Overview

The Audi A6 is a mid size luxury car, built by the German automaker Audi AG. The car is built on the Volkswagen Group C platform, which reached sixth generation as well as the model its self (for each generation VW built or improved the platform, thus to differentiate the models each platform was named as C1, C2.....C7). The name A6 is around since 1994 (C4 model), the model that succeeded was the Audi 100 (C3).

Fourth generation of the Audi A6 entered production in 2011 being available for Europe from early 2011, shortly after becoming available for the North American market as well. The car is built on a version of the Volkswagen Group MLB platform on which is also based the Audi A4 B8, the Audi A5, the Audi Q5 and the Audi A7. As the Audi A6 C6, this generation is available in two body styles, four door sedan and four door station wagon.

Compared to its predecessor the car increased its wheelbase with about 3 inches and its width by 0.7 inches. The increase in proportion leads to a higher drag coefficient of 0.26 Cd.

Variants

Fourth generation Audi A6 is offered with four engines, two petrol and two diesel.

The entry level petrol model features a 2.8 liter V6 that develops a total of 204 hp @ 6500 rpm and maximum torque of 206 lb/ft @ 3000 rpm. The engine comes with either a CVT that delivers the power to the front wheels or a dual clutch seven speed automatic that delivered the power to all four wheels via Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system. In term of performance the Audi A6 2.8 can get to 60 mph in 7.4 sec / 7.7 sec (CVT / 7AT), cover a quarter of a mile in 16.0 sec / 15.6 sec (CVT / 7AT) and get to a top speed of 149 mp (CVT & 7AT). The fuel consumption is reasonable, with an average of 26.4 / 25.8 mpg.

The most powerful petrol engine is a supercharged 3.0 liter V6, which generates a total of 300 hp @ 6500 rpm and a maximum torque of 324 lb/ft at 2900 rpm. The engine comes only with the dual clutch seven speed automatic and only with all wheel drive. With this engine the Audi A6 can reach 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, cover a quarter mile from a standing start in 13.7 seconds and get to a top speed limited to 155 mph. On average the car returns 19.2 miles to the gallon.

The entry level diesel engine is a 2.0 liter straight four that produces 177 hp @ 4200 rpm and maximum torque of 280 lb/ft @ 1750 rpm. The engine is available only with a six speed manual transmission that delivers the power to the front wheels. The Audi A6 2.0 TDI is capable to do zero to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds, a standing quarter mile in 15.7 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. The car returns an respectable 35.9 miles to the gallon combined.

Second diesel engine with which the Audi A6 is offered is a 3.0 liter V6 that makes 245 hp @ 4500 rpm and maximum torque of 369 lb/ft @ 1400 rpm. As the 2.8 liter petrol, the car comes with the CVT transmission and FWD and the dual clutch seven speed and AWD. The performances of hte Audi A6 3.0 TDI are good, not to 60 mph takes 6.9 sec / 5.9 sec (CVT / 7AT), a standing quarter mile is covered in 15.6 sec / 14.4 sec (CVT / 7AT) and get to a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Beside the good performances, the car returns 27.8 mpg / 25.6 mpg (CVT / 7AT) on average.

The Audi A6 measures 193.5 inch (4,915 mm) in length, 73.8 mpg (1,874 mm) in width and 57.3 inch (1,455 mm) in height. The wheelbase measured 114.6 inch (2,912 mm).

As for the safety, the Audi A6 comes with a pre sense safety system, which works to minimize accidents by warning the driver and applying the brakes to quickly slow the car if a crash is imminent. The system works with the adaptive cruise control system.

Additional Information

AutoExpress.co.uk reviewed the Audi A6 and stated " It doesn't feel quite as good an all-rounder as the 5-Series though. No matter which Drive Select mode you choose, the steering feels completely removed from the action. Our S line model had 20m lower sports suspension and together with larger wheels, that makes the ride very firm indeed."