The all-new Audi A6 sees the elegantly sculpted full-size sedan receive comprehensive upgrades in terms of digitalisation, comfort and sportiness, making it the most multi-
talented entry and intelligent leader of the business class segment.
IN 1968, almost exactly 50 years ago, the first Audi 100 was unveiled in Ingolstadt, Germany. As Audi’s first entry into the line of full-size business sedans, the Audi 100 was a successful model and the flagship of the brand at that time, providing a solid foundation for Audi’s premium positioning.
Over the years, the Audi 100 would evolve into the Audi A6 (since midway through the fourth-generation), becoming one of the most successful Audi vehicle models and the leading character of the business class.
Now in its eighth-generation, the all-new Audi A6 continues to push and redefine the limits of
what is possibly the most competitive segment; the business class. With a stunning arsenal of technology to revolutionise every aspect of the vehicle, whether it’s the dynamic all-wheel
steering with mild-hybrid engine, all-digital MMI touch response system with Audi connect and
a wider array of driver assistance systems, this is the future of business mobility.
Along with its segment-mate the Audi A7 Sportback, the eighth-generation Audi A6 is the
expressive ambassador of Audi’s new design language with taut surfaces, sharp edges and
striking lines. It stands out from the exterior with crisp proportions that combine a long hood,
long wheelbase and short overhangs for a dynamic silhouette that conveys sporty elegance
coupled with high-tech sophistication.
In terms of dimensions, the new Audi A6 is 4,939 millimetres (16.2 ft) long, which is 7
millimetres (0.3 in) longer than its predecessor. The width has been increased by 12 millimetres (0.5 in) to 1,886 millimetres (6.2 ft) while the height at 1,457 millimetres (4.8 ft) is almost unchanged at 2 millimetres (0.1 in) more than on the outgoing model.
Using an intelligent mixed-construction of steel and aluminium in the body shell, with components such as the front suspension strut dome, doors, hood/trunk lids and fenders all made of aluminium, weight is also optimised and body rigidity is maximised, to ensure top quality feel and sporty handling.
From the front, a wide, low-slung Singleframe grille, flat headlights and the powerfully
contoured air inlets undrline the sedan’s sportiness, whilst on the side, three striking lines help
reduce the car’s visual height, drawing it closer to the road for a sportier stance. This theme
continues with the muscular and taut contours drawn over the wheels, testimony of Audi’s
quattro genes. At the rear, a striking chrome strip also accentuates the three-dimensional
* Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depending on the tires/wheels used sculpture of the rear and connects the rear lights.
As with all Audi vehicles, the lighting design continues to reinforce the technical character of the new Audi A6, with three available configurations. With the top-of-the-line version, the HD
Matrix LED headlights, there are a total of five horizontal lines that form the daytime running
light signature, emphasizing the width of the front.
The interior of the Audi A6 combines design and technology to create a business class cabin that is larger, more refined and more intuitive than its predecessor. Featuring a black-panel design, a cool look which expresses the technical competence and digital character of the sedan, the interior of the Audi A6 has a relaxed lounge atmosphere in a design language that comes across as integrated and minimalist.
The top-of-the-line version, the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, also delivers fascinating 3D sound to the rear thanks to its height information. Telephony is also taken to a new level in relation to operation as well as the sound and connection quality thanks to the Audi phone box.
Audi connect online services also provide the car-to-X services traffic sign and hazard
information. They use the swarm intelligence from the Audi fleet and network the Audi A6 with its environment. Shortly after the market launch, the on-street parking service will be added, which makes looking for a parking space easier. Other refined driver assistance systems, including the parking pilot and the garage pilot will also provide new standards in the business class, autonomously manoeuvring the sedan into and out of a parking space or garage.
The driver can get out of the car before activating and monitoring the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone. The parking pilot and the garage pilot form part of the Park assist package, one of three packages. The City assist package includes features such as the new crossing assist.
Depending on equipment, the sensor set includes up to five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors as well as a laser scanner – another major innovation.
The redesigned wheel suspension is also made out of lightweight aluminium in many areas.
Despite the larger wheels (measuring up to 21 inches and tire sizes of up to 255/35) compared to the outgoing model, the Audi A6 has improved ride and noise comfort.
Brakes with fixed calipers made from aluminium are fitted to the front axle. Audi provides a choice of four variants for the suspension setup: the conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension, the suspension with damper control, and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping.
As part of the launch in the European markets, Audi offers the new Audi A6 with two powerful, smooth engines – one diesel and one gasoline unit. Paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive, the 3.0 TFSI petrol variant is a turbocharged V6 engine that generates 340 hp (250 kW) and 500 Nm of torque, allowing the business sedan to accelerate to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds, on to an
electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
On the other hand, the 3.0 TDI engine variant develops 286 hp (210 kW) and 620 Nm of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
In terms of fuel efficiency and emissions, the petrol engine has a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 – 6.7 l/100 km (33.1 – 35.1 mpg)* and a combined CO2 emissions of 161 – 151 g/km (259.1 – 243.0 g/mi)*, whilst the diesel version has a combined fuel consumption of 5.8 – 5.5 l/100 km (40.6 – 42.8 mpg)* and a CO2 emissions of 150 – 142 g/km (241.4 – 228.5 g/mi)*.
Both engine options for the new Audi A6 come with Audi’s new mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), where a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery. At speeds between 55 and 160 km/h (34.2 – 99.4 mph), the four-door coupé can coast in freewheeling mode with the engine deactivated and then restarted comfortably via the BAS.
Whendecel erating, this engine is also able to achieve a recuperation performance of up to 12 kW, recharging the lithium-ion battery. The start-stop function has been significantly expanded and now activates at 22 km/h (13.7 mph), with the engine getting restarted from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front of the Audi A6 starts moving. In real-world driving, * Fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures given in ranges depending on the tires/wheels used the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 liters per 100 kilometres.
The new Audi A6 is due to roll off the assembly line at the Neckarsulm site and will launch on
the German market in June 2018. The basic price as the Audi A6 Sedan 50 TDI quattro
(combined fuel consumption: 5.8 – 5.5 l/100km (40.6 – 42.8 mpg)*; combined CO2 emissions: 150 – 142 g/km (241.4 – 228.5 g/mi)*) is 58,050 euros.
