Audi has a name for quality mechanical hardware.
In fact, much of the German car-maker’s success is embedded in its quattro all-wheel
drive systems, or stonking four, five, six, eight and 10 cylinder engines.
But hardware isn’t the sole focus for this car.
This is the new A6 sedan, and you could argue that in car technology is what truly sets
it apart.
The updated A6 arrives in Australia from August, initially with this top flight 55 TFSI offering.
Priced from $116,000 it will soon be joined by more affordable 45 TFSI variants closer
to the magic $100,000 mark.
The big point of difference with the new A6 is Audi Connect Plus, a software system incorporated
into two new centrally-mounted screens.
The program is included in the A6 purchase price for the first three years, and for $300
annually thereafter.
Audi connect plus allows users to remotely lock and unlock their car, set up a geofence,
apply valet and secondary driver settings and much more via a phone app.
It also places emergency calls, and brings a host of navigation and infotainment services
with terrific detail, including how many vacant spots there are in nearby car parks, live
fuel pricing and weather updates.
It’s a big step up from the predecessor vehicle.
Of course, the A6 is nothing without redeeming mechanical features, and this 55 TFSI offers
plenty in the form of a 3.0-litre turbo-six with 250kW and 500Nm.
That’s not far off the previous generation S6, and for $50 grand less.
The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic and quattro all-wheel drive,
bringing a nought to 100km time of 5.1 seconds and respectable fuel economy, partially brought
about by a new 48-volt mild hybrid system that.
I’ve got to say, from low speed, the driveline isn’t as smooth as I expected.
Under more urgent throttle applications, there’s a noticeable delay followed by a surge as
all those pieces of the puzzle get things going.
From that point on that, there’s a lot to like about this.
No shortage of grunt, a really punchy mid-range and an all-wheel drive system that’s almost
fool proof on a twisting piece of road.
Incredible!
At 2.0-tonnes, the A6 manages corners, highway and rougher roads superbly.
Our car’s optional combination of adaptive suspension and 21-inch wheels was near faultless,
making for smooth roomy progress on b-grade roads.
Throw in broad back seat, 530-litre boot and new tech suite, and the A6 is an incredibly
comfortable long-journey car.
You could almost mistake this car as an A4, the handling is so light and nimble.
I really like the ride on b-grade roads, it reflects the surfaces underneath, and manages
to take the edge off all but the harshest of bumps.
The cabin is whisper quiet and isolated from outside elements as well.
Steering directness and weighting feels like it has progressed too, though there’s a
little bit of feedback missing for Australian tastes.
And the same dampers are excellent in controlling the car’s heft.
In faster corners, the A6 is right at home.
Make no mistake, this is vintage Audi – all-wheel drive, bustling engine and a degree of clout
through the corners.
It’s also bristling with equipment inside.
But the luxe factor is really turned up with the technology suite.
And it gives the A6 a key point of difference in the fight against the E-Class and the 5
Series.