Press Release
adaptive cruise control
As on the Audi A8, the new A6 Avant, and parallel the saloon, comes as an option with an intelligent "travelling companion": second generation radar-aided adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains the right distance from the vehicle ahead. Supplementing the optional cruise control function, this system significantly enhances driving convenience by automatically controlling the speed of the car relative to the vehicle ahead and the distance chosen.A new feature in the latest generation of adaptive cruise control is the fact that the angle recorded by the sensor has doubled, clearly improving the detection range especially on winding country roads. And for the first time, the system can be combined with manual gearboxes.
Hidden discreetly out of sight, the system sensor is fitted behind the trim grille on the coolant air intake. While the car is on the move, it emits radar signals that determine how far ahead the next vehicle is. A computer then establishes whether that distance is increasing or decreasing based on the change compared with the previous measurement, and adjusts the car's own speed correspondingly by manipulating the accelerator or the brakes.
The Audi development engineers have deliberately limited the intensity of possible acceleration and that of brake intervention and very definitely designed the distance control as a convenience system. The adaptive cruise control system is configured such that when another vehicle that is travelling at a completely different speed is approached, the driver is alerted both visually and acoustically to the need for a conscious, situation-appropriate response. The speed range used by the system is between 30 and 200 km/h.
Adaptive headlights and daytime running lights
As on its saloon counterpart, ultra-advanced innovations are to be found behind the clear-glass covers of the A6 Avant's headlights: the dynamic technology of adaptive light, and daytime running lights in conjunction with xenon plus technology ??????????????????????????????????????? a combination not found on any competitor model.The new A6 Avant, too, comes with light units in Audi's typical "tube" look. Featuring anthracite-coloured trims, the tubes for the high and low beams appear to hover almost freely in the air, giving the front-end design of the car its very own touch of high-tech.
The headlights on the new A6 Avant come in three different versions: halogen headlights in free-form technology fitted as standard, xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights, and the xenon plus system with the dynamic adaptive light system that "can see" around a bend. It does this by pivoting the ellipsoidal module for the high-beam and low-beam headlights in synchronisation with the line of the road or a bend as the car is being driven. This greatly improves illumination of the road in front of the vehicle and to the sides, making it easier for the driver to anticipate the course of the road ahead.
Exemplary safety as standard
The safety equipment featured as standard in the new-generation A6 is equally impressive. Active safety benefits from the latest-generation ESP with extended features, trailer oscillation logic, emergency braking signalling and considerably enhanced understeering control. ESP with these additional functions is also available on the saloon version.The emergency braking signalling function alerts vehicles following on behind to potential hazards if the brakes are applied hard.
The trailer oscillation logic identifies dangerous swinging of the trailer and automatically applies the brakes to stabilise the outfit. The understeering control function has also been optimised: when the vehicle understeers, the system no longer brakes just the two wheels on the inside of the bend; the brakes are applied to individual or even to all four wheels simultaneously, depending on the situation. This reduces the radius of the curve and the vehicle is kept reliably on track.
In the event of a collision the car's occupants are effectively protected by the robust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable passenger cell. And in conjunction with the seat belts, the front and side airbags as well as the sideguard head airbag system, which covers virtually the entire side window area, afford superior safety and protection for the driver and passengers. Crash tests performed by Audi in accordance with the Euro NCAP criteria confirm that the Avant and the saloon offer the highest standards of occupant protection.
The two full-size front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of the accident. Active front head restraints fitted as standard help to protect the occupants in a collision from behind.
The new Audi A6 Avant comes as standard with 7x16 inch alloy wheels, running on 205/60 R16 tyres. The particularly high-performance six-cylinder versions (from 132 kW upwards) have forged size 7.5x16-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres, whereas the 4.2 eight-cylinder version comes with 17-inch wheels and 225/50 tyres as standard.
As an option the new Audi A6 Avant is available with a choice of ten different versions of wheel up to 18 inches in diameter and running on tyres up to 245/45 R18. Even in winter, the A6 driver has the choice of three wheel designs of up to 7x17 inches in size and running on 225/50 tyres.
All new Audi A6 Avant models come as standard with the Audi tyre mobility system, but may also be fitted with a spare wheel as an option.
The electromechanical parking brake as well as a light and rain sensor including coming home/leaving home function are further standard fitments.
Another standard feature on all A6 models in the range is two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning ??????????????????????????????????????? comprising separate controls for the driver and front passenger ??????????????????????????????????????? with enhanced output and optimised acoustics, a virtue that cannot be taken for granted even in this segment. Recirculated-air and pollen filters and a sun sensor assure maximum climate comfort. The occupants' well-being can be further enhanced by the option of deluxe automatic air conditioning plus with indirect ventilation, air humidity and air quality sensors and extended climate control of the rear compartment via air vents in the B-posts.
