Audi reveals details of sleek new A6

Audi has revealed details of its all new A6 which will arrive here early in 2011 with a sharper look and a freshly designed cabin, similar to the new A7 Sportback. Prices will start at £30,145 on the road for the entry-level 2.0 TDI manual with 177PS which emits a remarkably low 129g/km of CO2 and averages a claimed 57.7mpg, plus there's a hybrid version coming too.

Redesigned from the ground up and based on the A7 Sportback, the new A6 benefits from Audi's clever use of lightweight materials which is good for both fuel economy and handling. Aluminium and high-tech steels make up much of the completely reworked body of the newcomer and the 2.0 TDI tips the scales at just 1,575kg - 15 per cent less than an all-steel equivalent.

Initially there will be four engines in the line-up and all have been designed to be responsive and highly efficient.  Alongside the 2.0-litre TDI 177PS, there's a 3.0-litre TDI with 204PS, a second more powerful 3.0-litre TDI with 245PS and performance 3.0-litre TFSI petrol with 300PS. All of the engines use advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn rate, and work in conjunction with technologies such as start-stop, the energy recovery system and an innovative thermal management concept. As a result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous model. 

But the real headline maker is the 2.0-litre TDI allied to six-speed manual transmission, which returns an impressive 57.7mpg claimed according to the combined cycle test and emits just 129g/km of CO2. However, in the not-too-distant future the A6 hybrid will lead the way. Combining a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor it will be capable of zero emission urban driving and up to 45.6mpg, yet will also have 245PS on tap for strong performance.

As was the case with the previous model, the new Audi A6 will also be available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, plus the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros. Each unit features a wide gear-ratio spread which makes a significant contribution to overall efficiency.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system fitted to the new A6 Saloon is the latest incarnation, with a crown gear centre differential and a torque-vectoring function for the ultimate in traction, stability and dynamic response. For the top-of-the-line engines, the quattro sport differential that has already won acclaim in performance cars such as the S4 will also be offered as an option.

A new electromechanical power steering system in conjunction with the lightweight suspension set-up, promises even greater precision and composure in the new A6. The standard fit Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system will allow drivers to fine-tune the car's responses via the MMI screen, and in front-wheel-drive models the latest Electronic Stability Programme with electronic limited slip differential will imperceptibly boost agility. 

The roomy interior with its 'wraparound' dash panel combines the latest Audi design language with technological advances and top quality materials. The A6 gets seats upholstered in Milano leather as standard along with the Multi Media Interface with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and large central control knob. MMI provides easy and intuitive access to the high quality audio system, the Bluetooth phone interface and the SD card-based navigation system - again all standard fit.

An 8-inch monitor and fingertip sensitive touch pad are available to upgrade MMI to MMI Touch. The system's touch pad enables characters to be 'drawn' by the driver using an index finger for navigation or telephone data entry. As well as ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can store audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk.

Two specification levels - SE and S line - will be offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors. S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment. 

From the options list customers will be able to choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system.

The new Audi A6 Saloon - UK OTR pricing