More powerful EU6-compliant A6 TDI ultra cuts CO2 by up to 14 per cent with no price or equipment penalties

• New A6 2.0 TDI ultra is the first in a new range of models targeting class-leading efficiency – up to 64.2mpg with emissions of just 114g/km
• Available in Saloon and Avant forms with no specification restrictions and no price premium – from £32,515 OTR – first UK deliveries in late March
• Seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch at launch – manual gearbox to follow later
• A6 2.0 TDI ultra S tronic – 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed 144mph, combined MPG 64.2, CO2 114g/km, BIK 17%

A new range of Audi ‘ultra’ models focusing more intensively than ever before on class-leading economy and company car viability will be spearheaded in the UK by the new A6 ultra, which is available to order from this week priced from £32,515 OTR. The new TDI-based model is the result of the single-minded pursuit of unparalleled efficiency, yet owning the most cost effective conventionally powered car in the premium executive class demands no power sacrifice, price premium or specification restriction.

Audi Board Member for Development, Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “The latest TDI technology, ultra-efficient transmissions, advanced exhaust aftertreatment – customers will hardly see anything, but they’ll notice the effects of powerful acceleration and, thanks to extremely low fuel consumption, when paying at the gas station. The Audi ultra models score points with big advantages for everyday operation – just what customers appreciate.”

Power for the Saloon and Avant-based A6 TDI ultra variants is provided by a new 2.0-litre diesel engine that supersedes the existing 177PS unit and complies with forthcoming EU6 emissions regulations. Power increases to 190PS and torque from 380Nm to 400Nm, the latter available over a wider spread from 1,750 to 3,000rpm.

At launch in the UK the new unit is linked exclusively to a completely redesigned seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which replaces the eight-speed multitronic CVT in four-cylinder models. Advances in the new transmission include further minimised internal friction, highly efficient oil supply and a centrifugal pendulum-type absorber that counteracts undesirable vibrations and allows low-noise driving at very low engine speeds. Later in 2014, manual transmission versions will also become available.

Economy up to 14 per cent better
The gains in terms of performance and everyday driveability made by the new engine and transmission are significant enough, but they are outweighed by the far-reaching financial benefits of improvements to fuel economy and reductions in CO2 output of up to 14 per cent.

Audi Head of Powertrain Development, Dr. Stefan Knirsch: “An innovative, highly efficient SCR system removes nitrogen oxides from the exhaust. This measure means that the new ultra models will of course meet the future Euro 6 emission standards while achieving lower fuel consumption.”

Combined economy and emissions in the new A6 2.0 TDI ultra with the seven-speed S tronic transmission show the most impressive improvement, with up to 64.2mpg delivered along with CO2 output of just 114g/km (2.0 TDI 177PS multitronic 56.5mpg, 132g/km). Similarly equipped Avant models offer up to 61.4mpg with 119g/km (outgoing equivalent 55.4mpg, 135g/km).

The outstanding emissions performance of the newcomers ensures that although recommended retail prices for the TDI ultra 190PS S tronic versions are identical to their outgoing TDI 177PS counterparts, their OTR prices are actually lower due to reductions in CO2-related Vehicle Excise Duty rates.

Costs make a further downward shift for business users. Benefit-in-kind liability for drivers of the A6 2.0 TDI with the new 190PS ultra engine and new S tronic transmission, for example, falls from 21 per cent in the outgoing version to 17 per cent. This equates to a total annual charge for a 40 per cent tax payer of £2,380 – one of the lowest liabilities for a conventionally powered premium executive class car.

As impressive as the financial viability of this new ultra model is the fact that – uniquely for a conventionally powered car in the premium sector – it has been achieved without need for any restriction on equipment. Like all A6 engines the new 190PS 2.0 TDI ultra unit can be paired with SE, S line and Black Edition specification, meaning its improved performance can be enjoyed along with alloy wheels of up to 20 inches in diameter, with the popular S line body styling additions and with every other infotainment feature, driver aid and comfort-enhancing option available for the rest of the range.

Subtle ‘ultra’ badging at the rear will mark out the most efficiency-focused A6 models, all of which will share the core A6 specification common to the range as a whole. This includes full leather upholstery, the MMI Radio Plus with 6.5-inch retractable colour display and DAB digital radio, SD card-based satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, cruise control, keyless go and the Audi parking system plus with acoustic and visual guidance.

Later this year the new A6 2.0 TDI ultra will be followed in the UK by ultra versions of the A4, A5 Coupé and A5 Sportback with CO2 emissions of as little as 104g/km.