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Since its introduction as the Audi 100 (C1) in 1968 through to the more recognisable shape of the 500 in the 1990's, the A6 has a come a long way.
The most recent model has been around since 2004 but now the range (A6 version VII) has been given a more contemporary design and a tweaked engine. Hot on the heels of the A1 and A7 Sportback South African launches, Audi hopes to grab a bigger slice of the local premium sedan market with its new sedan.
The new A6 comes in three models with two engine derivatives: 3.0 TDI multitronic, 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic and 3.0 FSI quattro S tronic. Audi will also be offering a new 2.0 derivative, but more on that later...
AUDI DNA
Design-wise, the A6 borrows much of its styling from the new A7 and the A8. The Audi DNA is definitely in place, as can be seen on the new grille, LED daytime running lights and the new rear lights.
The new A6 uses aluminium throughout its chasis (20%), this reduces overall weight (over 70kg) has also reduced the front overhang by 8cm from the outgoing model. The result is a car a few millimetres shorter (4.92m) and lower (1.46m) and its wheelbase has increased.
In profile, the new model has striking elegant lines ending in sharp edges while keeping Audi’s uniform look. Though no diehard Audi fan will ever admit to the brand’s vehicles looking "the same". So is the new A6 just a shrunken A8 or an inflated A4? It seem to have found the perfect middle ground between sporty performance car and practical sedan.
FLAGSHIP FSI
Compared to its predecessor, the new model is more powerful and less thirsty. The flagship 3.0 TFSI is capable of 220kW at 6500rpm and delivers its torque peak of 440Nm at 4500rpm. The supercharged engine is mated to the brand’s S tronic and all-wheel drive, which provides seamless gear changes and gives the A6 sedan the performance of a sports car.
It accelerates to 100km/h in only 5.5 seconds and its perfect-conditions fuel consumption is claimed to be 8.2 litres/100km.
The 3.0 TDI is available is two versions: the more powerful V6 generates 180kW at 4500rpm and 500Nm at 3 250 rpm. Audi’s S tronic and quattro drive are standard on this engine version and the range-topping diesel claims six litres/100km.
The "entry" level 3.0 TDI is capable of 150kW at 4500rpm and 400Nm at 3500rpm and claims and amazing 5.2 litres/100km.
DRIVING IT
The A6 may have the appearance of a large, sluggish sedan but get behind the wheel and you’ll soon find it’s a vehicle that can be driven for hours in complete comfort. Its front-wheel drive gives fine handling and a smooth ride and its adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps and irregular road surfaces with ease. Put your foot down and it begs to be pushed harder and faster - especially through the twisties.
The new electro-mechanical power steering on the A6, introduced on the new A7, is a big improvement as it removes that synthetic feel behind the wheel and allows for a much more engaging drive.
There are various driving modes - Economy, Auto, Dynamic - but in pretty much any configuration it remains an exceptionally comfortable car capable of devouring kilometres quickly. The A6 has always outdone its smaller, though cheaper, A4 and A5 siblings when it comes to performance, which is understandable given the increased price.
INSIDE
The new interior is an expansive space full of elegant touches. Audi has made sure the new A6 cabin is as ergonomic as it is intuitive in terms of its controls and functionality. Stitched leather, metallic and wood finishing within the interior are all what you’ve come to expect from the German brand and the A6 doesn’t disappoint. The new windscreen data display is a nice (optional) touch; displayed info includes satnav - it driver-selectable.
The boot volume is 530 litres.
My only gripe with the new model was the amount of road and wind noise coming through the cabin - especially at high speed. Maybe it was just my test unit - but try it before you buy it.
NEW ENGINES
Audi will introduce two-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel derivatives at the the Johannesburg auto show in October but already-available data quotes the 2.0 FSI as promising 132kW/320Nm and the TDI 130kW/380Nm.
There are also rumours that a hybrid A6 could be heading to our shores. Though the German automaker stated that they would consider 2013 as a possible launch date, they are still wary of the fact that hybrids have not taken off in SA. The brand has no plans to import an estate version.
OVERALL
In the premium sedan segment, it remains to be seen how well the new A6 will compete against the likes of its German rivals - BMW’s 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The A6 will also have to contend with Jaguar’s XF.
It’s easy to be impressed by the new A6 and if it’s a large, powerful, elegant sedan you’re after, few vehicles can measure up to Audi’s premium sedan.
Overall it’s the perfect ride for company executives who, when comes to vehicle choice, need a vehicle that’s capable of balancing sporty appeal and meeting the demands of family man.
