New Audi A6: Premium squared

The new Audi A6 is reinvented through technology. It features a mild-hybrid system and four-wheel steering.

Audi renews its premium saloon with an exterior design that carries on the same look, but with many changes inside. Diesel and petrol engines with new mild-hybrid technology (MHEV) and four-wheel steering, plus a long list of driver-assistance and connectivity technologies. A complete overhaul to keep enthusiasts eagerly waiting for the arrival of the new Audi A6, which is expected this very year, 2018.

MHEV engines

As we have already said, the new Audi A6 brings its biggest news on the inside. We start with the engine range of the German luxury saloon, which will be available with one petrol option and three diesel possibilities. Of course, all of them come with an automatic gearbox and mild-hybrid technology (MHEV) as a major new feature.

What does this MHEV technology bring us? A 48-volt electric motor belt-connected to the combustion engine that provides light hybridisation as standard across the entire range. With this assistance, the electric motor can act as a starter motor at certain moments (after coasting between 55 and 160 km/h or with the start-stop function, for example), and its effect is noticeable saving up to 0.7 litres of fuel every 100 kilometres.

The combustion engines range from 204 to 340 CV, with the most powerful being the only petrol option, a 3-litre turbocharged V6. The TDI options of the new Audi A6 are the A6 40 TDI, a four-cylinder with 204 CV, and two versions of the 3-litre V6, with 231 CV or 286 CV of maximum power. As for the gearbox, both diesel V6 engines come as standard with an 8-speed tiptronic gearbox, while the 3.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI are paired with a seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Dynamic driving

We will not be able to confirm Audi’s promises until we test it. But the four-ring brand tells us that the new Audi A6 is sportier. Innovations in the suspension, a progressive steering ratio as standard and a new damping concept make this German saloon comfortable and fun to drive on all types of roads. Just like its big brother, the A8, which we recently had the chance to test.

The main dynamic novelty of the new A6 is its dynamic four-wheel steering. It improves agility in slow corners while providing greater stability in faster bends. When manoeuvring, the rear wheels turn up to 5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels, noticeably improving the new A6’s turning capability.

Technology at the forefront

Audi’s well-worn “at the forefront of technology” slogan is more alive than ever with its latest models. The technological experience brought by the new Audi A8 carries on with its smaller sibling. The A6 comes equipped with the very latest technology, both in connectivity and driver assistance.

We start with the infotainment system, with full digitalisation made up of three screens. The 12.3-inch virtual cockpit is accompanied by the two new screens on the centre console. An upper 10.1-inch screen controls the entire infotainment system, and another just below, 8.6 inches, controls the climate, comfort options and text entry. The central screens include haptic and acoustic feedback to make operating all the controls more accessible and safer.

As standard, the MMI Navigation system comes as standard, with the option of Navigation Plus, and the Audi Connect services to form a complete infotainment system typical of a higher segment.

Finally, advances in safety include the Audi parking pilot and Audi garage pilot. Two functions that allow the new A6 to leave and enter a garage or car park while being controlled from a smartphone. Both systems are part of the Parking Package, one of the equipment packages Audi offers for its saloon. Other packages are City and Tour, with elements such as the predictive assistant or the adaptive driving assistant.

All of them based on the high-tech module equipped by Audi, which can consist of up to five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a laser scanner. A true technology champion that will reach dealerships throughout 2018.

Continuity in design

The new Audi A6 arrives with touches of the recently unveiled Audi A8. Its exterior line is a continuation and maintains the elegant and dynamic aesthetic so characteristic of Audi. Two lateral creases define the shape of the saloon, which features wider and sharper air intakes, as well as the new rear light clusters already seen on the A8 and the single-frame front grille that Audi has been rolling out across its latest models.

Although at first glance it appears to be a mere continuation, the new Audi A6 is larger than its predecessor. It has grown 7 mm in length, 12 mm in width and 2 mm in height, reaching final dimensions of 4,939 mm, 1,886 mm and 1,457 mm in length, width and height. As a result, the interior cabin offers more room, especially in the rear seats, although its luggage capacity remains unchanged (550 litres). The quality finishes with leather and wood inserts deliver the best premium feel of a very avant-garde cabin.