[Cartoday]
At the top-end of the executive saloon market in Europe, Audi’s A6 doesn’t need a major overhaul to improve on a winning package, but Inglostadt’s engineers have done just that, with a facelifted A6 to be released later this year.
At 4 930 mm long, 1 860 mm wide and 1 460 mm high the exterior hasn’t really lost any of its generous proportions but has undergone evolutionary styling cues, the restyled exterior components include the single frame grille, front and rear bumpers, air vents and fog lamps.
The rear end perhaps, has received the most attention from de’Silva - with a gentle lip atop the bootlid for additional down-force, integrated chrome strip on the bumper, wide diffuser and straight exhaust exits. There are 13 exterior colours to choose from, including five new hues.
The optional xenon plus LED daytime running lights have been redesigned to incorporate 6 LEDs each. Other lighting options include Audi adaptive light for cornering and high-beam assist that automatically switches between high and low beam.
The interior offers comfortable sports seats that can be covered in Valcona leather, softer door armrests and an integrated headrest system. The instrument panel employs higher-resolution graphics, while a new frame highlights the optional colour display (standard with the Audi Multi Media Interface system). Trim is available in chrome, aluminium or fine wood finish.
The entry level 2,0-litre four-cylinder TFSI produces 125 kW, while the AVS (Audi Valvelift System) – equipped 2,8-litre V6 FSI engines, one producing 140 kW for the manual shift gearbox , while the other makes 162 kW for the multitronic CVT transmission.
The 3,0-litre TFSI V6 produces 213 kW and 420 N.m of torque and is mated to a tiptronic transmission with quattro four-wheel drive.
The diesel options consist of a 2,0-litre TDI which produces 320 N.m of torque (in 100 kW and 125 kW trim), a 2,7-litre V6 TDI with 140 kW and 380 N.m of toque and a 3,0-litre TDI with 176 kW and 450 N.m.
Any A6 with 140 kW, or more, is available with quattro all-wheel drive, a standard feature on all high-end products from Ingolstadt. Under normal conditions, the torque split is 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear.
The mechanically-operated Torsen differential immediately transfers most of the power to the axle where more grip is needed – in extreme cases, up to 65 percent to the front or 85 percent to the rear.
Several high-tech systems are integrated to ensure the safety of the A6’s passengers. Audi Side-Assist, able to detect other cars up to 50 metres away, lights up an indicator on the exterior mirror should lane-changing pose a threat. Radar-assisted adaptive cruise control maintains a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead, while Audi parking system advanced benefits from a rear view camera.