Audi says it has taken inspiration from its past for the new A6 saloon.
The ICE model has gained a wide-reaching overhaul for its sixth generation and become a curvier proposition with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, which makes it the most slippery combustion-powered Audi to enter production.
Most notably, in pursuit of improved aerodynamics, it has gained the same style of curved rear end that marked out the Mk2 ‘C5’ A6. To make this design a reality, Audi used steel instead of aluminium for the bootlid because it can be shaped more easily.
Arriving hot on the heels of the substantially identical A6 Avant wagon, the saloon - which was due to be called the A7 until Audi recently changed its naming strategy – has historically had greater global success than its sibling. For example, of all A6 Avant models, just 4% are sold outside of Europe and North America. However, that figure rises to 40% for A6 saloons, for which South Korea is the biggest market.
Like the Avant, the saloon comes with either a turbo petrol engine or turbo diesel hybrid power. Cars will be badged TFSI (for petrol) or TDI (diesel). The non-wagon EV, badged e-tron, is sold as a sportback rather than a saloon.
For the ICE car, both engines are 2.0-litre four-pot units that put out 201bhp, with the petrol offering 251lb ft and the diesel 295lb ft of torque.
Each is paired exclusively to an automatic gearbox and the diesel can be had with Quattro all-wheel drive.
The 48V diesel powertrain also offers limited electric-only driving from step-off or at a cruise.
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Always remember the A6 as being something to aspire to. Despite being less driver orientated than other cars in it's class, it was always a step above when it came to build quality. If it could have fitted in the garage, I'd have bought one, instead had to settle for an A4. These things were carved out of granite. ( year 2000 era ). Since then it's always been a car in decline with visible signs of cost cutting on show. I shunned away from an A6 Avant I last drove in 2020. The car full of creaks. Without question, the Skoda I eventually bought, was better screwed together and showed less signs of cost cutting. Never thought I'd ever say that about an Audi.
I'm obviously not alone because where once, depite the cost, A6 and 5 series were common place, these things are a rare sight on UK roads. I can still see some demand for the performance models, but doubt anything with a four-pot will sell here in the UK.