Audi offers the lap of luxury
JUST in case competition from within the executive car market is not enough for the new Audi A6 to contend with, the market for large saloons is being slowly eroded. As buyers switch to five-door coupés and SUVs, so this fifth generation of Audi A6 is pulling out all the stops in terms of technology, efficiency and luxury to keep people from shopping elsewhere.
Despite Audi bringing an amazing amount to the latest A6 package, the appeal of SUVs and large coupés will have an impact on sales. Usual practice for car makers when launching a new model is to claim the latest version will outsell the previous generation car. Not so for the A6.
Last year Audi sold just more than 6,000 A6 saloons yet in the first full year for this new car, arriving this autumn, Audi expects to sell fewer than that. Unsurprisingly, given the typical buyer, around three quarters will be run as company cars.
The A6 looks the part. The latest version is elegant with some clever detailing, such as the subtle panel crease below the main side swathe line. The design of the lights, both front and rear, emphasises this classy and stylish tone.
However this does not go as far as to make the A6 a car that stands out. It shares much of its looks with the larger A8 and the front end is also very similar to its sister car the A7 Sportback.
Initially the A6 will be offered with a choice of three engines, a single petrol and two turbo-diesels, the latter including an all-new 204bhp 2.0-litre diesel badged 40 TDI. This entry-level car will come with a seven-speed gearbox and, like the rest of the range, quattro four-wheel drive and will account for the vast majority of sales.
For those seeking more power but still after the efficiency of a turbo-diesel, there is a 286bhp 3.0-litre badged 50 TDI which is linked to an eight-speed gearbox. Capable of the 0 to 60mph sprint in just 5.5 seconds and with a 155mph top speed, it also returns an average fuel economy of 50.4mpg.
Those after a petrol car have just a single choice for the moment, with a 340bhp 3.0-litre badged 55 TFSI. Rather oddly, this is one of those unfortunate engines that