New Audi A6 saloon is a classic combustion-powered choice

Audi calls it a ‘classic’. Normally, this would be the point for the standard ‘it looks cross about something’ joke, but there is genuinely nothing to complain about with a straightforward four-door, internal-combustion saloon. ‘Classic’, you could say.

Audi A6 saloon aerodynamics and engines

Meet the new Audi A6 saloon, the most aerodynamically efficient combustion-powered Audi the company has made. Its drag coefficient is 0.23, although mentioning that at a dinner party may result in future invitations mysteriously failing to arrive. Still, it should help the car travel farther between fill-ups.

As with the recently launched A6 Avant, Audi’s designers have put considerable effort into directing air more effectively around, beneath and through the car. The measures include front ‘air curtains’, revised intakes, a front spoiler, extra underbody cladding, a rear boot 'notchback' and a broader rear diffuser, among other changes.

The result is that the petrol and diesel engines should not need to work quite so hard. Three powertrains are offered: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 201bhp and driving the front wheels; a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with the same output, available in either FWD or quattro form; and a substantial 362bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged V6.

There is no confirmation that the UK will receive the V6, as the A6 Avant is offered here only with the four-cylinder engines. Both the diesel and V6, however, use mild-hybrid technology.

That system comprises a 48V battery, a belt-alternator starter and an electric motor. The new A6 saloon therefore gains start/stop capability, regenerative braking that returns energy to a 1.7kWh lithium-ion battery, and the capacity to coast under electric power alone for a few miles.

Should you wish to make use of the A6’s streamlined shape and available power, the four-cylinder models complete 0-62mph in a little more or a little less than eight seconds: 8.2 seconds for the petrol and 7.8 seconds for the quattro diesel. The V6 quattro manages it in 4.7 seconds. That is properly quick.

Ride, handling and braking

It is quick, yet Audi also promises quietness and comfort. The firm has worked extensively to cut NVH, with sound insulation increased by 30 per cent, for instance, alongside new acoustic glass. Aluminium has also been used for the front and rear axles. Three suspension arrangements are available, at least in Germany: standard, “designed to be even more comfortable than its predecessor”; sport, which lowers the car by 20mm; and air suspension, with adaptive dampers that reduce ride height according to the selected mode.

Audi has widened the distinction between its driving modes as well. Dynamic is “noticeably tighter and sportier”, while comfort is… even more comfortable. As noted, four-wheel drive is offered on the diesel and V6 models; it disconnects the rear axle while cruising, then reconnects it firmly when power is required. Brake torque vectoring is included too.

On the subject of braking, the A6 saloon uses brake-by-wire, which Audi calls ‘iBRS’. Rather than relying on hydraulics, a computer determines whether the electric motor or brake discs should be used, though Audi says brake feel is unchanged regardless.

Audi A6 saloon interior technology

The cabin should sound suitably impressive, particularly with the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system. This forms part of the A6’s new ‘business lounge’ approach, comprising an 11.9in virtual cockpit display for the driver, a huge 14.5in touchscreen in the centre, and an optional 10.9in display for the front passenger. There is also a HUD that is 85 per cent larger than before.

Elsewhere, there is a broad sweep of ‘softwrap’, sustainable materials and interior LEDs, while the general arrangement follows the A6 Avant revealed just last month. In other words, it looks… very much like a luxurious Audi.

A luxurious, ‘classic’ Audi. Would you choose this or the estate?