With the new A6, Audi is presenting the eighth generation of its successful midsize sedan and brings numerous innovations to the segment, whether in terms of connectivity, comfort or sportiness.
First, the design reflects Audi’s new styling orientation as seen on the 2019 A8 sedan and A7 Sportback . The A6’s dimensions have barely grown. However, the wide, low-slung Singleframe grille, the flat headlights and the powerfully contoured air inlets add sportiness.
Inside, the new Audi A6 is even larger than the outgoing model. With regard to legroom in the rear, it beats the outgoing model and the core competitors, Audi says. The headroom and shoulder room in the front and rear are also superior to the previous A6. The luggage compartment offers more loading width: two golf bags can be accommodated horizontally. The capacity remains unchanged at 530 litres. The trunk lid can be opened electrically with a kicking motion.
The all-new seats underline the character of the Audi A6 as a cool and calm long-distance sedan. With their numerous adjustment functions, the customized contour seats, front, optionally available with ventilation and massage, provide superb comfort. Meanwhile, the available panoramic sunroof floods the interior with light.
The MMI touch response system of the new Audi A6 sets new standards in terms of intuitive operation and personalization. With extensive intelligent personalization options, the car is tailored to the driver: The all-digital operating system allows central vehicle functions to be placed in the required position in the MMI screen using drag-and-drop—similar to the user experience with smartphone apps. Shortcuts and favorites buttons form the ideal basis for individual preferences and superb ease-of-use. Up to seven drivers can store their preferred settings in individual user profiles and set up to 400 parameters.
Infotainment and navigation are managed via the 10.1-inch upper display, while the 8.6-inch lower display is used for the climate control and for the convenience functions and text input. The driver’s wrist can sit on the shifter. In addition, the head-up display projects important information onto the windshield. MMI navigation plus also includes the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3-inch display in front of the driver.
Under the hood, Canadian models will get the same 3.0L TFSI V6 that produces 340 horsepower through a 7-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. No word about the 2.0L TFSI 4-cylinder or the future S6 engine. The key innovation here is Audi’s mild-hybrid technology where a belt alternator starter works together with a lithium-ion battery as part of the 48V electric system. The Audi A6 can therefore coast between 55 and 160 km/h.
The suspension benefits from a new damping concept providing greater agility and optimum comfort on the road. Despite the larger wheels, measuring up to 21 inches, the car reportedly offers improved ride and noise comfort.
As for driver assist technologies, the available parking pilot and garage pilot systems autonomously maneuver the A6 into and out of a parking space or garage. The driver can get out of the car before activating and monitoring the process using the myAudi app on their smartphone (while continuously holding down the relevant function key). Of course, many other high-tech features are included.
Look for the new 2019 Audi A6 to go on sale in Canada toward the end of 2018.