Already notable as the first conventionally powered premium executive class car to combine groundbreaking efficiency with a full, unfettered sports specification, the Audi A6 is about to shift up another gear as a new model waits in the wings.
Polished by styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions, the latest A6 Saloon and Avant ranges, which each retain ultra versions offering up to 64mpg, will open for UK ordering during September ahead of first deliveries in late 2014. Their many gains will also be shared by new A6 allroad, S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant models.
“With the new Audi A6, we are writing the next chapter in an excellent success story. It represents innovative technology and Audi’s premium claim,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. “The Audi A6 sets new standards in many technical fields: the lightweight body containing many aluminum components, the powerful and highly efficient engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems.”
The sharp lines and taut surfaces which already create an impression of elegance delivered with meticulous precision in the A6 have been carefully honed as part of the model update. Revisions have been made to the Singleframe grille, the air inlets, the bumpers, the side sills, the rear lights and the tailpipes. One particular exterior highlight is the addition of xenon headlamps as standard for UK A6 SE models, and LED headlights with dynamic ‘sweeping’ rear indicators for S line versions and above. Matrix LED headlights, incorporating clusters of LED bulbs which can be individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic to automatically divert their beams around obstacles, are optional for all A6 and S6 variants and standard for the RS 6 Avant.
Lighter, brighter S line option
The sinewy style of the exterior is echoed in the car’s spacious interior, which in the Avant is combined with a 565-litre load bay that can be expanded to 1,680 litres. Every detail attests to an uncompromising approach to quality, and the elegant colours and carefully selected materials emphasize the premium class ambiance. A new Lunar Silver upholstery and headlining colour choice for S line versions, which have until now been available finished exclusively in black, is one advantage offered by the new model, as are subtle detail enhancements, including an upgrade from dual-zone to deluxe four-zone climate control, new gear lever designs and additional chrome detailing.
Technology aficionados will also appreciate the upgraded infotainment options, which include new versions of the top-of-the-line MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an eight-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system. It now uses an even more powerful Tegra 30 graphics processor from Audi’s partner Nvidia, and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to scroll and zoom in lists and maps via a touchpad. Audi connect now brings tailored Internet-based services and new media streaming apps to the car via the latest LTE high‑speed data transmission standard for ultra-fast 4G click-through and download functionality.
The Audi phone box option is also now available – it enables occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car‘s antenna for improved reception simply by placing them in the phone box compartment.
The range of driver assistance systems, topped by adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, is also extremely attractive. Audi side assist, which uses radar to check behind the car when changing lanes, works closely together with Audi active lane assist, which prevents unintended lane changes. The night vision assistant now includes even more functions, and the portfolio of Audi pre sense safety systems is also available to further enhance protection. Important information can be called up via the optional head‑up display.
New A6 and S6 Saloon and Avant ranges expected to open for order in the UK during September – first customer deliveries in late 2014
OTR prices TBC but expected to start from £32,000