suspension combines smooth ride comfort, unshakable stability with enhanced sportiness.
Interior digitalization and enhanced comfort
Fast access to functions and a high degree of customization – the new smartphone-like display and MMI touch operating system makes use intuitive in the Audi A6. It is thus the most modern operating concept in its class. Two large displays (as seen in the new Audi A7 Sportback and Audi Q8) replace most of the buttons and controls of the predecessor model. As such it is a prime example of the end-to-end digitalization which the new A6 brings to the business class. The all-digital operating system also supports a high degree of personalization. In the top display, the buttons for all functions can be placed freely, similar to the user experience with smartphone apps. In the bottom display, the user can create up to 27 individual shortcuts for key vehicle functions and favourites such as phone numbers, radio stations or navigation destinations.
Users hear and feel a click as confirmation as soon as their finger triggers a function by lightly pressing the touch-sensitive display. The user can adjust the intensity of this acoustic and tactile feedback as required. The driver manages the infotainment on the top display, which has a 10.1-inch screen and the bottom 8.6-inch display, located in the console in the centre tunnel, is used for the climate control, convenience and vehicle functions as well as for text input. With this new setup, the driver’s wrist can sit comfortably on the selector lever of the transmission. MMI navigation plus (standard feature within the A6 range) also includes the Audi virtual cockpit whose high-resolution display measures 12.3 inches. Operation is via the multifunction buttons on the steering wheel. When it comes to navigation, the system acts as a highly networked media hub and offers a self-learning function based on the driven routes. There is also an optional head-up display which projects information relevant to the driver into the driver’s field of view on the windshield, for instance a detailed map for the navigation.
Besides the MMI touch response operating system the A6 also offers the online voice control system. This allows a wide range of vehicle functions, such as controlling the air conditioning system, to be performed using everyday speech commands. The A6 is thus an intelligent dialog partner and travel companion.
In terms of sound systems, the Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, boasting 16 loudspeakers and 3D sound functionality which delivers an output of 705 watts, is optionally available for the A6 40 TDI and standard equipment for the S6.
Driver assistance systems for more safety and comfort
With numerous driver assistance systems the new A6 sets new standards in the premium class. The driver assistance systems with refined control mechanisms enhance convenience and additional support for drivers’ tasks. This includes the adaptive cruise assist, which besides adaptive cruise control and the predictive efficiency assist also comprises the swerve and turn assist and thus supports the driver with maneuvering the vehicle effectively. Also included is a night vision assistant which uses an infrared camera and reacts to the heat given off by objects. Converted to black and white images, the information can be viewed in the instrument cluster or the Audi virtual cockpit. The cooler surroundings appear dark, while animals and people appear strikingly bright thereby providing an effective safety feature. Emergency assist enhances safety by bringing the vehicle to a stop in an emergency.
Electrification in the S6
To further enhance comfort and efficiency of the Audi S6, this model is fitted with a mild hybrid system. In combination with the six-cylinder engine, a 48V mild hybrid system is used. The S6 can coast between 55 and 160 km/h and the start-stop kicks in right from 22 km/h. In real-world driving, the mild hybrid technology based on 48V reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
Body and dimensions – more legroom in the business class
Long journeys are the domain of the new Audi A6. With a generous amount of space; many convenience features; and minimal interior noise, the business-class sedan pampers the driver and passengers alike. Its interior is even larger than on the outgoing model – the A6 beats its core competitors in important criteria such as legroom in the rear.
The A6 range is perfectly equipped for long journeys with new convenience functions. The seats are all-new. The A6 offers leather/leatherette upholstery and electric seats with memory as a standard feature. The top-of-the-line Audi S6 contains sport seats as standard equipment, however optionally available are S sport seats or the customized contour front seats with numerous adjustment functions, optionally fitted with ventilation and massage function. The panoramic glass sunroof (standard for S6 models) floods the interior with light. The luggage compartment, with its capacity of 530 litres will accommodate two golf bags crosswise, while the trunk lid can be closed electrically with a kicking motion, optional on the A6 but standard on the S6.
The low noise level of the A6 range also makes it an ideal long-distance specialist. The body structure is a major factor in achieving this. Designed with a mixed steel and aluminium construction, the body is extremely rigid. It provides the basis for high torsional stiffness, minimal body movement and the sporty, precise handling. Thanks to its sophisticated aeroacoustics, including acoustic glass, it remains very quiet in the interior, even at high speeds.
Suspension technology for enhanced maneuverability and agility
Maneuverable in town, sporty on open roads, and poised and comfortable on the highway – the new Audi A6 handles even more dynamically than its predecessor model. The reason is the different suspension components – from the centralized control of all systems via control strategies; newly developed axles; through to new features such as optional dynamic all-wheel steering.
The standard progressive steering generally has a direct ratio, with the increasing steering angle it operates even more sportily. Its electromechanical power assistance transfers useful information to the driver, yet eliminates unpleasant jolts. This provides a direct connection between steering wheel, wheels and road. As an option, Audi delivers the new A6 with the dynamic all-wheel steering. With this setup, the A6 handles more compactly than a midsize model and with greater maneuverability than any other model in the segment, despite its exterior length of almost five metres. The combination of a superimposed steering and a rear-axle steering thus resolves the classic conflict of objectives in the field of suspension. It combines direct steering response with unshakable stability. Depending on the speed, the overall ratio varies between 9.5:1 and 16.5:1.
In the front-axle steering, a strain wave gearing operates; at the rear axle a spindle drive turns the wheels up to 5 degrees – unrivalled in the segment. At speeds up to 60 km/h they turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, thus reducing the turning circle by up to one metre. At high speeds from 60 km/h, the wheels turn in the same direction, thus increasing stability when traveling in a straight line or changing lanes. And in turn improving handling safety. At the same time, passengers enjoy enhanced comfort as steering movements when changing lanes are felt much less in the rear in particular.
