Many of us may still be clouded with misconceptions of diesel power, often associating it with filthy emissions, and inferior to its petrol-driven compatriots in terms of refinement and power.
Of course, advancements in technology has made combusting diesel cleaner and more efficient. And we have seen a fair share of diesel alternatives being offered on passenger cars.
More recently, they have scaled up the ladder and made it to performance cars too. A good example will be the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d, which are propelled by diesel engines with not one, not two, but a trio of spooling turbos.
Not keen to lose the game to their arch rival, Audi has responded with its 3.0-litre bi-turbo TDI diesel with two of its tested and proven recipes - the motorsports-derived quattro all-wheel drive and the Avant body type. The engine is also exclusive to the A6 Avant on local shores.
Of course, advancements in technology has made combusting diesel cleaner and more efficient. And we have seen a fair share of diesel alternatives being offered on passenger cars.
More recently, they have scaled up the ladder and made it to performance cars too. A good example will be the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d, which are propelled by diesel engines with not one, not two, but a trio of spooling turbos.
Not keen to lose the game to their arch rival, Audi has responded with its 3.0-litre bi-turbo TDI diesel with two of its tested and proven recipes - the motorsports-derived quattro all-wheel drive and the Avant body type. The engine is also exclusive to the A6 Avant on local shores.
Up close & Personal
Subtlety has been one of Audi's best traits, particularly in their RS cars, and it continues on this top-of-range A6 TDI model. Worthy of its status within the family, the car gets a healthy dose of sporty bits from the S-Line package, complete with larger-than-life 20-inch rims. Those aside, there is no visible clue to tell of its ultra potent drivetrain that lies beneath.
On the inside, the Avant packs proper seating space for five. As a proper wagon, it also packs more wholesome load lugging capabilities - 565 litres in standard form, which is 35 litres more than the sedan. The boot space can also be further expandable to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded.
The Drive
The highlight of any oil burning powerplant naturally lies in its torque figure. In this top-of-range variant, the 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel churns out a neck-breaking 650Nm of torque, capable of catapulting the A6 Avant to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. In comparison, one of the most potent Avants we have sampled lately - the RS4 Avant - does it in 4.7 seconds.
To handle the colossal amount of torque, Audi fitted a more conventional but no less smooth eight-speed tiptronic on the A6 TDI bi-turbo, whereas the less powerful variants get seven-speed dual-clutch boxes.
Such is the potency of the bi-turbo diesel that launching from lights to lights feels like a walk in the park for the Avant. It simply feeds you with an extra fat band of torque, which is easily accessible in city traffic, and allows you to leave the rest of the pack for good.
There is also a sound actuator, which feeds the occupants with a sonorous, deep rumble that is more akin to a petrol's V8 than the diesel's V6.
Another good thing is that you can enjoy the wholesome performance without guilt - the A6 TDI bi-turbo will still do 12km/L without having to pinch on the throttle.
The highlight of any oil burning powerplant naturally lies in its torque figure. In this top-of-range variant, the 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel churns out a neck-breaking 650Nm of torque, capable of catapulting the A6 Avant to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds. In comparison, one of the most potent Avants we have sampled lately - the RS4 Avant - does it in 4.7 seconds.
To handle the colossal amount of torque, Audi fitted a more conventional but no less smooth eight-speed tiptronic on the A6 TDI bi-turbo, whereas the less powerful variants get seven-speed dual-clutch boxes.
Such is the potency of the bi-turbo diesel that launching from lights to lights feels like a walk in the park for the Avant. It simply feeds you with an extra fat band of torque, which is easily accessible in city traffic, and allows you to leave the rest of the pack for good.
There is also a sound actuator, which feeds the occupants with a sonorous, deep rumble that is more akin to a petrol's V8 than the diesel's V6.
Another good thing is that you can enjoy the wholesome performance without guilt - the A6 TDI bi-turbo will still do 12km/L without having to pinch on the throttle.
Do not, however, expect drama (in the form of wheel spins) when the power is delivered - the quattro all-wheel drive system will ensure that all the potent energy is dispatched cleanly onto the tarmac, with rarely a slip. Even when handled on a strip of wet road, the quattro system provides excellent grip, and at the same time, inspires great confidence in the driver.
Like many recent Audis, the A6 TDI bi-turbo has four driving modes to choose from, with a customisable fifth for a more individualistic drive. The dynamic modes heighten the driving experience, but more importantly it adds a much-needed feel to the steering, which otherwise feels a tad too light for our liking.
Conclusion
The A6 Avant has grown to become a more serious grand tourer with the help from its 3.0-litre twin turbo TDI engine. As a matter of fact, the petrol 3.0-litre TFSI was a sublime and capable tourer as well when we tested it, but this TDI just brought the game to the next level.
There's just no clearer way to illustrate the A6 TDI bi-turbo than to compare it to the more illustrious RS4 Avant. No doubt the RS moniker will command a higher respect among like-minded enthusiasts, the TDI bi-turbo is simply a more sensible way to enjoy fast motoring.
Like many recent Audis, the A6 TDI bi-turbo has four driving modes to choose from, with a customisable fifth for a more individualistic drive. The dynamic modes heighten the driving experience, but more importantly it adds a much-needed feel to the steering, which otherwise feels a tad too light for our liking.
Conclusion
The A6 Avant has grown to become a more serious grand tourer with the help from its 3.0-litre twin turbo TDI engine. As a matter of fact, the petrol 3.0-litre TFSI was a sublime and capable tourer as well when we tested it, but this TDI just brought the game to the next level.
There's just no clearer way to illustrate the A6 TDI bi-turbo than to compare it to the more illustrious RS4 Avant. No doubt the RS moniker will command a higher respect among like-minded enthusiasts, the TDI bi-turbo is simply a more sensible way to enjoy fast motoring.
