The new Audi A6 sedan gets mild hybrid technology and a very digital interior
The eighth-generation executive sedan adopts features from the bigger A7 and A8 to battle with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Tthis Russian-doll styling seems to persist at Audi…
The family-look strategy applied by Audi in recent years has proved successful, which is why many other luxury car brands have followed suit.
The A6 is the latest beneficiary of Audi’s new design language after the A7 and A8. The concept car that previewed the trio’s look was the Prologue.
Audi’s eighth- generation executive sedan is bigger in all dimensions, helping increase both occupancy and cargo space.
There’s more use of aluminium in the body structure, though Audi hasn’ t mentioned whether the A6 is lighter than before.
It’s got a very digital interior…
As with its bigger brothers, the A6 boasts three electronic displays in the fascia. Audi claims more intuition in usage. As an option, users can unlock the doors and start the engine with an Android smartphone.
Joining the list of digital gizmos is some driver assist tech, including remote parking and semi- autonomous driving capabilities.
New chassis systems to improve handling and ride consist of all- wheel steering and adaptive air suspension.
Is Audi starting with big engines again?
Yes. The two 3.0-litre V6 engines announced initially are the 340hp TFSI petrol and the 286hp TDI diesel, mated to seven-speed dual-clutch and eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions, respectively.
Apart from Quattro all- wheel drive, both models come with the 48V mild hybrid system to allow for coasting at 55-160kph. The diesel, for one, is capable of more than 17kpl on average.
But expect smaller four- cylinder engines later to help make the A6 competitive against the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Volvo S90, when Thai sales are set to get under way towards the end of the year.
All of the A6’ s rivals are built in Asean in knocked-down form, meaning Audi won’t be enjoying the margins it should be getting. Once again, expect subsidised pricing for the A6 in completely built-up guise. In industry-speak, it’s a CBU at a CKD price.