Cars such as the A6 prove that properly done four-door sedans can stand up to the crossover craze
Audi doesn’t normally initiate flashy makeovers or redesigns for its vehicle fleet and the 2019 A6 sedan is a shining example. In this case, the term “understated elegance” is spot-on accurate.
The A6 is but one of a half-dozen Audi sedans — so-called “Sportback” models — with sloped rear roof/ glass sections. All of them buck the current trend to hatchbacks and utility vehicles.
Outwardly, the changes hold fast to Audi’s current design “language,” to a point where you would be hardpressed to name the differences between the new A6 and its predecessor. The hexagonal grille is larger and more angular, the headlights and body creases above the rocker panels have been reshaped, and the taillights and rear bumper have been similarly restyled. But that’s about it.
The same goes for the car’s exterior dimensions. Although there’s a new platform — shared with the swoopier A7 — the A6 is only fractions of an inch larger in length, width and distance between the front and rear wheels than the previous model. Trunk volume is similar and the overall weights are about the same.
The cabin, however, displays a greater degree of newness and luxury, including a dashboard with an 8.8- or 10.6-inch touchscreen stacked above an 8.6-inch monitor. The top screen oversees the infotainment and navigation systems, and the bottom screen operates the climate controls, including the front seats. Other than a solitary volume control knob located next to the handgrip-style console-mounted shifter, virtually all buttons and switches have been banished from the dashboard.
With Audi’s available Virtual Cockpit, the digital gauges and key driver info can be configured in a variety of ways, including the placement of Google Earth high-resolution navigation mapping.
The A6’s character will depend on the engine you choose. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, recently added as the base engine, produces 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The optional turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 makes 335 horsepower and 369 poundfeet. That’s about the same peak horsepower as before, but torque increases 44 pound-feet due to the engine’s partial hybrid system that uses a 48-volt electric motor/generator.
A seven-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission directs torque to all four wheels, since Quattro all-wheeldrive is standard. Under light loads, the system disengages from the rear wheels to help improve fuel economy.
Under rapid acceleration, Audi says that the V6 will reach 60 mph from rest in 5.1 seconds, a full second quicker than four-cylinder models, which are rated at 24 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
Pricing for the base A6 Premium trim starts at $55,100, including destination charges. Standard content includes tri-zone climate control, eight-way heated power front seats, panoramic sunroof, navigation and leather-covered seats.
Along with the Virtual Cockpit, the Premium Plus gets a Bang and Olufsen sound system, 360-degree topview camera, and headlight washers.
The top-level A6 Prestige comes with the V6 plus quad-zone climate control, power soft-closing doors, power opening and closing trunk lid, and an array of dynamic-safety technologies such as emergency braking.
Options for all trims include heated rear seats and steering wheel, and a Sport package with 20-inch wheels (19-inchers are standard) and lowered ride height.
Buyers of the Premium Plus and Prestige can add upgraded seating, although an adaptive suspension that constantly adjusts the dampers to road conditions, and 21-inch wheels are exclusive options for the Prestige.
With an abundance of standard and available performance, luxury and safety content, the conservatively styled A6 is ideal for people who want to fly below the radar, but who nevertheless still want to fly.