Audi has introduced the eighth
generation of its A6 sedan, following a leak earlier today. One of the star
attractions at the Geneva Motor Show, the redesigned model follows in the
footsteps of A7 and A8 as it adopts a stylish design with “taut surfaces, sharp
edges and striking lines.”
Starting up front, there’s a wide singleframe grille
which is surrounded by large air intakes and angular headlights. Speaking of
the latter, the A6 will be offered with three different headlights including
range-topping HD Matrix LED lights that have distinctive daytime running
lights.
Moving further back, the model has been equipped
with sportier bodywork and new character lines which give the sedan a more
muscular appearance. Continuing to the rear, there’s an integrated trunk
spoiler and optional LED taillights with nine vertical segments. Audi says the
car has a drag coefficient as low as 0.24 and notes the model will be offered
with “two sport and design exterior trim lines as well as the S line exterior
package.”
The A6 is slightly larger than its predecessor as it
now measures 4,939 millimeters long, 1,886 millimeters wide
and 1,457 millimeters tall with a wheelbase that spans 2,924
millimeters. Thanks to the increased dimensions, the all-new model
offers more rear seat legroom as well as additional head and shoulder space.
The cabin largely carries over from the A7 and this
is a good thing as it has a futuristic design which combines high quality
materials with premium accents. In range-topping models, drivers will find a
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment system and a
lower 8.6-inch display which provides access to climate control and other
convenience features. The car also has all-new seats which offer heating,
ventilation and massage functions up front.
Speaking of options, there’s an impressive list of
choices that includes a panoramic glass sunroof, a Bang & Olufsen premium
audio system and an optional air quality package which adds an ionizer and a
fragrance diffuser. The company will also offer an Audi connect key and two
ambient lighting packages that promise to make “the dashboard and center
console appear to float.”
In Europe, the A6 will be launched with two
different engines. The turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI V6 develops 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It is connected to a seven-speed S tronic
transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system which enables the sedan to
accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds before hitting a top speed
of 250 km/h.
Diesel fans can opt for the 3.0-liter TDI V6 which
produces 286 PS and 620 Nm of torque. This unit is paired
to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and a quattro all-wheel drive system.
Regardless of which engine is selected, both have a
mild-hybrid system which consists of a belt-alternator starter and a
lithium-ion battery. Audi says the system helps to reduce fuel consumption by
approximately 0.7 L/100km.
Audi says the new A6 is
“noticeably sportier than the outgoing model” as it has improved suspensions
and a progressive steering system that becomes “even more direct as the
steering angle increases.” Suspension choices include everything from basic
steel springs to an adaptive air suspension with controlled damping. Buyers can
also order an optional sport differential and a sport suspension.
Given that Audi is an autonomous driving pioneer, it
comes as little surprise the A6 will be offered with an assortment of high-tech
driver assistance systems. The Park assist package includes parking pilot and
garage pilot functions which enables the car to automatically park itself.
Likewise, the City assist package includes features such as the crossing
assist. Lastly, the Tour assist package comes with an adaptive cruise assist
function that “supplements the adaptive cruise control by means of gentle
steering intervention to keep the vehicle in lane.”
The 2019 Audi A6 will be launched in Germany this
June and pricing for the A6 50 TDI quattro starts at € 58,050.