Audi brought out the precursor to the A6 exactly 47 years ago in 1968. Since then, seven generations of the model has been made since theĀ original Audi 100. The sheets came flying off as Audi Malaysia launched the facelifted A6 here in two different trims; the 1.8-litre TFSI and 3.0-litre V6 TFSI.
Managing Director of Audi Malaysia, Immo Buschman remarked that the A6 represents one of the company’s most successful range and the lynchpin of their product range. The A6 is also Deutchland’s best-selling business model and fight stiff competition from rivals BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
QUICK FACTS
| Name | Audi A6 1.8 TFSI | Audi A6 3.0 TFSI |
| Engine | 1798cc inline four turbo | 2995cc V6 supercharged |
| Transmission | 7 speed S Tronic | |
| Max Power | 190hp @ 4200 rpm | 333hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Max Torque | 320Nm @ 1400 rpm | 440 Nm @ 2900 rpm |
| 0-100 km/h | 7.9 seconds | 5.1 seconds |
| Top Speed | 233 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Price | RM324,900 | RM500,000 (est) |
EXTERIOR
On the surface of it, not much has been changed in this C7 facelift. The look has been streamlined to suit and reflect the design direction of the company. It gets a new pair of headlights withĀ new DRLs, while the Matrix LED unit remains a cost option on both trims. Audi’s signatureĀ Singleframe grille now appears to have widened, lending its hand to the new refreshed look.
Elsewhere Audi says that the bumpers, side sills and air inlets have been redesigned and fettled with. Around the back, the tail lamps are new, featuring pulsating LED signal indicators. ItsĀ exhaust pipes have been also been restyled for a sportier look. The changes on the A6 goes more than just skin deep, we say that because the A6 utilises building technology such as blending various metals like aluminium and steel in a bid to keep weight at bay. That said, the A6 tips the scale at 1,535kg.
INTERIOR
The interior has yet to receive a drastic change. However, both variants get Milano leather upholstery as standard, with the driver’s seat on both variants beingĀ electrically operated. The base model receives a four-spoke steering wheel while the 3.0-litre variant gets a rather funky three-spoke design with paddle shifters. Audi Drive Select (operated via a knob) on the other hand, is standard on both models. The drive system allows for driving optimisation with modes such asĀ Auto, Comfort, Dynamic, Individual and Efficiency.
The A6 1.8-litre TFSI model comes kitted with a retractable 6.5-inch screen for the infotainment system. Note also that the base model now gets MMI Radio Plus. Aside from that, it comes with an Audi six-channel amplifier with 10-speakers. That being said, the stereo system that comes together with the 3.0-litre model has the MMI Navigation PlusĀ displayed out of an eight-inchĀ screen that’s powered by an all-new graphics processor courtesy of NVIDIA.Ā Charged with getting the beat down is a 12-channel ampĀ hooked up to 14-speakers manufactured by Bose.
Additionally, the updated system on the flagship A6 gets not only a powerful processor but also a touch pad which controls the media, GPS navigation, and telephone. The new Audi ConnectĀ system allows support for Google EarthĀ andĀ Wi-Fi hotspotsĀ for the occupants, which wouldn’t be possible unless an LTE-enabled SIM card is used in tandem.
PERFORMANCE
The new A6 comes with a choice of either a frugal 1.8-litre TFSIĀ mill that delivers 190 hp and 320 Nm of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. Despite its size, it manages the century sprint in justĀ 7.9 seconds and tops out at 233Ā km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km. Even this entry-level model now gets Audi’s own seven-speed S Tronic gearbox.
Should you find yourself wanting a variant with more power, look no further than the supercharged 3.0-litreĀ TFSIĀ model that comes kitted out with Audi’s time tested and proven,Ā Quattro all-wheel-drive system to keep all 333 hp grounded to the tarmac.Ā The engine makes 440 Nm of twist that is available atĀ 2,900 rpm onwards. This flagship takes only 5.1 seconds to get up from standstill to 100 km/h and will roar onto its electronically-limited top speed of 250 km/h. Notwithstanding its blistering performance figures, it sips fuel at a rate of just 7.4 litres per 100km. It is once again paired up with the seven-speed S Tronic transmission to lay all that power down on the black top.
SAFETY
Like all current Audi models, the new A6 also comes equipped with a smorgasboard of electronic safety aids and features including theĀ Start/Stop system withĀ energy recuperation systemĀ for better fuel economy. Stability control (ESC), traction control (ASR), ABS with brake force distribution (EBD) and even an electronic differential lock (EDL)Ā comes as standard throughout the range.
Parking Aid Plus with selective display and a grand total of eight airbags for the flagship variety (six airbags for the 1.8 model) ensures that the driver and his/her occupants are always kept safe and sound.
WHAT ELSE ?
Potential customers are spoilt for choice with a range of thirteen different shades of colours ranging from Ibis White, Brilliant Black, Glacier White, Oolong Grey, Mythos Black, Dakota Grey, Floret Silver, Diamond Beige, Aviator Blue, Tornado Grey, Havan Black and Garnet Red. The A6 is available for bookings at all authorised Audi dealerships with the entry-level model retailing for RM324,900 while the flagship model’s price has yet to be announced. It’s price however, is estimated to hover around the half-million mark.
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