AUDI A6 DIESEL SALOON S6 TDI Quattro Vorsprung 4dr Tip Auto

The Audi A6 remains a strong product in fifth generation form. Can it still make sense as an option in the full-Executive segment? Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This MK5 model Audi A6 has been subtly updated and continues to try and appeal against newer rivals with a package that's based on efficiency, technology and value. It'll have its work cut out dislodging BMW and Mercedes but it's hard not to love the care and attention that's clearly been lavished on this car.

Background

'A first class journey with a business class ticket': that's how Audi describes the travelling experience you'll get in this fifth generation A6 model. Basically, what the Ingolstadt brand has done here is to democratise much of the technology of its larger A8 and enveloped it into smartly proportioned saloon and estate bodywork. There's certainly lots to admire here, with advanced mild hybrid drivetrains, sresponsive yet supple suspension options, sublime cabin comfort and a high-tech all-digital MMI touch response interface. But then then exceptional technology will be needed if his Audi is to be able to face down more recently introduced rivals of the quality of BMW's 5 Series and the Mercedes E-Class. A final round of subtle updates made to this MK5 C8 design has produced the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

Audi offers this A6 with a wide range of engines but nearly all of them are 2.0-litres in size and feature mild hybrid tech. The base 40 TFSI is front-driven with 204PS, with the same engine also available in the pricier 45 TFSI quattro in 245PS form allied to 4WD. The mainstream alternative is the 40 TDI diesel, putting out 204PS and only offered in quattro form. The 2.0 TFSI petrol engine reappears again in a plug-in hybrid petrol model, the A6 50 TFSIe, with a combined output of 299PS and an electric driving range when fully charged of up to 43 miles. At the top of the range sit two bespoke sporting models. The S6 quattro uses Audi's 3.0-litre six cylinder TDI diesel engine in a 350PS state of tune. And the top RS 6 quattro (an Avant-only variant) has a 4.0-litre TFSI twin turbo V8 with 600PS, the result being 600PS, 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds, 124mph in 12 seconds and one queasy looking Labrador. As you'd expect in this segment, all A6 models are exclusively equipped with automatic transmission. That'll be a seven-speed S tronic gearbox, unless you've opted for the S6 or the RS 6 (in which case the transmission will be an 8-speed tiptronic set-up to handle the extra torque). In conjunction with the tiptronic transmission, the quattro configuration is based on the familiar self-locking centre differential format, while the S tronic transmission works with more efficient 'ultra' technology, which is capable of engaging the rear axle instantly whenever needed but decouples it during cruising to maximise efficiency. On all models, the driver can select various driving profiles via the Audi drive select system - with 'efficiency, 'comfort', 'dynamic' options, plus 'auto' if you can't make up your mind and 'individual' if you want to set your own throttle, steering and gearshift parameters.

Design and Build

This fifth generation model got a final round of subtle changes in mid-2023, with minor changes to the Singleframe front grille, new side air intakes and a revised rear diffuser. As before, there's a choice of saloon and Avant estate body styles. Otherwise, things are much as before, with taut surfaces, sharp edges and striking lines, plus a long bonnet, a long wheelbase and short overhangs. In profile, three striking lines reduce the car's visual height. The powerfully taut contours, which are drawn over the wheels, are testimony to Audi's quattro genes. This shape is certainly very sleek: thanks to advanced aerodynamics, a class-leadingly-slippery drag coefficient of as little as 0.24Cd has been achieved. The interior updates are equally subtle. The dashboard and roof lining are now finished in black, the multi-functions sports steering wheel features contrast stitching and and footrest and pedals are finished in stainless steel. Opt for 'S line' trim and you get a Dinamica microfiber and leather upholstery combination. Otherwise, everything's as you were. The dash features Audi's usual black-panel design and you're going to need to like screens because this car's classy interior can incorporate no fewer than three of them, the two you'll notice first powering up as soon as the door is opened and dominating the upper and lower parts of the piano black-trimmed centre stack. Legroom in the rear is difficult to better in the class, while headroom and shoulder room measurements are also generous and very comfortable for a couple of adults. Out back, there's a 530-litre boot (though that falls to just 360-litres in the PHEV version). If you need more, the alternative Avant estate variant offers 565-litres in conventionally-engined form.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £44,000 for the saloon - or around £46,000 for the Avant. There are three trim levels in the mainstream range - 'Sport', 'S line' and 'Black Edition'. Plus the sporting S6 and RS 6 performance models. As before, this A6 model's two key rivals will be the Mercedes E-Class and the BMW 5 Series. You'll need to get your A6's spec right. Your dealer will want you to add the optional 'Technology Pack (another £3,000), which brings a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, multi-coloured extended LED interior lighting, a 360-degree camera with top view, the brand's 'Park Assist with Parking aid plus' set-up and a Head-up display. If you want to go further, the 'Technology Pack Pro' option (£6,000 more on mainstream models) adds four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, USB-C ports in the rear, heated rear seats, Advance Key keyless entry and a 'Parking Assist Plus' with Remote park functionality. Across the range, there are four suspension set-ups: the conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension, the suspension with damper control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping. 'Progressive steering', which becomes even quicker and more direct as the steering angle increases, is standard. And dynamic all-wheel steering can also be added to further enhance this agility. Plus you can add in various autonomous driving features. Audi connect online services provide clever 'car-to-X services' traffic sign and hazard information. They use the swarm intelligence from the Audi fleet and network the Audi A6 with its environment.

