Audi has ripped the covers off its all-new, internal combustion-engined A6 saloon, and it could be the last of its kind.
This, of course, is not to be confused with the all-electric Audi A6 e-tron, which makes use of the electric-only PPE platform that was developed in conjunction with Porsche.
It also follows Audi’s about-turn on its revised naming strategy, which would have seen electric vehicles donning even model names and internal combustion models using odd letters. Thus, the ICE-powered A6 that you see here was originally set to be called the A7.
Nonetheless, the new A6 saloon comes to the party as the brand’s most aerodynamically efficient ICE model ever, boasting a drag coefficient of just 0.23.
Its sleek and low-slung design follows the design idiom first seen on the new A5 Sedan, which is likely to revert back to the A4 name.
Measuring a shade under five metres in length, the new A6 Saloon is a good 60mm longer than its predecessor, while its generous wheelbase of 2,927mm ensures a spacious interior. Moreover, Audi states that sound insulation has been improved by 30% compared with its predecessor.
Three engine options will be offered abroad, with turbopetrol options in the form of a 150kW 2.0 TFSI and 270kW 3.0 TFSI and a 2.0 TDI turbodiesel that also produces 150kW.
The latter as well as the V6 petrol unit are paired with Audi’s new fuel-saving mild-hybrid technology, which provides an over-boost of 18kW and 230Nm, while also regenerating at up to 25kW under deceleration.
Adaptive air-suspension and all-wheel steering are optional.
The new A6’s interior is big on digital, with a free-standing curved display incorporating a 14.5-in MMI infotainment system and 11.9-inch driver display, and customers can also opt for a 10.9-inch front passenger display, which is standard on the Edition 1 version.
The MMI infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive OS and can incorporate numerous third-party apps, including ChatGPT.
Furthermore, the vehicle can be equipped with a new configurable head-up display system, which displays a wide range of information, including active assistance systems and navigation instructions. Also on the options menu is a Bang & Olufsen 3D sound system with up to 20 speakers.
But when can you buy one?
At this stage, Audi South Africa says it cannot confirm a local introduction date for the new A6.
Like rival premium brands, Audi is currently in the process of downsizing its dealer network in South Africa. But it remains to be seen whether the local division will offer fewer new models in the longer term.
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