Audi's new A6 executive contender has been revealed prior to its arrival in Irish showrooms in 2011. The all-new A6 borrows some of the lightweight aluminium technology from its A8 relative, to the benefit of both performance and economy.
Styled very much in Audi's current design language, there's a lot of emphasis around the front grille and LED headlamps. A longer wheelbase benefits interior space and the cabin features Audi's typical attention to detail and quality.
A hybrid model will enhance the model's appeal in the USA. It has the ability to reach 100km/h on electric power alone, but its 6.2 litres/100km (45.6mpg) and 142g/km fuel economy and emissions figures are bettered by the diesel alternatives in the range.
The most frugal of these is the 2.0-litre TDI, which uses 4.9 litres/100km (57.6mpg) and emits just 129g/km for Band B taxation. Despite that it reaches 100km/h in just 8.7 seconds.
The launch cars are headed up by a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine with 302hp. Until the eight-cylinder S6 arrives it'll be the highest performance model in the line-up. Like the existing range the A6 will be offered with either front- or quattro four-wheel drive, while manual six-speed, a Multitronic CVT auto (on front-wheel drive models only) and a seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic transmission are also available.
Promising to be more agile and entertaining to drive than the existing model, the quattro cars get a drive split of 40/60 front-to-rear. They also benefit from torque vectoring, while Audi offers its sport differential as an option.
More equipment, greater performance yet improved economy across the range should make the A6 more competitive against its key Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF rivals. Prices have yet to be confirmed.