Audi A6 TDI is impressively accomplished
THE low, sporty stance of the mildly-refreshed Audi A6 TDI Saloon catches the eye upon first glance. The front end makes a distinctive style statement, while the sharp shoulder line with strong curves above the wheel arches emphasises the cutting-edge architecture underneath.
The striking design continues at the rear of the car, where the coupelike flowing roof line gives way to an elegantly-sculpted boot lid that is flanked by dynamic tail lights with an unmistakable presence.
The Audi A6 TDI Saloon boasts a luxurious cabin with high-quality materials and advanced technology features, while its advanced infotainment system and driver assistance features were designed to enhance comfort and safety.
The cleverly-designed interior results in plenty of leg, shoulder and head room for all occupants, while the 530-litre luggage compartment offers convenient options for stowing luggage.
Buyers can choose from a range of materials and colours for the interior in order to benefit from ultimate personalisation.
The A6 comes with twin haptic feedback touchscreens as standard, with the main 10.1-inch hi-resolution screen providing access to the likes of media, navigation and phone settings, while the 8.6-inch screen below it deals with comfort functions such as the heating and ventilation controls.
Both screens are intuitive to operate, with clear graphics adding to their usability.
Drivers can select a driving mode to suit their driving style by way of the Audi Drive Select button located under the smaller screen.
The Audi A6 TDI Saloon is available in SE and S Line trim variants, and is available in two-wheel drive and quattro all-wheel drive configurations.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine with 204PS is badged A6 40 TDI, and the 3.0-litre TDI unit with 286PS is badged A6 50 TDI.
All turbo-diesel (TDI) engines in the A6 model line-up are equipped with mild-hybrid technology (MHEV), which can reduce consumption by recovering energy during day-to-day operation.
The 12-volt MHEV system works by switching off the engine and letting the car free-wheel when you lift off the accelerator at speeds between 54km/h and 158km/h.
Audi’s TDI engines are known for their torquey performance, making them ideal for motorway cruising and long-distance journeys, while outstanding fuel efficiency is also a given.
My Audi A6 40 TDI S Line Saloon review car looked amazing in its delightful Grenodine Red metallic paintwork with upgraded 21-inch Audi Sport alloy wheels.
The 2.0-litre turbo-diesel MHEV engine produces 204PS (201bhp) and a hefty 400Nm of torque, with power delivered to the car’s front wheels via Audi’s slick-shifting 7 speed S-tronic automatic transmission.
As a result, the car can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in just 7.9-seconds, and it is capable of consuming as little as 5.2 litres of diesel for every 100km driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle.
As a result, the 73 litre fuel tank can provide up to 1400km of driving pleasure between fills, so fuel-station visits can be kept to a minimum.
The entry-level SE trim variant uses conventional steel springs and dampers, but the S Line versions get the same set-up but stiffened, and lowered by 20mm, for enhanced handling characteristics.
The steering is impressively weighted and it responds smoothly to driver inputs at all times, while the car’s sporty stance results in minimal body roll and excellent composure through corners and during quick directional changes.
From behind the sporty multi-function steering wheel of the A6 TDI, the car feels lighter and more agile than its size would suggest.
It is as easy to guide the car along a demanding back road route as it is on a relaxing motorway drive, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum for enhanced refinement on the go.
The Audi A6 TDI Saloon is a beautifully built and stylishly-appointed five-seat family car that is a compelling choice for those seeking a premium executive saloon with longrange capability and outstanding fuel efficiency.
It’s punchy engine is quiet and refined, and is well suited to Audi’s smooth S-tronic transmission. Joining the A6 TDI in the model line-up is a 2.0-litre Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) in SE, S Line and Competition trim grades, and a sporty S6 variant with 344PS (all available in Saloon and Avant body styles), along with a fire-breathing RS6 Avant with a massive power output of 600PS.
The new Audi A6 40 TDI Saloon SE is priced from €60,175 with the S Line version priced from €64,470.
Prices quoted are inclusive of dealer delivery costs.