2012 Audi A6 – Australian pricing & specs

Audi Australia has just launched the all-new A6, offering three six cylinder engine choices, with two four pots to follow later this year. List pricing starts at $93,900 for the 150kW 2.8 FSI. If you want some more bite from your A6 then you can opt for the supercharged 3.0 TFSI and its 220kW at a starting cost of $121,500. And if you just want to use a little less fuel then you’ll head straight for the 180kW 3.0 TDI for $116,500.

In truth, all three models offer good fuel consumption numbers for a car of this size. Audi reckon the 2.8 FSI will use 8.0l/100km. The extra 70kW in the 3.0 TFSI comes at the modest increase of 0.2l/100km and the 3.0 TDI sips fuel at the frugal rate of 6.0l/100km. Well, they’re the claims at least. Expect real world numbers to be a little higher than those impressive ratings.

The three initial models released all feature Audi’s S-line bodykit and quattro all-wheel drive. The quattro system features a crowngear centre differential and torque vectoring trickiness as well.

As noted, two new engine choices will be arriving before year’s end, in the form of a 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI. Pics of the 2.8 FSI and 3.0 TDI are available after the break, along with Audi’s press guff.

The New Audi A6 – Redefining the Executive Class

• World-leading technology includes very lightweight body due to extensive use of aluminium construction
  
• Choice of three powerful yet incredibly efficient drivetrain options all featuring quattro drive and 7-speed S tronic
  
• S line exterior package as standard
  
• Wide array of advanced driver assist technologies available including head-up display and night vision

Once again, Audi sets the standard with this latest generation of executive sedan featuring groundbreaking solutions in every area of technology. The body is extremely light owing to a significant proportion of aluminum components. The range of assistance and multimedia systems is extensive, and operation is intuitive and user-friendly.

With the new A6, which is the seventh generation of the model, Audi is revolutionising the executive class. Featuring numerous technical innovations, this car will write the next chapter in the success story of the A6.

The new Audi A6 will debut in Australia with three powerplants: two petrol engines and one TDI unit. They have outputs ranging from 150 kW to 220 kW. All variants come standard with quattro all-wheel-drive system and Audi’s seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Among the benchmark technologies the A6 boasts is the latest version of Audi’s Drive Select dynamic handling system, which now includes an additional mode – the Efficiency program.

With the new A6, which is the seventh generation of the model, Audi is revolutionising the executive class. Featuring many technical innovations, including lightweight aluminium design, this car will write the next chapter in the success story of the A6.

The design embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 metres long and 1.87 metres wide, but just 1.46 metres high – the sportiest proportions in its segment. The long bonnet, the low, sweeping roofline, and the prominent lines on the flanks create a sleek and dynamic stance.

All Australian-delivered 2.8 FSI quattro, 3.0 TDI quattro and 3.0 TFSI quattro A6 models come as standard with Audi’s dynamic S line exterior package including lower and deeper front and rear bumpers for a powerful and dynamic on-road stance.

Lightweight technology: aluminium expertise

The body of the new Audi A6 is exceedingly light, stiff and safe, thanks to an intelligent composite design concept. More than 20 percent of the body is made of aluminium, with numerous aluminium components and high-tech steels reduce its weight by some 30 kilograms compared with the previous model, making it the backbone of a systematic lightweight design concept.

The body of the new Audi A6 is at the top of its vehicle segment. A composite steel-aluminum construction, the body weighs approximately 15 percent less than a conventional all-steel construction. Its stiffness, vibration characteristics and crash performance are impressive, as are its aerodynamics and aeroacoustics.

Depending on the version, the new executive sedan weighs up to 80 kilograms less than its predecessor. Audi – the lightweight design pioneer of the international automotive industry – has once again reversed the weight spiral, raising the bar for lightweight design.

The body features additional strong points. State-of-the art materials and design methods ensure extremely low interior noise levels. Precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide excellent vibrational comfort.

Powerful and highly efficient: the three engines

Audi is launching the new A6 with a choice of three powerful, highly efficient six-cylinder powerplants. All of these engines are married to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system and seven-speed S tronic transmission.

Each of these three engines also makes use of technologies from the brand’s modular efficiency platform – the innovative thermal management concept, the start-stop system, and the energy recovery system. Fuel consumption has improved by up to 21 percent compared with the previous model – a leading figure among the competition.

The first engine is the 2.8 FSI. Developing 150kW and 280Nm, it provides effortless pulling power right across the engine’s range and impressive with a combined fuel consumption figure of 8.0L/100km.

The second petrol engine is the supercharged 3.0 TFSI. Using efficient direct-injection technology, this world-class engine pumps out 220kW and 440Nm, catapulting the A6 3.0 TFSI from 0-100km/h in a mere 5.5 seconds, while consuming just 8.2L/100km of fuel.

The diesel option comes in the form of the 3.0 TDI. Outputting 180kW and a prodigious 500Nm, class-leading performance is assured, along with incredible fuel efficiency at just 6.0L/100km.

Each engine features a wide gear-ratio spread and low internal friction, thereby making a significant contribution to the sedan’s efficiency.

Thanks to its sophisticated design, the chassis of the new A6 combines sporty precision with supreme comfort. Its links are made of aluminium; the power steering features a new electromechanical drive, making it highly efficient. The executive sedan has wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches in diameter, with powerful brakes behind them.

The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard for all engine versions. For enhanced comfort, Audi also offers adaptive air suspension with controlled damping as an option. Dynamic steering will be available soon, also as an option.

Ultimate grip: quattro

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard in the three A6 models offered from launch presented in its latest stage of evolution – its crowngear centre differential and torque vectoring function guarantee supreme traction, stability and dynamic response. Audi also offers the optional sport differential, which actively distributes torque to the rear wheels.

Sporty elegance: the interior

The roomy interior of the new Audi A6 echoes the taut exterior design. The salient element is the “wrap-around” – an inlay encircling the driver and the front-seat passenger. The elegant face of the instrument panel underscores the sleek quality of the cockpit area.

Every detail of the interior is a testament to the care that Audi invests in car manufacturing. All materials, including an innovative layered-wood veneer, have been selected and crafted with the utmost care. As an option, the front seats can be equipped with ventilation and massage functions. Ambient lighting or the interior lighting package give the interior an added shine.

The new Audi A6 features the logical ergonomics concept that distinguishes all of the brand’s models. The efficient deluxe automatic air conditioning and the latest-generation MMI radio operating system are standard. Also standard is the cutting-edge touch pad with numeral and letter recognition function. The MMI navigation system plus with MMI touch is also available as an option. The hard-disk navigation system can be largely controlled via the touchpad.

Other hugely desirable highlights include the top of the line Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

Among the cutting-edge driver assist technologies available in the Audi A6 are head-up display, night vision and Audi lane assist.

Two additional A6 variants (2.0 TDI and 2.0TFSI) will join the line-up in the final quarter of 2011. Pricing and specification will be announced closer to launch.

Audi A6 Manufacturers List Price:
(MLP excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)

• Audi A6 2.8 FSI quattro: $93,900
  
• Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro: $116,500
  
• Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro: $121,500

Downloads

• Audi A6 specifications (452kb PDF)
• Audi A6 press kit (226kb PDF)