Test drive Audi A6 35 TDI S-Tronic, more kilometres please

The Audi A6 is a saloon that already went through our test team a year and a half ago, specifically the Audi A6 50 TDI with 286 CV with dynamic four-wheel steering. But this time, we wanted to test a much more rational and fuel-efficient version.

This is the Audi A6 35 TDI with 163 CV (the entry-level A6 in the diesel range), an exotic combination, but one that works. Is 163 CV enough?, does it really have such low consumption?, do its 21-inch wheels seriously penalise consumption or power delivery?. Keep reading this test, which is going to surprise you.

Design: elegance and presence, with avant-garde lines

Our saloon, the star of this test, does not go unnoticed wherever we drive, since its combination and especially its huge 21-inch wheels, signed by Audi Sport, give it a unique character.

In my opinion, the A6 combines exceptionally well an elegant yet avant-garde silhouette, both in its clean exterior lines and in its high-tech interior. The full LED headlights offer outstanding illumination, plus a signature sequence when opening and locking the car, in combination with the LED rear lights.

Inside, we find a dashboard inherited from its bigger siblings, with a large dual touchscreen for the multimedia system and climate control. It also lets you “type” what you want to search for in navigation. A quality detail is the wood finish, which we highly recommend over other finishes such as the famous piano black or others that look more plasticky; the wood adds a noble, high-quality touch.

The interior, besides being spacious and high quality, stands out for its very comfortable front seats, partly thanks to seats that look more like armchairs. Add microperforated leather and ventilation and the combination would be perfect (our unit only had heating). The rear seats are typical of a large saloon, with more than enough space for legs and head, easy access and individual climate control.

Engine and performance: 163 CV with plenty of flexibility

The 35 TDI designation hides the two-litre TDI engine producing 163 CV, paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. At first glance it may seem like too few horsepower to move this A6, or that it will be insufficient day to day, but there is no better way to find out than to drive it, and it is precisely in everyday use that this A6 35 TDI is most convincing.

The performance figures are modest but sufficient: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds, delivers its 163 CV at around 4,000 rpm and offers a generous torque of 380 Nm from just 1,500 rpm, which translates into an immediate response even at low revs.

On urban or country roads, the engine stands out for its smoothness (more than expected) and is more than adequate, partly thanks to its torque, and because power needs are covered, even when overtaking or carrying four people. Where we notice that there are “only” 163 CV under the bonnet is on high-capacity roads, where the response is calmer, but it still gains speed with reasonable briskness.

Finally, it is worth highlighting the behaviour of the S-Tronic seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which offers smooth shifts and, as always, is a benchmark for speed.

Handling: 163 CV at the end of the world

The Audi A6 35 TDI is designed to enjoy the open road and cover long distances without stopping. Its strong point is outstanding ride comfort; it is not sporty and does not aim to be, but in return it is very comfortable on country roads or motorways.

It has a composed ride, with more than enough response in most situations. For those seeking relaxed, economical driving and high mileage, it is the perfect engine choice.

It only feels somewhat “short” when we press hard on the accelerator, and instead of an immediate, forceful response, we find an engine that delivers its power in a linear and more stepped manner. Of course, we do not normally drive with the accelerator fully pressed or in sport mode every day, and it is in everyday, sensible use that this 163 CV A6 really shines.

Add to this the outstanding interior insulation, which lets you drift away as the kilometres pass.

Consumption: genuinely fuel-efficient

The previous section is complemented by consumption figures that are truly surprising: on country roads it can drop below five litres and settle at 4.8-4.9 l/100 km, while on the motorway it stays at 5.5 litres per 100 km.

Even in urban traffic, this A6 achieves very tight figures, with 6.8 litres per 100 km on our usual route.

Personal opinion and price of the Audi A6 35 TDI

This generation of the Audi A6 has already been tested by our team, which is why we skipped the equipment section, though you can explore it further or compare it with the 286 CV diesel version in the test of the 286 CV Audi A6.

Who do we recommend this A6 35 TDI to? To all those who want a spacious, comfortable premium saloon with more than enough room, who want a car for covering lots of miles (or who simply drive calmly and economically on a regular basis).

This saloon has surprised us with its comfort, its interior quality and consumption figures that few can match.

Photos | Test team

Technical specifications of this car

SedanAudi A628 versions · from 63,920 €