The Audi A6 is an executive class car produced since 1994, with its roots tracing back to the original Audi 100. Continuing the legacy of the previous model, the first generation A6 takes the C4 designation, the same one used by the fourth-in-line of the Audi 100. It comes in a four-door sedan and five-door Avant (estate) version, with a longitudinal front-engine, front or four-wheel drive layout. The A6 received praise and popularity for its reliability, ride comfort, and fuel-efficient engines.
The First Generation - C4 (1994- 1997)
The A6 began its lineage as a facelifted Audi 100, with changed headlights and taillights, radiator grille, and slightly updated engine. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association rated the Frontal Impact – Driver-side and Passenger-side safety with a five-star rating, while Folksam, a Swedish insurance company rated the Overall frontal crash safety as ‘Good’.
The S6 variant takes over the S4 model (not to be confused with the modern S4 based on the Audi A4). It came in both the sedan and the Avant variant, with only the sedan reaching Australia. The power came from a 2.2L turbocharged I5 petrol engine, producing 169kW (227hp) and 326Nm of torque. It was paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and Quattro drive system. While offering decent power, a true high-performance option would arrive with the 4.2L V8, with a power output of 213kW (286hp) paired with a four-speed automatic transmission or optional six-speed manual gearbox, and Quattro drive system.
The S6 PLUS was the top end performance option, developed by the famous Quattro GmbH (Audi’s high-performance division) and available in only 952 units. It used a different version of the 32v 4.2L V8, with a power output of 240kW (322hp), mated with a revised six-speed manual gearbox.
Powertrain options include the following petrol engines:
- 1.8L and 2.0L inline-four engines
- 2.2L (Turbo) and 2.3L inline-five engines
- 2.4L, 2.6L, 2.8L V6 engines
- 4.2L V8 engine
All these choices came configured with Dual Overhead Camshaft or Single Overhead Camshaft, and two, four, or five valves per cylinder.
Diesel variants come in turbocharged, Single Overhead Camshaft, and two valves per cylinder configuration, in 1.9L inline-four and 2.5L inline-five options.
These were paired with a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Second Generation - C5 (1997-2004)
Making its debut at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show, the new Audi A6 is based on the VW C5 platform which is used exclusively. To compete in the executive class with Mercedes and BMW, Audi modernized the design, setting the trend of the fastback appearance, making the car very aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.28. EuroNCAP rated the Adult occupant safety with three stars, while the IIHS rated the Overall frontal-offset crash safety as 'Acceptable'.
The S6 came with a modified 4.2L V8 engine with a power output of 250kW (335hp) and 420Nm of torque, available in both sedan and Avant body types.
A limited-run of the top-performance Audi RS6 came with a 4.2L V8 Dual Overhead Camshaft 40-valve engine, producing 331kW (444hp) and 560Nm of torque. Despite the weight of 1840kg, the RS6 could achieve 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds.
The Audi Allroad Quattro is an off-road-capable version, with air suspension, larger wheels and unpainted bumpers, and a Quattro drive system.
Petrol engines used include a wide range of engines with several power outputs:
- 1.8L naturally-aspirated or turbocharged inline-four DOHC 20v
- 2.0L inline-four DOHC 20v
- 2.4L V6 DOHC 30v
- 2.7L turbocharged V6 DOHC 30v
- 2.8L V6 DOHC 30v
- 3.0L V6 DOHC 30v
- 4.2L V8 DOHC 40v
Diesel engines used include two models:
- Four variants of 1.9L turbocharged inline-four SOHC 8v
- Five variants of 2.5L turbocharged V6 DOHC 24v
The Third Generation - C6 (2004-2011)
Under the leadership of Satoshi Wada, Audi A6 gets a design update, with most notable changes being the front grille, now a single-frame, as well as a longer body, now at almost 5 meters. Technology is brought up to date with Multi-Media Interface, a system for configuring Sat Nav, air conditioning, and in-car entertainment, but can also be used to configure suspension and other handling options.
