SYDNEY: Audi has upgraded the A6 and S6 for 2015, with new front and rear styling, new engines and more standard features enhancing the appeal of its large sedan range.
For now, the A6 family will consist of the entry-level A6 1.8 TFSI at $79,900, the 3.0 TDI quattro at $99,900, the 3.0 TDI Biturbo quattro at $124,900 and the 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 S6 at $169,900.
Gone is the previous entry-level 2.0 TFSI, 2.8 FSI quattro and 3.0 TFSI quattro, while the 2.0 TDI will arrive later in the year along with the A6 Allroad and RS6 models.
The A6 Avant wagon is also absent from the lineup, with the upcoming A6 Allroad and RS6 Avant to be the only wagon models in the range.
Powertrains
Though displacing 200cc less than the previous base-model 2.0 TFSI, the new A6 1.8 TFSI entrypoint actually produces 8kW more power and identical torque for a total of 140kW and 320Nm.
It’s also hooked up to a seven-speed twin clutch automatic, rather than the Multitronic CVT of the superseded 2.0 TFSI. Power goes to the front wheels only, making the 1.8 TFSI the only non-AWD model until the 2.0 TDI arrives later in 2015.
On the combined cycle, Audi says the new 1.8 TFSI will consume 5.7 l/100km.
Further up the range is the 3.0 TDI Quattro, a 160kW/500Nm single-turbo diesel V6 that drinks 5.1 l/100km on the combined cycle and takes power to all four wheels.
But while the 2015 A6 3.0 TDI is $8500 cheaper than the MY2014 model, its power has been cut by 20kW and torque has dropped by 80Nm. Audi says this is to provide greater separation between it and the next model up the chain, the 3.0 TDI Biturbo.
But while the 3.0 TDI goes down in power, the 3.0 TDI Biturbo gets a 5kW bump to bring it to 235kW. Peak torque remains at 650Nm, and it’s the only model in the range to get a conventional automatic – an 8-speed hydraulic auto.
Fuel economy drops slightly, from the previous model’s 6.4 l/100km to the 2015 model’s 6.1 l/100km. Despite this it’s a little faster than before, hitting 100km/h from standstill in just 5.0 seconds rather than 5.1.
Until the RS6 gets here, the performance flagship will be the S6. Boasting 331kW and 550Nm from its 4.4 litre twin-turbo petrol V8, power is 22kW greater than the preceding S6 and the 0-100km/h time drops 0.2 seconds to rest at 4.4 seconds.
Thanks to the addition of start-stop and a coasting function the S6 also consumes less fuel, needing 9.4 l/100km on average.
The S6’s driveline retains a seven-speed twin-clutch auto and Quattro AWD, which features a default front-rear torque split of 40:60, but can vary it from 70:30 to 15:85.
Adaptive air suspension is standard on the 3.0 TDI Biturbo and S6, but is optional on all other models. A Sport suspension tune is also available, either as a standalone option or as part of a S Line Sport pack.
Features
Audi has bumped up the standard equipment list for the 2015 A6 range, with all models benefiting from the latest iteration of the company’s MMI infotainment system.
Now featuring its own dedicated graphics processor, the sat-nav display is smoother and crisper, while the area between the tacho and speedo can now display navigation information as well.
A digital radio tuner is standard now too, as are front and rear parking cameras, electric sports seats and a 10-speaker stereo.
The 1.8 TFSI gets dual-zone climate control, while all other models in the range ship with quad-zone climate control as standard. Audi’s LED tech is also more widely available now, with all models bar the 1.8 TFSI getting bi-LED headlamps as standard.
Blind spot monitoring and a rear collision detector are fitted to all models, and lane-keep assist comes on all A6s bar the 1.8 TFSI (though it can be added with the optional Technik Package).
The Technik Package also brings a 360-degree camera view, active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and the Audi Connect internet connectivity system.
All models come with the S Line exterior package, which brings sportier bumpers that ape the style of the S6. 18-inch alloys are standard on the 1.8 TFSI and 3.0 TDI, while the 3.0 TDI Biturbo and S6 get 19 and 20-inch alloys respectively.
Pricing
The A6 1.8 TFSI, A6 3.0 TDI, A6 3.0 TDI Biturbo and S6 are available now. Retail pricing is as follows:
A6 1.8 TFSI – $79,900
A6 3.0 TDI – $99,900
A6 3.0 TDI Biturbo – $124,900
S6 – $169,900