New A6 unveiled

The eighth generation Audi A6 has been revealed, and the newest addition to Audi’s luxury model range showcases a sharp new design direction, with leading edge technology beautifully integrated to create a whole new standard in the luxury class.

From the distinctive new exterior complete with unique light signature, to an equally inspiring new interior design, complete with fully customisable digital controls and systems, the A6 impresses. New mild-hybrid engine solutions are standard across the range, as is superb ride and handling thanks to a plethora of new technology. Indeed the A6 represents a giant evolutionary step from a model that has always been at the cutting edge of the luxury market.

Distinctive design is at once eye-catching but also serves a deeper purpose than simple visual appeal. Advanced aerodynamics – with a minimum drag coefficient of 0.24 – the A6 boasts tremendous body rigidity born of intelligent mixed construction of steel and aluminium in the body shell and components. 

The new A6 is 4939 millimetres long – seven millimetres longer than its predecessor, while width has been increased by 12 millimetres to 1886 millimetres and height at 1457 millimetres is now two millimetres more than on the outgoing model.

Inside, that size translates to even greater comfort for occupants with the Audi A6 larger than the outgoing model with increased room throughout with all-new seating underlining the character of the Audi A6 as a poised long-distance sedan.

The interior also boasts completely new design architecture, with a progressive feel and a 'new take' on the classic luxury interior. Large black panels are integrated seamlessly into the design, yet house some of the most impressive technology, coming to life as interactive screens that allow you to control an array of systems, infotainment and vehicle functions. Of course there is also the natural-language control gives even greater flexibility for running the vast array of functions available.

The MMI touch is a work of art and can be completely personalised. The all-digital operating system allows you to place vehicle functions in the required position on the MMI screen using drag-and-drop – similar to the user experience with smartphone apps – while up to seven drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles and set up to 400 parameters. 

Although specification for Australia has yet to be confirmed, all engines in the new A6 come with Audi’s new mild-hybrid technology, using a belt alternator starter (BAS) together with a lithium-ion battery to allow the Audi A6 to coast between 55 and 160km/h for tremendous fuel savings.

The start-stop function kicks in up to 22km/h. During deceleration, the BAS recovers up to 12kW of energy and in real-world driving, the MHEV technology reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres. 

In the European markets, the A6 will be offered with two 3.0-litre engines – one diesel and one petrol unit. A 3.0 TFSI turbocharged V6 petrol mates with a seven-speed S tronic unit and accelerates the sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds with 250kW and 500Nm of torque. 

Boasting similar performance to the TFSI, the 3.0 TDI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic and produces 210kW and 620Nm of torque. Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive is standard but the design varies depending on the specific setup. In conjunction with the tiptronic it comes with the self-locking centre differential while in tandem with the S tronic the setup features even more efficient ultra technology.

In conjunction with the tiptronic transmission the optional sport differential lends the A6 even more dynamic handling by actively distributing the power between the rear wheels. Like the dynamic all-wheel steering, the controlled damping and the adaptive air suspension, it is integrated into the control function of the electronic chassis platform. These systems are closely networked for innovative precision. The driver can select various driving profiles via the Audi drive select system.

Audi driver assistance systems are many and are impressive across the board. These include the parking pilot and the garage pilot, which are set to extend the range of equipment after launch - they autonomously manoeuvre the A6 into and out of a parking space or garage. The driver can exit the car before activating and monitoring the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone. To do so, the driver must continuously hold down the relevant function key. 

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. The Tour assist package comes with the adaptive cruise assist, which supplements the adaptive cruise control by means of gentle steering intervention to keep the vehicle in its lane, and the efficiency assist, which promotes an economical driving style. 

Behind the extensive assist systems lies a high-tech module from Audi – the central driver assistance controller (zFAS). It continuously calculates a detailed model of the environment from a fusion of sensor data. 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.

Due to arrive in Australia before the end of 2018, the A6 model line-up will consist of both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a high level of progressive technology across the range. Further specification information and pricing will be announced closer to launch.