Cost of Ownership

All engines in this fifth generation A6 feature the brand's mild-hybrid technology. Here a belt alternator starter (BAS) works together with a lithium-ion battery, enabling the A6 to coast at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph in the interest of fuel economy and to initiate its start-stop function earlier - at speeds of 13mph and below. The engine is restarted from standstill predictively as soon as the vehicle in front starts moving. During deceleration, the BAS recovers up to 12 kW of energy. Let's get to the WLTP figures. The volume 2.0-litre 40 TDI diesel saloon version manages 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and 147g/km of CO2. The 45 TFSI quattro petrol saloon variant delivers combined fuel economy of up to 37.2mpg (depending on wheel size and trim choice) and CO2 emissions of up to 173g/km. Go for the A6 50 TFSI e plug-in hybrid petrol variant and, thanks to this derivative's possible 43 mile WLTP-rated all-electric driving range, you can enjoy a tax-beating CO2 return that's WLTP-rated at up to 27g/km. The combined fuel figure is up to 235.4mpg. We'll finish by covering the warranty. All cars in this class get three years of cover, but whereas BMW and Mercedes don't limit your mileage in this period, Audi rather meanly restricts you to 60,000 miles. Optional extra-cost packages can extend the cover to either four or five years.

Summary

Has Audi done enough with the fifth generation version of this car? Many thousands of managers who'll put many more thousands of miles under the wheels of their new A6s every month will feel so. As before, they'll value this car for its quiet, understated professionalism, further marvelling in this guise at its mind-boggling technology and rather wonderful cabin. Yes, there are perhaps more characterful cars than this smart, efficient and perfectly mannered business conveyance - perhaps even some that feel sharper at the wheel. But it's hard to think of a more complete or cost-effective choice in this sector. It's all very vorsprung durch tecknik. And at the end of a very long day, you're likely to feel that that's what really matters.

Body Glass

Privacy glass

Front intermittent wipers

Electric front/rear windows

Rain and light sensors

Adaptive windscreen wipers with integrated washer jets

Heat insulating darkened glass in side and rear windows

Heat insulating glass in windshield

Brakes

Electromechanical parking brake

EBD - Electronic brakeforce distribution

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including ABS, ASR and EDL

19" Disc brakes in front and brake calipers painted in black with "S" lettering (ECE)

Carpets/Rugs

Front and rear floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive air suspension

Communication

Voice control system

Bluetooth interface

Audi connect safety and service (e-call)

Smartphone interface includes wireless Apple carplay/Android Auto

Audi connect with Amazon Alexa Integration

Driver Aids

Lane departure warning system

Audi drive select

Camera based traffic sign recognition

Dynamic all wheel steering

360 degree camera

Park Assist with parking system Plus

Driver Convenience

Power door closure

Automatic start/stop system with coasting functionality

Electric boot lid release

Operating buttons in black gloss

Remote park assist plus

Driver Information

Service interval indicator

Head up Display

MMI navigation plus with 10.1" and 8.6" touch screens

Audi virtual cockpit

Driving Mirrors

Carbon mirror housings

Frameless auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Electrically adjustable heated and folding + automatically dimming exterior mirrors with memory function

