Introduction
Since the start of 2017, Audi’s luxury models have had a technological renaissance with both the A8 premium saloon and A7 coupe both getting new features and more advanced equipment.
Now the final piece of the brand’s refreshing of its top-end models is complete with the addition of the new A6 saloon.
Following in the footsteps of its larger siblings, the A6 comes with many of the same design features both inside and out, with the premium saloon also coming with a raft of new kit as well.
But has Audi pulled off the same tricks as it did with the A8 and A7 in its latest model, and can the A6 stack up against its rivals from BMW and Mercedes? We take it for a spin…
Performance
In the version we drove, the A6 came with the only available petrol option – a 3.0-litre V6 that employs mild-hybrid technology to help improve efficiency and reduce emissions. That unit produces 335bhp and 500Nm of torque and is paired to a seven-speed automatic transmission that sends the power to all four wheels with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system.
In this premium saloon that translates to a 0-60mph time of 4.9 seconds – impressive for a car that weighs over 1,800kg – and a limited top speed of 155mph. That performance is more than enough for the day-to-day and the delivery is smooth when paired to the automatic gearbox.
Enquire Now on a new Audi A6
Ride & Handling
With the new version of the A6 comes new tech to help improve the driving experience, such as four-wheel steering and air suspension. This car is built for cruising and it performs in that respect very well indeed. Don’t expect much exterior noise coming into the cabin, as it’s refined throughout, with the air suspension soaking up most bumps and holes in the road with ease.
the A6 is well-balanced and you can chuck it into a corner with little to no fuss.
Interior & Equipment
As you would expect with other Audis – and especially the new A8 and A7 – the A6’s cabin is a nice place to be, with leather, metal and soft-touch plastics to be found throughout. Many of the buttons you would usually find are also gone, with the central console now dominated by two touchscreens that work in conjunction and provide haptic feedback so you know what you’re doing while on the go. The system can take a while to get used to though.
With this car being longer than its predecessor, you get more rear legroom than before and that means six-footers will be able to sit comfort. The rear load space has also been increased to 530 litres, which can be accessed by the optional motion activated boot.
Whichever trim you go for, equipment is likely to be plentiful as all the specifications we looked at had more than enough kit. Standard features include full LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning and touchscreen infotainment system – with a 10.1-inch display available as an optional extra. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit display is also optional and sits in the instrument binnacle behind the steering wheel.
Up to 39 driver assistance and safety systems can be fitted, with crossing assist, efficiency assist and adaptive cruise control some of the highlights, with the Audi Matrix and LED headlights also fitted to our test car. Collision warning, parking sensors and a rear-reversing camera are fitted as standard.
Cost
The Audi A6 costs £38,640, the car we tested came in at around £60,000 with the S Line trim fitted. That is around the same level as the rival BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class when specced to a similar level.
With the help of the mild-hybrid system, efficiency is expected to be better than before alongside much lower emissions.
Verdict
The A6 has all the right qualities and equipment to be the best premium saloon around. With a smart-looking body, comfortable interior and technological additions, the A6 is crammed with nice features to get those in the market for a long-range cruiser interested. Alongside the excellent mild-hybrid powertrains, the ride is excellent and it handles well – although we would prefer more feel and feedback.
Test drive a new Audi A6 today
