Overview

The latest Audi executive model, the new A6 Saloon, has been redesigned from the ground up with the benefit of Audi’s most advanced lightweight construction techniques, engine efficiency measures, chassis developments and in-car technological innovations. Weight is kept in check through aluminium and steel composite construction and despite enhanced equipment levels, the new A6 not only delivers dynamically, but also in terms of efficiency, with 57mpg-plus economy potential and low CO₂ outputs of as little as 129g/km on the Audi A6 2.0 TDI (177PS). UK A6 orders will be possible from January 2011 with first deliveries beginning in the spring.

Lightweight Aluminium and Steel structure

Aluminium and high-tech steels make up much of the completely reworked body of the new A6 with the former accounting for around 20 per cent of the surface area, rendering it exceedingly light, rigid and safe.

Combining these two materials also reduces the shell weight by around 15 per cent, and enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a relatively modest 1,575kg. This is an impressive figure by its class standards and one that works for the Audi A6 in favour of agility, economy and emissions control. The new A6 also comes with latest state-of-the art design methods and materials, ensuring extremely low interior noise levels, while precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drive train bearings, provides further excellent refinement.

Engines

There will be a range of four responsive and highly efficient engines available at launch in the UK. The 2.0-litre TDI 177PS, 3.0-litre TDI 204PS, 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre TFSI 300PS units all make use of advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn rate. They also work in conjunction with other technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous Audi A6 model making this a desirable, economical, fleet car.

CO₂ down to 129g/km

The real fleet headline maker in the range will be the 2.0-litre TDI, allied to six-speed manual transmission, which despite its impressive output returns an impressive 57.7mpg according to the combined cycle test and emits just 129 g/km of CO_2.

Audi has also plans to launch a new A6 hybrid, which by combining the 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor, will be capable of zero emission urban driving and up to 45.6mpg, yet will also have 245PS on tap for a strong performance.

Drivetrains

The new Audi A6 will also be available with a wide range of drivetrains with the choice based on the engine version. These will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system fitted to the new A6 Saloon is the latest incarnation of Audi’s famous quattro brand and incorporates a crown gear centre differential and a torque-vectoring function for the ultimate in traction, stability and dynamic response. For the top-of-the-line engines, the quattro sport differential that has already won acclaim in other Audi performance cars such as the S4, will also be offered as an option.

Driving experience

The new Audi A6 gets new energy efficient electromechanical power steering and in conjunction with the lightweight suspension set-up, provides even greater precision and composure when driving. The standard fit Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system will also allow drivers to fine-tune the car’s responses as desired via the MMI screen. In front-wheel-drive models, the latest Electronic Stability Programme with electronic limited slip differential will boost agility yet subtly maintain order during challenging driving conditions. The refined ride can also be further improved if the option of adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is chosen. 

Aerodynamics and interior innovation

The body of the new A6, which measures 4.92 metres long, 1.87 metres wide and 1.46 metres high, has been clearly sculpted to pierce cleanly through the air. Its low, sleek roofline also lends itself to its dramatic look and its optional LED headlights and LED daytime running lights emphasise this further.

The roomy interior has a cocooning ‘wraparound’ dash panel combining the latest Audi design language with the most up to date technological advances. The finest materials have also been constructed to Audi’s very high standards in time-honoured Audi fashion. There are supportive seats, upholstered as standard in Milano leather and these position occupants perfectly in relation to the cabin’s focal point, the Multi Media Interface (MMI) with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and large central control knob.

MMI provides easy and intuitive access to the high quality audio system in the car, the “must have” Bluetooth phone interface and the SD card-based navigation which, uniquely in the premium sector at this level, is now standard in the A6.

There is also an 8-inch monitor and fingertip sensitive touch pad which is available to upgrade MMI to MMI Touch. The system’s touch pad enables characters to be ‘drawn’ by the driver using an index finger for navigation or telephone data entry. As well as using ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store numerous audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk.

Navigation with Google Earth mapping

The online services in the system include news and weather information supplied by Google, which will be accessible if the Mobile Telephone Preparation High optional extra is specified. This option will enable drivers to plot detailed routes on a home computer and download them to the navigation system when they start a trip. Your passengers can also connect to the internet through the car’s wireless local area network link when using their own computers.

Optional driver aids

There is a comprehensive list of optional driver aids which includes a night vision assistant employing a thermal imaging camera to highlight ‘warm-blooded’ road users in front of the car, a head-up display projecting key information onto the windscreen so that it appears to float about 2.5 metres ahead and a park assist system which automatically takes care of the steering function for the driver, when manoeuvring into tight parking spaces. And of course, more familiar options such as Audi’s side assist blind spot warning system and the Audi lane assist lane departure detection system will also be available.

UK trim levels

There are two vehicle specification levels – SE and S line – being offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors.

S line models add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment. From the car’s options list, customers will be able to choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system.

Summary

This new Audi is obviously set to take on the BMW 5 Series, which has always been a particular fleet favourite at executive level and with its great fuel economy, low CO2 emissions and superb performance, looks likely to be a great success in the fleet sector . Audi business car leasing on the new range should be on the site shortly.