Audi's A6 range gets mid life updates, with improvements across the board.

Enhancements to styling, equipment, engine performance and efficiency keep A6 Saloon and Avant ranges in the vanguard of the executive class

• New A6 and S6 Saloon and Avant ranges expected to open for order in the UK during September – first customer deliveries in late 2014
• OTR prices TBC but expected to start from £32,000
• Styling revisions, xenon headlamps as standard for SE versions, LED headlights as standard for S line, Matrix LED lights optional for A6 and S6 and standard for RS 6 Avant
• Interior decor improvements and upgraded infotainment system
• EU6-compliant engine range benefits from emissions reductions of up to 22 per cent
• Line-up includes 2.0 TDI ultra offering up to 64mpg with CO2 of as little as 114g/km
• New S tronic twin-clutch transmission replaces multitronic CVT in front-wheel-drive variants

Already notable as the first conventionally powered premium executive class car to combine groundbreaking efficiency with a full, unfettered sports specification, the Audi A6 is about to shift up another gear as a new model waits in the wings. Polished by styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions, the latest A6 Saloon and Avant ranges, which each retain  ultra versions offering up to 64mpg, will open for UK ordering during September ahead of first deliveries in late 2014. Their many gains will also be shared by new A6 allroad, S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models.

“With the new Audi A6, we are writing the next chapter in an excellent success story. It represents innovative technology and Audi's premium claim,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “The Audi A6 sets new standards in many technical fields: the lightweight body containing many aluminum components, the powerful and highly efficient engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems.”

The sharp lines and taut surfaces which already create an impression of elegance delivered with meticulous precision in the A6 have been carefully honed as part of the model update. Revisions have been made to the Singleframe grille, the air inlets, the bumpers, the side sills, the rear lights and the tailpipes. One particular exterior highlight is the addition of xenon headlamps as standard for UK A6 SE models, and LED headlights with dynamic ‘sweeping’ rear indicators for S line versions and above. Matrix LED headlights, incorporating clusters of LED bulbs which can be individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert their beams around obstacles, are optional for all A6 and S6 variants and standard for the RS 6 Avant. 

Lighter, brighter S line option

The sinewy style of the exterior is echoed in the car’s spacious interior, which in the Avant is combined with a 565-litre load bay that can be expanded to 1,680 litres. Every detail attests to an uncompromising approach to quality, and the elegant colours and carefully selected materials emphasize the premium class ambiance. A new Lunar Silver upholstery and headlining colour choice for S line versions, which have until now been available finished exclusively in black, is one advantage offered by the new model, as are subtle detail enhancements, including an upgrade from dual-zone to deluxe four-zone climate control, new gear lever designs and additional chrome detailing.

Technology aficionados will also appreciate the upgraded infotainment options, which include new versions of the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an eight-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system. It now uses an even more powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Audi’s partner Nvidia, and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad. Audi connect now brings tailored Internet-based services and new media streaming apps to the car via the latest LTE high‑speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality.

The Audi phone box option is also now available – it enables occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car‘s antenna for improved reception simply by placing them in the phone box compartment.

The range of driver assistance systems, topped by adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, is also extremely attractive. Audi side assist, which uses radar to check behind the car when changing lanes, works closely together with Audi active lane assist, which prevents unintended lane changes. The night vision assistant now includes even more functions, and the portfolio of Audi pre sense safety systems is also available to further enhance protection. Important information can be called up via the optional head‑up display.

Extensively updated EU6 engines

In the UK the engine line-up for the new A6 and A6 Avant will comprise four TDI engines with either four or six cylinders and either single or twin turbo charging. All engines comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard, and their CO₂ emissions have been reduced by as much as 22 percent. As before, the most efficient engine – the 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder with 190PS – is reserved for ultra versions of the Saloon and Avant which combine strong performance, hushed refinement and the potential to return up to 64mpg with CO2 output from as little as 114g/km. Despite its sports styling, 18-inch alloy wheels and extensive specification, even the A6 2.0 TDI ultra S line Saloon with S tronic transmission achieves these exceptional economy and emissions figures.

The trio of 3.0-litre six-cylinder TDI ‘clean diesel’ units kicks off with a single-turbo V6 with 218PS which replaces the existing 204PS version, and is followed by a 272PS variant, also with a single charger, which takes over from the outgoing 245PS unit. At the top of the range, the 3.0 TDI clean diesel biturbo produces 320PS, an increase of 7PS over its existing equivalent.

The high‑performance diesel is paired with an eight‑speed tiptronic automatic transmission. All other engine variants are linked to either a newly designed six‑speed manual gearbox that is particularly lightweight and low-friction, or a seven‑speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. In the versions with front-wheel drive, a fully redeveloped dual-clutch transmission replaces the familiar eight-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission.

The reassurance of quattro all-wheel-drive is available in conjunction with all engines bar the 2.0-litre TDI, and in versions with 272PS and above, the quattro permanent all‑wheel drive system can be supplemented with the sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.

The chassis with its sophisticated, fully independent five-link front and trapezoidal link rear suspension also combines supreme comfort with crisp handling. In the A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra, the springs are made of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) – an Audi innovation that shaves off approximately 4.4 kilograms in weight, boosts fuel economy and improves both driving precision and comfort.

Sports suspension lowered by 20mm is standard for the A6 S line and optional for the SE model, and the former can be rooted to the tarmac even more firmly by S line sports suspension which lowers the body by a further 10mm. Alternatively, the cushioned comfort of electronically controlled adaptive air suspension is available in conjunction with both specification options. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard.

Redefinition of rugged - the new Audi A6 allroad quattro

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro, which is based on the A6 Avant, features a raised body accentuated by wheel arch extensions and stainless steel protectors that encapsulate the underside of the front and rear ends. It rides on adaptive air suspension with allroad-specific settings and is powered by three 3.0‑litre V6 TDI engines with outputs of 218PS, 272PS and 320PS.

High performance to the power of three: the new S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant

The new Audi S6 and S6 Avant are sports cars for everyday use. They use the 4.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, a twin turbo V8 producing 450PS, which accelerates the Saloon from rest to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. The S6 Avant completes the sprint in 4.6 seconds. Combined fuel economy is an impressive 30.7mpg in the Saloon and 30.1mpg in the Avant, the equivalent of 214 and 219 grams CO₂ per kilometre, respectively. This efficiency is due in large part to the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which only activates four of the eight cylinders when under part load.

Standard equipment in the new Audi S6 and S6 Avant includes quattro permanent all‑wheel drive incorporating the sports differential and the adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by 20 millimetres. Matt black brake calipers grip the front discs mounted behind the 19‑inch wheels.

The figurehead of the new A6 family remains the RS 6 Avant. The Avant in the extreme accelerates to 62mph in a mere 3.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 189mph. Its 4.0-litre TFSI engine produces 560PS, yet is also capable of up to 29.4mpg, corresponding to 223 grams CO₂ per kilometre. The COD system is also largely responsible for this efficiency.

An eight‑speed tiptronic transfers the power from the twin turbo V8. The standard quattro drivetrain uses a centre differential with a higher locking rate and also features the sports differential acting on the rear axle. The RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimetres, but customers also have the option of conventionally sprung RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The large brake discs feature a weight-saving wave design, and the wheels measure 20 inches in diameter. 21‑inch wheels are available as an option.