Driven: The recently launched Audi A6 40 TDI S Line

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

The Audi A6 40 TDI S Line, now in its eighth generation, is classy with smoothly contoured lines, flowing rear indicators and attractive larger Audi Sport alloy wheels amongst others. That’s the exterior. Step inside the interior and there’s a whole lot more. Lavish is one word that springs to mind when you feel the leather seats, the crafted instrumentation panel with two handily placed touch screens.

The digitalisation, comfort and sportiness certainly add a new dimension to this executive and somewhat large vehicle. I certainly enjoyed the all-digital MMI touch response system that provides simple, quick and easy operation. The improved assistance systems demonstrate intelligent automotive innovation and the suspension combines smooth ride comfort, unshakable stability with enhanced sportiness.

Interior

As much as you want your car to look great from the outside, you also want the latest in technology; the Audi A6 delivers just that. Fast access to functions and a high degree of customisation – the new smartphone-like display and MMI touch operating system makes use intuitive in the Audi A6. It is thus the most modern operating concept in its class. Two large displays - as seen in the new Audi A7 Sportback and Audi Q8 - replace most of the buttons and controls of the previous model.

In the upper 10.1" display, the buttons for all functions can be placed freely, similar to the user experience with smartphone apps. In the bottom 8.6" display, the user can create up to 27 individual shortcuts for key vehicle functions and favourites such as phone numbers, radio stations or navigation destinations, it's pretty handy indeed.

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

There is also an optional head-up display which projects information relevant to the driver into the driver’s field of view on the windshield, for instance, a detailed map for the navigation.

Besides the MMI touch response operating system the A6 also offers the online voice control system. This allows a wide range of vehicle functions, such as controlling the air conditioning system, to be performed using everyday speech commands.

More safety, more comfort

The new A6 sets new standards in the premium class with numerous driver assistance systems and included here are the adaptive cruise assist, which also comprises the swerve and turn assist and thus supports the driver with operating and manoeuvring the vehicle effectively. Also included is a night vision assistant which uses an infrared camera and reacts to the heat given off by objects. Emergency assist enhances safety by bringing the vehicle to a stop in an emergency.

The panoramic glass sunroof is a one-touch operation and adds extra light when needed. The luggage compartment, with its capacity of 530l will accommodate two golf bags and overnight duffel bags, while the trunk lid can be closed electrically with a kicking motion, optional on the A6 but standard on the S6.

A powerful and efficient powertrain

A 2.0 TDI engine with 140kW and 400Nm is under the bonnet of the Audi A6 40 TDI. Glad to say that the engine provides outstandingly strong power delivery, high efficiency yet refined operation.

All variants within the A6 range are fitted standard with automatic transmissions.

Verdict

The new A6 is an expressive ambassador of the new Audi design language. Audi A6 40TDI S Line with sharply defined edges and striking lines is a stand out in the executive class. The exterior stands out with a very balanced look. The interior is sophisticated and welcoming. Driving the A6 is the cherry on the top with a smooth take-off and the gearbox changes upwards ever so quietly yet efficiently.

It is slightly longer than its predecessor model line – by 7mm to 4.94m long, by 12mm to 1.89m wide and by 2mm to 1.46m high, it just feels bigger. The paint range includes a choice of 14 colours but perhaps the one element that impressed me was the low diesel consumption on the long coastal trips, at just 5.7l per 100kmph. I could have achieved an even lower consumption, had it not been a boiling hot day in KwaZulu-Natal and thus the aircon was used extensively. The range from a full tank will get you around 1000kms.

Pricing

The Audi A6 40 TDI S Line is priced at R919,500. The A6 range comes standard with the five-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan, inclusive of all taxes.