The New Audi A6 Unveiled

Press Release

At a glance:

• New, distinctly sporty exterior and interior design
• Dimensions: L 4.92 m, W 1.86 m, H 1.46 m, wheelbase 2.84 m (+ 83 mm)
• Improved spaciousness in the interior for all passengers
• Powerful TDI and petrol engines:
• new: 4.2 V8 with 246 kW (335 bhp), 420 Nm
• new: 3.2 V6 FSI with 188 kW (255 bhp), 330 Nm
• new: 2.4 V6 with 130 kW (177 bhp), 230 Nm
• new: 3.0 TDI V6 with 165 kW (225 bhp), 450 Nm
• new: 2.0 TDI with 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm
• Manual six-speed gearbox, alternatively six-speed tiptronic or continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive
• Audi dynamic suspension with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension on front-wheel-drive and quattro versions
• adaptive air suspension as an option (from 2005)
• Speed-dependent servotronic steering as standard
• High-performance brake system with electronic brake assist
• Electromechanical parking brake EPB as standard
• As an option: tyre pressure monitoring system
• New: adaptive light cornering lights with xenon plus and daytime driving lights (option)
• As an option: radar-assisted distance control - adaptive cruise control (from 2005)
• Light and rain sensor as standard
• Multi Media Interface MMI basic with monochrome display as standard
• As an option: advanced key access and authorisation system
• New generation of steering wheels: leather-covered steering wheel as standard
• Automatic air conditioning as standard
• As an option: BOSE Surround Sound System, DVD navigation
• Two-stage activation front airbags, sideguard head airbag system, plus side airbags and active head restraints at the front as standard

Audi is setting a new benchmark in the luxury performance segment. For the latest generation of the Audi A6 is a saloon combining supreme driving dynam­ics with high technology, plus outstanding comfort and exemplary equip­ment, thus striving for top position within this competition segment. Powerful TDI and petrol engines with up to eight cylinders and 246 kW (335 bhp), the most advanced transmission technology, as well as the choice of front-wheel or quattro permanent all-wheel drive set the foundation for the particular supremacy of the new A6 sports saloon. And thanks to the cutting-edge suspension combined with high body rigidity, this power and performance opens up a new dimension in driving dynamics. Given these qualities, the new Audi A6 is rightly and appropriately committed to an outstanding role model: the Audi A8 lauded by both the press and the public as the sportiest car in its class. And now, with its wide range of features - with design and performance - the A6 is likewise set to overtake all its competitors as the most progressive car in the luxury performance segment.

A new face in the business class

Measuring 4.92 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height, the new Audi A6 visibly sets a new standard. The lines of the car combine the clear architecture typical of Audi with other core elements of the brand's progressive design. Already acknowledged as classic, the fundamental proportions of Audi's sports saloon with its low-slung windows and coupé-like roofline now comes with even greater tension and dynamism: the contours of the shoulder line sweeping up and the sweep of the dynamic line above the side sills give the entire body of the car forward-pushing, dynamic thrust. The distinctly curved dome on the middle of the engine compartment lid, in turn, symbolises the power and performance offered by the new Audi A6. Seen from the front, the trapezoidal design of the single-frame radiator grille re­veals clearly that the A6 represents the latest generation of Audi models. The most advanced headlight technology, in turn, is equally visible behind the clear-glass headlight covers: the new A6 is the first Audi to feature as an option dynamic adaptive light technology incorporating powerful xenon plus units that help you see around corners. The headlights thus follow the course of the road ahead as a function of steering angle and road speed, substantially improving the quality of illumination. The driver sees upcoming bends more clearly and precisely and is able to detect pos­sible obstacles at an earlier point in time. Obviously, this means a significant improvement in active safety. Another brand-new feature, not only in the A6 but also in production cars the world over, is daytime driving lights featured in conjunction with xenon plus as well as the - likewise new - active cornering lights, xenon plus adaptive light. Consuming very little energy, the daytime driving lights offer the benefit of enhanced safety and visibility with virtually no additional fuel consumption and, as a result, no increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike use of the conventional low-beam headlights during the day, this new technology therefore literally comes "for free" and does not harm the environment in the slightest. Low-slung rear lights wrapped distinctly round to the inside characterise the rear end of the car. A chromium strip visually divides the luggage compartment lid horizontally, at the same time creating a striking connection between the light units. The very dynamic rear contour line providing additional downforce at the back in the interest of safe driving characteristics marks the rear upper end of the boot lid.