New Audi A6 Avant: the new generation of the A6 with combustion engines has arrived

The new Audi A6 is here. Well, in fact, the new A6 already debuted in a 100% electric version with the A6 e-tron. And when the A6 e-tron was presented, an A6 with combustion engines was not planned as such, since this new model was going to be named A7, following the strategy started with the A5 of using odd numbers for combustion models and even numbers for the 100% electric range.

But Audi made a new 360-degree turn in the way it names its models to return to the starting point, and here it is: the new generation of the Audi A6 -we will see what happens in the future with the A7-, based on the Premium Combustion Platform already used by the new A5 and Q5. For now it is presented with an Avant body, although, as with the A6 e-tron, a second Sportback body is expected. And it can already be ordered in the Spanish market, with a price starting from 66,550 euros.

An estate with elegant and sporty design

The new A6 Avant looks very similar to the A6 Avant e-tron, but when you look closely there are many differences. The main one is determined by its proportions. The A6 Avant measures 4.99 metres in length, which is 6 centimetres more than the electric A6. But its wheelbase is shorter, leaving a longer rear overhang. Even so, both models claim practically the same boot capacity: 503 litres for the A6 Avant, one litre less than the e-tron. The combustion model does have the advantage when the rear seats are folded down, reaching a load volume of 1,534 litres, compared with 1,422 litres for the A6 e-tron.

Audi also boasts aerodynamics on the new A6 Avant, which achieves a Cx of 0.25. Just one tenth more than the A6 Avant e-tron, which makes it the most aerodynamic combustion-engined estate model in Audi’s history to date. And as it could not be otherwise, the A6 Avant also “shines”, and quite literally so, with the latest digital lighting technology from Audi. For the Spanish market, all versions come with Matrix LED headlights as standard, with seven customisable light signatures. Optionally, the second-generation OLED rear lights can be fitted, with proximity detection and a communication light to warn users approaching from behind in dangerous situations.

In addition to the exterior differentiation associated with the trim lines, which are the traditional ones at Audi -S line and Black line-, ten body colours are available, while the wheels range from 18 to 21 inches.

The interior does repeat the configuration, design language and strategy in the selection and use of materials that we have already seen in both the brand’s new models based on the Premium Electric Platform (Q6 e-tron and A6 e-tron) and those using the Combustion Platform (Q5, A5 and now A6). Everything revolves around the “digital scenario” formed by the Audi MMI panoramic display, with a screen here measuring 11.9 inches for the instrumentation and 14.5 inches for the multimedia system. A third 10.9-inch screen for the passenger is also available.

Technological equipment is not lacking, such as the variable-opacity glass panoramic roof, the HUD instrumentation projected onto the windscreen with augmented reality, dynamic interaction lighting (standard with the two top trims), the premium Bang & Olufsen audio system with 3D sound and up to 20 speakers, the Audi assistant with integrated ChatGPT, four-zone climate control (standard in the Spanish market) or the power-assisted door closing.

For now, only with the 2.0 TDI engine and MHEV plus technology

Although in Germany it has also been presented with 2.0 TFSI engines and a 3.0 V6 TFSI petrol engine, for now the A6 Avant goes on sale in the Spanish market only with the 2.0 TDI of 150 kW (204 CV), which incorporates MHEV plus mild-hybrid technology, and therefore qualifies for the ECO label from the DGT. With this engine, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 241 km/h are claimed for the front-wheel-drive version, and 7.0 seconds and 238 km/h for the version with quattro ultra all-wheel drive. This system uses a multi-plate clutch that distributes torque between the front and rear axles depending on the driving situation -it can reach a 30/70 split when accelerating out of a bend- and disconnects the rear axle whenever possible to reduce consumption. The front-wheel-drive version has a homologated average consumption of between 5.0 and 5.7 l/100 km.

As for the chassis, the sport suspension, which is standard on the S line and Black line, lowers the bodywork by 20 mm compared with the standard suspension. Optionally, an adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled dampers can be fitted, which for the first time on the A6 allows the bodywork height to be controlled by voice commands through the Audi assistant. In the balanced, comfort and efficiency programmes of the Audi drive select, this suspension lowers the bodywork by 20 mm, and in dynamic mode it lowers it a further 10 mm. A “lift” function raises the bodywork 20 mm above the normal level, allowing driving with this greater ground clearance at speeds of up to 85 km/h.

Other novelties affecting the chassis are the torque vectoring system for vectoring braking torque to improve agility in corners; the redesigned steering, which comes standard with variable ratio and can optionally be four-wheel steering; and the new integrated brake control system, which has already debuted on the brand’s latest models and makes the fullest use of regenerative braking while maintaining pedal feel with a smooth transition between “electric” and hydraulic braking.

Audi A6 Avant – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

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