2011 Audi A6 range revealed

The executive saloon will be launched with a range of two petrol engines and three diesels, with fuel economy savings of up to 19 percent compared with the outgoing model.

The petrol options are the 150kW/280Nm 2.8-litre V6 FSI and the 220kW/440Nm 3.0-litre V6 TFSI. Fuel consumption is 7.4 litres/100km and 8.2 litres/100km respectively, while sprint times are 7.7 seconds and 5.5 seconds.

Diesel options include a 130kW/380Nm 2.0-litre TDI, and two tunes of a 3.0-litre TDI – one with 150kW/400Nm and the other with 180kW/500Nm. Combined cycle fuel consumption ranges from 4.9 litres/100km to 6.0 litres/100km, while CO₂ is as low as 129g/km in the 2.0 TDI.

Audi has also confirmed it will add an A6 petrol hybrid to the range at some stage after the introduction of the Q5 hybrid quattro. The hybrid will combine a 155kW 2.0 TFSI with a 33kW electric motor for average fuel consumption figures of 6.2 litres/100km and CO₂ emissions of 142g/km.

Drivetrains include front-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission, continuously variable multitronic and the new seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic.

The chassis has been engineered to combine sports precision and comfort, and the wheel control arms and many other components are made of lightweight aluminium. The body itself is 20 percent aluminium, including the front bumper, bonnet, boot lid and doors.

The headlights are high-intensity halogen lamps and, of course, LED daytime running lights curve around the lower border of the headlight design. The A6 can also be optioned with all-LED headlights, which are longer lasting and highly efficient.

At 4.92m long (wheelbase 2.91m), 1.87m wide and 1.46m tall, the new A6 is slightly shorter and lower than the outgoing model, but is wider and has a longer wheelbase. The luggage compartment is 530 litres.

The new dimensions translate to a more spacious and open interior feel. The front seats can be optioned to include an 18-way adjustment feature, air-conditioning and massage functions with five different programs and 10 air cushions.

Cloth upholstery is standard but five colour shades and two types of alacantra/leather are available. Other interior highlights include micrometallic platinum, aluminium, and ash, walnut and oak woods.

The standard 6.5-inch system includes a DVD changer, digital radio tuner, music interface system, TV module and Bose surround sound. A 15-speaker, 1300-watt Bang & Olufsen surround sound system is also available, and features two acoustic lenses that extend from the instrument panel when the system is turned on.

Safety features include Audi’s pre sense system, which works to minimise accidents and their consequences by warning the driver, preparing the vehicle and increasing brake force in emergencies. It also closes the windows and sunroof, tightens seatbelts and activates the hazard lights, among other things.

Active lane assist, side assist and night vision also contribute to the A6’s safety package, while the parallel parking feature is a convenience system that takes over the steering wheel and guides the car perfectly into position.

Sales of the revised 2011 Audi A6 range will begin early in 2011, with the entry-level model priced from 38,500 euros ($52,250) in its native Germany.

In Australia, the outgoing model is priced from $71,600, and Audi Australia says local engines, specifications and prices will all be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch next year.

[gallery order="DESC" columns="4" orderby="title"]