The all-new Audi A6 has been launched with prices starting from $93,900 for the Audi A6 2.8 FSI quattro. Audi Australia will initially launch the new generation of the A6 with quattro (AWD) variants only, with front-wheel drive models to follow in the near future.
Audi will offer three different variants each equipped with a seven-speed S tronic transmission and S line exterior package as standard equipment.
The new Audi A6 measures 4.92m long, 1.87m wide and 1.46m high, making it shorter yet wider than its predecessor.
Audi builds the A6 out of a hybrid of steel-aluminium construction, with more than 20 percent of the body (boot, bonnet and doors) compromising of the light-weight material. This leads to a 30kg reduction in body weight (15% improvement over an all steel body). Meanwhile the new design has led to substantial aerodynamic improvements over the previous model (gone from 0.28 to 0.26 drag coefficient)
According to the German company, the weight savings across the range can be as high as 80kg for certain variants when compared to its predecessor.
The three variants available at launch comprise of two petrol and one diesel powerplants. The current entry model into the range is equipped with a 2.8-litre FSI petrol engine that pumps out 150kW and 280Nm of torque. Together that brings a fuel economy figure of 8L/100km and a 0-100km/h time of 8.1 seconds.
If you want something more lively, there is always the supercharged 3.0 TFSI with its 220kW and 440Nm of torque. Despite the huge improvement in power, it sips only 0.2L/100km more fuel than the 2.8 FSI and accelerates to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.
The one to look out for, however, is the 3.0 TDI, which punches out 180kW and a massive 500Nm of torque. Best of all, it uses just 6.0L/100km (same as a much lighter Toyota Camry hybrid) and gets up to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds.
All variants now include an efficiency mode as part of the updates to Audi’s Drive Select dynamic handling system. The underpinning quattro system has also been enhanced with “crown” gear centre differential (first seen on the Audi RS5). The range comes standard with 18″ alloy wheels (can be optioned out to 20″)
Some noteworthy options include night vision with thermal imaging and pedestrian detection, head up display and adaptive cruise control.
CarAdvice is currently at the media launch of the Audi A6 in Queenstown, New Zealand. Tomorrow we are heading to the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds to test the A6′s quattro system on snow before a full drive program on Saturday.
Check back monday morning for a full review of the new Audi A6.
Audi A6 2.8 FSI quattro: $93,900
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro: $116,500
Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro: $121,500
*excluding dealer and government charges