Embellishment Trims

Carbon twill inlays

Engine

Diesel particulate filter

73 litre fuel tank

22 litre AdBlue tank

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

USB connection

Auxiliary input socket

Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System

Audi front music interface

2 USB-C ports with charging functionality in the rear

Exterior Body Features

Panoramic opening glass sunroof

S front and rear bumpers

S Line side skirts

Matt black side air intake grille with inlay in matt aluminium

Body colour S specific rear diffuser

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

Radiator grille in anthracite black matt, single frame in chrome and horizontal struts in matt aluminium silver

S air inlet in titanium anthracite black

Exterior Lights

HD Matrix LED headlights with dynamic front and rear indicators

LED third brake light

LED signature front daytime running light

LED rear lights with dynamic indicators

Audi beam projecting the word Vorsprung onto the floor from the driver and front passenger doors

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

4 zone climate control

Interior Features

Electric rear window blind

Front centre armrest

Height/reach adjust steering wheel

Leather gear knob

Black cloth headlining

Stainless steel pedals and foot rest

Illuminated door sill trims with S logo

Tool kit and car jack

Leatherette on upper instrument panel and door shoulders

Valcona Leather with contrast stitching and S embossing + front super sport Seats + dinamica door insert

Electric steering column

3 spoke sport leather steering wheel with multifunction, shift paddles and steering wheel heating

Front sliding sun visors

Interior Lights

Audi phone box light

Packs

Storage pack - A6

Non smoking pack - A6

Full leather pack - A6

City assist pack with front cross traffic assist - A6

Multi coloured extended LED interior lighting pack - A6

S line exterior style pack - A6

Ambient lighting package plus - A6

Tour pack with adaptive cruise assist - A6

Safety

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Extended pedestrian protection measures

Seatbelt monitoring

Audi pre-sense front

Tyre pressure warning light

Airbags - Front side, front and rear including head

High tyre pressure measurement system (TPMS)

Manual child proof rear door locks

ISOFIX child seat mounting for front passenger seat and ISOFIX child seat mounting with Top Tether for outer rear seats

Seats

Heated front and rear seats

Rear headrests

Front head restraints

Electrically adjustable front seats with memory including seat height, fore/aft position, backrest angle and 4 way lumbar

40/20/40 split folding 3 rear seat bench in 3 parts with rear centre armrest

Single front passenger seat

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Advanced key

Keyless Go

Anti theft alarm with tow away protection

Anti-theft wheel bolts and wheel loosening detection

Transmission

Quattro with sport differential

Vanity Mirrors

Illuminated sun visors with vanity mirrors

Wheels - Alloy

21" 5 twin spoke matt dark grey audi sport alloy wheels in gloss turned finish

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 189

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 190

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 189

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Code: 4A2SPA

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Cylinders: 6

Cylinder Layout: V6

Number of Valves: 24

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

CC: 2967

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 39.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 38.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.3

General

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 49E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 344

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 6

Coin Description: TDI Quattro

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Series: Vorsprung

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 71.4

Engine Torque - NM: 700

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 516

Engine Power - RPM: 3850

Engine Power - KW: 253

Engine Power - BHP: 344

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - RPM: 1750

Top Speed: 155

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Tyre Size Front: 255/35 R21

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 255/35 R21

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Wheel Style: 5 TWIN SPOKE

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4954

Width (including mirrors): 2110

Width: N

Height: 1446

Wheelbase: 2928

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1955

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2100

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.1

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2590

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 520

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 73

Max. Loading Weight: 635

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Audi exclusive metallic paint

Metallic paint

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Chronos grey

Metallic - Firmament blue

Metallic - Ascari blue

Metallic - Mythos black

Metallic - Floret silver

Metallic - Glacier white

Metallic - Grenadine red

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Daytona grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Brilliant black

Paint - Special

Audi Exclusive Metallic - Custom

Service/Warranty

Audi warranty - 4 years or 75000 miles

Audi warranty - 5 years or 90000 miles

Towing

Electrically swivelling trailer towing hitch

Trim - Leather

Valcona leather - Rotor grey with anthracite contrast stitching + front super sport seats with S embossed logo + dinamica door insert

Valcona leather - Black with rock grey contrast stitching + front super sport seats with S embossed logo + dinamica door insert

Wheels - Spare

Space saver spare wheel and jack