Audi has released details of their eighth generation A6 which will be launched in June 2018. Two engine variants – 3.0-litre diesel and 3.0-litre petrol – will be offered, both with dual-clutch gearboxes and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The V6 turbocharged petrol produces 340bhp and 500Nm of torque with a 5.1 second century sprint on the way to the electronically-controlled top speed of 250km/h, aided by seven gears. The 3.0-litre TDI has eight gears and develops 286bhp and 620Nm of torque.
Both engines come with Audi’s new mild-hybrid technology (MHEV) – a belt alternator starter combined with a lithium ion battery to support recuperative braking that recovers up to 12kW, just from deceleration, and coasting which would reduce emission and can save up to 0.7-litres of fuel per 100km. The start-stop function now activates at 22km/h with the engine restarting from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front of the A6 begins moving.
A new handling feature is rear-wheel steer, adapting the angle of the rear wheels according to speed, to enhance agility at low speeds or improve straight-line stability and rear passenger comfort at higher speeds. Four suspension set-ups are offered: conventional steel spring; sport suspension; suspension with damper control, and adaptive air suspension with controlled damping. Despite larger 21-inch wheels, Audi claims the A6 will have better ride and noise comfort.
The new mix construction steel-aluminium vehicle has front suspension strut dome, doors, hood/trunk lids and fenders all made of aluminium. The body shell is now 7mm longer and 12mm wider than its predecessor although the height at 1457mm remains almost unchanged, just 2mm higher. The interior is roomier with improved leg, shoulder and head room. Boot space remains unchanged at 530 litres.
The all-new A6 retains its characteristic slab-sided appearance although it has noticeably more rounded lines than its predecessor. The most striking exterior differences are in the new head and taillights, and the addition of a new chrome strip on the rear that runs through the lamps. HD Matrix LED lights are available.
The infotainment system has been upgraded and the new MMI now has a touch response interface replacing the rotary dial. The standard display is a 10-1-inch screen but if there is MMI navigation, the screen is 12.3-inches with Audi virtual cockpit also installed. Head-up display on the windscreen is new and available as an option. The sound system fitted to the top-of-the-range variant is from Bang & Olufsen.
A new feature to the A6 is Audi connect online services to warn of traffic signs and road conditions. Other features come in assistance package options, of which there will be three at the time of launch. Park assist package will include autonomous parking, which can be controlled via a smartphone while outside the vehicle. The City assist package includes features such as the new crossing assist. The Tour assist package comes with the adaptive cruise assist, which supplements the adaptive cruise control with lane departure warning, and the efficiency assist, to promote economical driving style.
The Audi A6 is slated to roll off the Neckarsulm assembly line and launch in Germany in June this year. The base price of the Audi A6 TDI quattro saloon will be 58,050 euros. It won’t be anything near that when it launches locally. The selling price of the current A6 3.0 TFSI quattro is RM488,00 on-the-road without insurance in Malaysia, and $361,000 on-the-road in Singapore.
