Kildare car review: Revised Audi A6 diesel saloon is luxurious and efficient

The original Audi A6 was launched in 1994 and it has long been a staple in the luxury saloon segment.

Now in its fifth-generation, the A6 is available in Saloon and Avant (Estate) body styles, along with the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (quattro) configurations depending on the model chosen.

The recently-revised A6 gains an updated driver’s information screen, an enhanced reversing camera, revised bumpers and front grille, along with new alloy wheel options (19” up to 21”), and the addition of Grenadine Red and Ascari Blue metallic paint finishes to the colour options list.

Trim and Engine Options

Audi offers the A6 with a choice of two turbo-diesel engines; a 2.0-litre (204PS) badged 40 TDI (FWD and quattro) and a 3.0-litre (286PS) badged 50 TDI (quattro only).

All engines are offered with mild hybrid tech that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100km. Trim grades consist of entry-level SE and sporty S Line versions, and a 7-speed automatic transmission is standard across all engine and trim options.

Key standard SE equipment includes LED lights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, ISOFIX child seat mountings for the rear seats and front passenger seat, multi-function steering wheel, heat-insulating glass, windscreen with acoustic glass, Audi Sound System, DAB radio, Bluetooth, Audi Smartphone interface, Audi music interface, Audi Connect emergency call service, MMI navigation with MMI touch response, Audi drive select, Audi virtual cockpit, Audi pre-sense (front), reversing camera, parking system plus (parking sensors), and cruise control with speed limiter, along with a host of safety, comfort and convenience features.

Additional S Line equipment includes LED rear lights with dynamic indicators, Matrix LED lights with a headlight cleaning system, S Line exterior package, front sports seats, black headlining cloth, sport steering wheel with shift paddles, stainless steel foot pedals and footrest, matte brushed aluminium inlays, sport suspension, and illuminated ‘S’ logo door sill trims. For drivers who wish to tow a trailer or caravan, the A6 has an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg and a braked capacity of 2,000kg.

Luxurious Interior

The luxuriously-appointed and supremely-spacious cabin can easily accommodate three fully-grown adults in the rear and, despite the sloping roof design, there is ample head room available too.

The sports seats in the front of the car not only look great, but they are also comfortable and supportive. The clutter-free dash design oozes premium quality, and it features a pair of crystal-clear touchscreens with haptic feedback. The 10.1” top screen provides access to phone settings, navigation and media functions, with the 8.6” screen beneath it tasked with providing comfort functions such as the temperature controls. Audi’s virtual cockpit display comes as standard across the entire A6 model range, and it can be personalised according to taste, and the soft-touch surfaces within the car are complemented by darkened aluminium and piano black trim and inlays.

Standard infotainment features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth, a DAB radio, and USB ports, along with SD and SIM card slots too.

The impressive 530 litre boot capacity in the A6 Saloon can be increased considerably by dropping the 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats. Practical storage compartments within the cabin consist of a lockable glovebox, door pockets, cup holders, and a compartment directly under the height-adjustable driver’s armrest.

Test Car Details

My A6 40 TDI test car, in S Line trim, was finished in elegant Grenadine Red metallic paintwork that highlighted the car’s sleek curves, sculpted bonnet, stylish light clusters and large front grille that proudly houses Audi’s iconic four-ring logo. Rear privacy glass and upgraded 21” Audi Sport alloy wheels rounded off the stunning exterior look of my test car, with the lowered suspension that comes as standard in S Line trim providing added visual drama.

The smooth 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produces 204PS (201bhp) and 400Nm of torque, with a 7.9-second 0-100km/h sprint time and a 246km/h top speed (where permitted) being headline figures. Also impressive is a fuel consumption figure as low as 5.2-litres/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle - helped out by stop/start technology as standard - with Co2 emissions of 136g/km resulting in annual road tax of just €210. The powertrain is a pure and punchy delight, defined by its broad throttle responses. Paired to a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission (S-tronic), it is a relaxing car to drive, with super-confident road-holding ability. The acceleration is smooth and responsive, and the steering wheel-mounted paddles can be used if you fancy taking control into your own hands on occasion. Extra sound deadening material has been added to the latest A6, and this greatly improves overall refinement, with minimal engine or road noise filtering through into the cabin. The sharp steering se t-up offers ample driver feedback, and this makes the A6 entertaining to drive along twisty back roads, as the car’s excellent ride and handling capabilities are there to be enjoyed through every bend in the road.

Verdict and Pricing

The latest Audi A6 TDI Saloon is a compelling choice for those seeking a perfect balance of performance, efficiency, and luxury in a mid-size executive car.

It combines luxury, technology, and practicality in a package that is well-suited for daily commuting as well as long-distance driving. The A6 Saloon is also available with a petrol plug-in hybrid powertrain with the choice of 299PS (50 TFSIe) or 367PS (55 TFSIe), along with a powerful S6 variant with 344PS.

The Audi A6 40 TDI SE and S Line Saloon is priced from €60.175 and €64,470 respectively.