The upgraded wheel suspension of the Audi A6 is made extensively from lightweight aluminium. Despite the larger wheels compared with the predecessor model – up to 21 inches with 255/35 size tyres – the ride and noise comfort is top-class. Brakes with fixed calipers made from aluminium are fitted to the front axle. Audi provides a choice for the suspension setup, thus extending even further the spread between sportiness and comfort. The steel spring suspension is the basic specification; customers can also choose from the sport suspension also with steel springs and the adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is exclusively available for the S6.
The powertrain – powerful and efficient
The A6 range will be available locally with three engines. A 2.0 TDI engine kicks off the range with 140 kW and 400 Nm (Audi A6 40 TDI); followed by a 3.0 TDI with 183 kW and 600 Nm (Audi 45 TDI); and a top-of-the-range 2.9 TFSI engine (Audi S6 TFSI) with 331 kW and 600 Nm. All engines provide outstandingly strong power delivery, high efficiency and refined operation.
All variants within the A6 range are fitted standard with automatic transmissions. While the V6 diesel engines are paired with an eight-speed tiptronic, the 40 TDI is coupled as standard with a seven-speed S tronic. The 45 TDI and the S6 TFSI forwards its power as standard to the quattro all-wheel drive. In conjunction with the tiptronic, the A6 has a self-locking centre differential.
The exterior design – technical and elegant
The new A6 is an expressive ambassador of the new Audi design language. With taut surfaces, sharply defined edges and striking lines, the business class sedan unmistakably conveys its character. It stands for sporty elegance, high tech and sophistication. The exterior stands out with balanced proportions and short overhangs, the dimensions of the eighth-generation Audi A6 have grown a few millimetres compared with its predecessor model line – by seven millimetres to 4.94 metres long, by twelve millimetres to 1.89 metres wide and by two millimetres to 1.46 metres high.
The wide, low-slung Singleframe grille with chrome trim, the flat headlights and the powerfully contoured air inlets exude elegance and sportiness at the front. In the side view, the powerfully taut contours above the wheel arches are testimony to Audi’s quattro genes. The taut roofline flows into the steeply raked C-pillars. A chrome strip accentuates the rear and provides a link between the lights. The paint range includes a choice of 14 colours. For an advanced sportier look, the A6 is available with the S line exterior package and the S6 is obtainable with a black styling package (enhanced black accents to the exterior).
The S6 is characterized by its striking, distinctive design and sophistication – outside and inside alike. A dynamically styled front trim, wide sills and a wide rear diffuser with four tailpipe trims infuse the S6 with on-road presence. Distinctive S trim elements in dark chrome and aluminium on the radiator grille lamellas, the front blade, the side air inlet, the exterior mirrors and the rear diffuser proclaim a sporty look at a glance.
The horizontal splitter in aluminium look creates an enormous feeling of width at the front. It links the two air inlets and ends with the two winglets at the air ducts. At the rear, the S6 features an integrated spoiler that visually extends the trunk lid, subtly emphasizing its sportiness. Aluminium applications in the diffuser link the four S-specific tailpipe trims. These also underline the width of the vehicle.
In terms of wheel offerings, the A6 range offers an 18” standard wheel on the A6 40 and 45 TDI models with an option to upgrade to a wheel size of up to 21”. The S6 comes standard with a 20” wheel, with an upgrade choice of two different 21” wheel designs.
The lighting design – technology brought to life
The lighting design emphasizes the technical character of the A6. Audi supplies the headlights in three versions: LED headlights and rear lights (standard on A6 40 TDI); Matrix LED headlights and dynamic indicators (standard on A6 45 TDI) and the HD Matrix LED technology with high-resolution, dynamically illuminating high beam (standard on the S6 TFSI). In all of these offerings there are five horizontal lines that draw the daytime running light signature on the vehicle – above them are the dipped beam modules that look like pupils.
The interior design – futuristic and clean
On the sleek instrument panel of the new A6 range, a technical, futuristic black-panel design dominates which impressively combines form and function. The design language appears reduced and matter-of-fact; the horizontal lines create an airy sense of space. The centre console and the two MMI touch response displays are angled slightly toward the driver. When switched off, the top display is incorporated almost invisibly into the dark decorative surface. All elements, from the open-pore wood trim to the upholstery, attest to the uncompromisingly high Audi quality.
Locally developed packages – a range of equipment for all tastes
Locally developed packages for the new A6 range offer different characteristics – from comfort to sport – and in an effort to reduce complexity and offer increased value to the customer. The comfort package comprises of popular interior features such as 4-zone automatic air-conditioning; comfort key; operating buttons in black glass with haptic touch; front seat heating and storage. The sport package bundles important exterior features and technological equipment to provide for a sportier look. This includes S line exterior package; contour ambient lighting; high-gloss styling package and sports suspension.
Pricing and availability
The new Audi A6 range is priced as follows:
- Audi A6 40 TDI S tronic R 919,500
- Audi A6 45 TDI quattro tiptronic R 1,100,000
- Audi S6 TFSI quattro tiptronic R 1,401,500
The A6 range comes standard with the 5 year / 100 000km Audi Freeway plan, inclusive of all taxes. The Audi A6 40 TDI and S6 TFSI are currently available for sale at all Audi Dealerships around South Africa. The Audi A6 45 TDI is planned to be introduced into market in June. The high performance model, the Audi RS6 Avant is planned to be launched in quarter one next year.
