All-new Audi A6 to arrive in spring
Wednesday 01 December 2010
The latest Audi A6 will be available to order from January to arrive in UK showrooms in spring.
Its aluminium and steel construction has cut weight by 15 per cent compared with the outgoing A6, improving efficiency and performance.
Costing from £30,145 for the A6 2-litre TDI SE to £40,550 for the 3-litre TFSI quattro S line model, it will go into direct competition with cars like the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class and Volvo S80.
The most efficient new Audi A6 can average more than 57mpg, while emitting as 129g/km of CO2.
Four engines will be available at launch, including a 2-litre TDI diesel with 175bhp and a 3-litre TDI with either 201 or 242bhp. The only petrol engine is a 3-litre TFSI with 296bhp. More will join the range after launch.
Depending on engine, a six-speed manual or multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) will be available. Quattro four-wheel drive models will also be available with a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch automatic gearbox.
A torque-vectoring rear differential is also available as an option on quattro cars, aiding agility by sending power to the outside rear wheel in a bend and “pushing” the car around the corner.
All models benefit from stop and start technology, and have fuel economy almost 20 per cent better than equivalent models of the current A6.
Inside, there’s a more driver-focussed dashboard and standard Milano leather upholstery. All major functions are controlled through Audi’s MMI system, with a main central dial for navigating through options on a 6.5-inch retractable screen.
Upgrade to MMI touch and the monitor increases in size to 8-inches and a touchpad allows the driver to “draw” letters with their index finger to speed up sat-nav and telephone entries. Its sat-nav also features 3D mapping.
Several online services will be available, including news, weather and Google Earth sat-nav maps, which can be downloaded to A6’s fitted with the top mobile telephone package.
Safety kit first seen in the Audi A8 is also included, with an electronic stability programme fitted with pre-sense – a system which can detect a possible crash and close the side windows and sunroof while tensioning seatbelts before a collision.
Two trim levels will be available – SE and S line – which both include alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, sat-nav, Bluetooth connectivity, folding rear seats and automatic lights and wipers. S line models get 18-inch wheels, xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights, sports suspension, upgraded leather upholstery and S line interior and exterior trim.
Optional extras will include heated, cooled and massaging seats, leather centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and TV tuner.
By Andy Goodwin, senior web journalist