Audi unveils the new A6 range with long list of enhancements

The latest Audi A6 saloon and Avant range has been polished by styling revisions, upgraded lighting options, a new infotainment system and new transmissions. The sharp lines and taut surfaces have been carefully honed as part of the model update including revisions to the grille, air inlets, the bumpers, rear lights and the tailpipes.

One particular exterior highlight is the addition of LED headlights with dynamic 'sweeping' rear indicators for S-line versions and above, while Matrix LED headlights are optional for all A6 and S6 variants and fitted as standard for range-topping RS6 Avant.

The infotainment options have also been upgraded to include new versions of the MMI navigation plus and Audi connect elements. Based around an 8.0-inch retractable colour monitor, MMI navigation plus is available as an alternative to the standard navigation system.

The system utilises a more powerful Nvidia Tegra 30 graphics processor and includes MMI touch, which enables the driver to interect via a touchpad. An Audi phone box option is also now available - enabling occupants to connect their mobile phones to the car's antenna for improved reception.

In the U.K., the engine lineup for the new A6 and A6 Avant will comprise four TDI engines with either four or six-cylinders with either single or twin-turbo charging.

The most efficient engine - a 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder with 187bhp - is reserved for ultra versions of the saloon and Avant which combine strong performance, hushed refinement and the potential to return up to 27.2km/L with CO₂ output from as little as 114g/km.

The trio of 3.0-litre six-cylinder TDI 'clean diesel' units start with a single-turbo V6 with 215bhp, replacing the existing 201bhp version, and is followed by a 268bhp variant, also with a single-turbo, which takes over from the outgoing 241bhp unit.

At the top of the range, the 3.0-litre TDI clean diesel bi-turbo produces 315bhp. The high-performance diesel is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, while all other engine variants are linked to either a newly designed six-speed manual or a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission. In the versions with front-wheel drive, a fully redeveloped dual-clutch transmission replaces the familiar eight-speed multitronic CVT.

The A6 Avant 2.0-litre TDI ultra features springs made from Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) - which shaves off approximately 4.4kg in weight, boosting fuel economy and improving both driving precision and comfort.

Audi S6 and S6 Avant

The new Audi S6 saloon and S6 Avant models are powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 TFSI engine producing 443bhp, which accelerates the saloon from rest to century in 4.4 seconds and 4.6 seconds for the S6 Avant.

Standard equipment in the new Audi S6 and S6 Avant includes quattro permanent all-wheel drive incorporating the sports differential and the adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by 20mm. Matt black brake callipers grip the front discs mounted behind 19-inch wheels.

Audi RS6 Avant

The range topping RS6 Avant accomplishes the century sprint in a brisk 3.9 seconds and continue to a top speed of 304km/h. Its 4.0-litre TFSI engine produces 552bhp, despite returning 12.5km/L, corresponding to 223g/km of CO₂.

An eight-speed tiptronic transfers the power from power unit to the tarmac. The standard quattro drivetrain uses a centre differential with a higher locking rate and also features the sports differential acting on the rear axle.

The RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20mm, and customers also have the option of conventionally-sprung RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The large brake discs feature a weight-saving wave design, and the wheels measure 20 inches in diameter - with 21-inch wheels available on request.