PRICES
A6 3.0 TDI Multitronic - R520 500
A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Tronic - R645 000
A6 3.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic - R665 000
The most recent model has been around since 2004 but now the range (A6 version VII) has been given a more contemporary design and a tweaked engine. Hot on the heels of the A1 and A7 Sportback South African launches, Audi hopes to grab a bigger slice of the local premium sedan market with its new sedan.
The new A6 comes in three models with two engine derivatives: 3.0 TDI multitronic, 3.0 TDI quattro S tronic and 3.0 FSI quattro S tronic. Audi will also be offering a new 2.0 derivative, but more on that later...
AUDI DNA
Design-wise, the A6 borrows much of its styling from the new A7 and the A8. The Audi DNA is definitely in place, as can be seen on the new grille, LED daytime running lights and the new rear lights.
The new A6 uses aluminium throughout its chasis (20%), this reduces overall weight (over 70kg) has also reduced the front overhang by 8cm from the outgoing model. The result is a car a few millimetres shorter (4.92m) and lower (1.46m) and its wheelbase has increased.
In profile, the new model has striking elegant lines ending in sharp edges while keeping Audi’s uniform look. Though no diehard Audi fan will ever admit to the brand’s vehicles looking "the same". So is the new A6 just a shrunken A8 or an inflated A4? It seem to have found the perfect middle ground between sporty performance car and practical sedan.
FLAGSHIP FSI
Compared to its predecessor, the new model is more powerful and less thirsty. The flagship 3.0 TFSI is capable of 220kW at 6500rpm and delivers its torque peak of 440Nm at 4500rpm. The supercharged engine is mated to the brand’s S tronic and all-wheel drive, which provides seamless gear changes and gives the A6 sedan the performance of a sports car.
It accelerates to 100km/h in only 5.5 seconds and its perfect-conditions fuel consumption is claimed to be 8.2 litres/100km.
The 3.0 TDI is available is two versions: the more powerful V6 generates 180kW at 4500rpm and 500Nm at 3 250 rpm. Audi’s S tronic and quattro drive are standard on this engine version and the range-topping diesel claims six litres/100km.
The "entry" level 3.0 TDI is capable of 150kW at 4500rpm and 400Nm at 3500rpm and claims and amazing 5.2 litres/100km.
DRIVING IT
The A6 may have the appearance of a large, sluggish sedan but get behind the wheel and you’ll soon find it’s a vehicle that can be driven for hours in complete comfort. Its front-wheel drive gives fine handling and a smooth ride and its adaptive air suspension soaks up bumps and irregular road surfaces with ease. Put your foot down and it begs to be pushed harder and faster - especially through the twisties.
The new electro-mechanical power steering on the A6, introduced on the new A7, is a big improvement as it removes that synthetic feel behind the wheel and allows for a much more engaging drive.
There are various driving modes - Economy, Auto, Dynamic - but in pretty much any configuration it remains an exceptionally comfortable car capable of devouring kilometres quickly. The A6 has always outdone its smaller, though cheaper, A4 and A5 siblings when it comes to performance, which is understandable given the increased price.
INSIDE
The new interior is an expansive space full of elegant touches. Audi has made sure the new A6 cabin is as ergonomic as it is intuitive in terms of its controls and functionality. Stitched leather, metallic and wood finishing within the interior are all what you’ve come to expect from the German brand and the A6 doesn’t disappoint. The new windscreen data display is a nice (optional) touch; displayed info includes satnav - it driver-selectable.
The boot volume is 530 litres.
My only gripe with the new model was the amount of road and wind noise coming through the cabin - especially at high speed. Maybe it was just my test unit - but try it before you buy it.
NEW ENGINES
Audi will introduce two-litre, four-cylinder petrol and diesel derivatives at the the Johannesburg auto show in October but already-available data quotes the 2.0 FSI as promising 132kW/320Nm and the TDI 130kW/380Nm.
There are also rumours that a hybrid A6 could be heading to our shores. Though the German automaker stated that they would consider 2013 as a possible launch date, they are still wary of the fact that hybrids have not taken off in SA. The brand has no plans to import an estate version.
OVERALL
In the premium sedan segment, it remains to be seen how well the new A6 will compete against the likes of its German rivals - BMW’s 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The A6 will also have to contend with Jaguar’s XF.
It’s easy to be impressed by the new A6 and if it’s a large, powerful, elegant sedan you’re after, few vehicles can measure up to Audi’s premium sedan.
Overall it’s the perfect ride for company executives who, when comes to vehicle choice, need a vehicle that’s capable of balancing sporty appeal and meeting the demands of family man.
PRICES
A6 3.0 TDI Multitronic - R520 500
A6 3.0 TDI Quattro S Tronic - R645 000
A6 3.0T FSI Quattro S Tronic - R665 000