Available trim levels include Standard Trim, Le Mans, Limited Edition, S Line, and SE.
The third generation was offered with a wide range of petrol engines and three diesel options, paired with 6-speed manual gearbox, 6-speed or 7-speed automatic transmission.
A6 Allroad Quattro came with adaptive air suspension and Quattro drive as standard, while the RS6 offered the high-performance variant, with an aluminium 5.0L V10 twin-turbo FSI petrol engine. Facelift of 2008 brought minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear fascias, intakes, head, and rear lights. The Quattro system has been updated, and new upgraded engines became available.
On the Euro NCAP test, the A6 received a 5-star rating in Adult occupant safety, 4 stars in Child occupant safety, and 1 out of 4 stars in Pedestrian safety. IIHS rated the Overall front offset crash, side crash, and roof strength with the highest score of ‘Good’.
The Fourth Generation - C7 (2011-2018)
A successor was launched in 2011, with a design inspired by the Audi A8 (D4). Together with the Audi A7, it is built on the MLP platform, and shares the powertrain and interior with it, although the design of the A6 is distinguishable by an aggressive front. Facelift of 2015 brought updates to the design, MMI infotainment system, and powertrain options. A6 Allroad Quattro, S6 and RS6 versions remain available in this generation.
Trim levels available include Standard, SE, SE Executive, S Line, S6 Black Edition, Black Edition, and S6.
- Standard trim includes: 3x3 point rear seat belts, ABS, Alarm, Alloy wheels, Audio remote, Body-coloured bumpers, CD, Cruise control, Full set of Airbags, Electric mirrors, Folding rear seats, Front electric windows, Heated mirrors, Height adjustable drivers seat, Isofix child seat anchor points, Leather seat trim, Parking sensors, PAS, Rear electric windows, Remote locking, Sat Nav, Service indicator, Steering wheel reach and rake adjustment, Traction control
- Black Edition adds: Headlight washers, Lumbar support, Space saver spare wheel, Sports seats
- S6 trim level adds: Electric driver’s seat, Electric passenger’s seat, Headlight washers, Heated seats, Lumbar support, Partial leather seat trim, Space saver spare wheel, Sports seats
On the Euro NCAP crash test, the fourth generation scored an Overall rating of 5 stars, with Adult occupant safety at 91% and 33 points, Child occupant safety at 83% and 41 points, Pedestrian safety at 41% and 15 points, and Safety assist systems at 86% and 6 points.
Powertrain options available in Australia include:
- 1.8L petrol engine producing 140kW (188hp) and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L petrol engine producing 155kW (208hp) and 350Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.8L petrol engine producing 162kW (217hp) and 280Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L TDI producing 130kW (175hp) and 380Nm of torque, paired with a CVT automatic transmission
- 3.0L TDI producing 150kW (201hp) and 400Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 3.0TDI producing 180kW (242hp) and 580Nm of torque, paired with 8-speed automatic transmission
The Fifth Generation - C8 (2018-present)
Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 2018, the latest A6 has been available since June of the same year. Engine lineup has an optional 48-volt mild hybrid system that slightly reduces consumption and has start-and-stop functionality. The interior has been inspired by the A7 and A8 models, featuring a dual touchscreen dashboard and modern design.
Base equipment includes a wide assortment of features, such as Full Airbags Package, Anti-lock Braking, Auto Climate Control, Automatic Stop/Start, Cruise Control, Fog Lights, Heated Front Seats, Keyless Entry and Drive, Leather Upholstery and Seating, Park Assist, and Satellite Navigation.
- S Tronic is a slight step up in trim level and adds Cruise Control, Mobile Phone Connectivity, Radio CD with 10 Speakers.
- Black Edition adds: Autonomous Emergency Braking, Cloth Headlining, Leather Sports Seats, Matrix LED headlights with signature DRL, Rear Privacy Glass, Surround Camera System, Special Paint Finish, Premium Sound System, Sports Suspension
On the Euro NCAP test, Audi A6 scored 93% in Adult Occupant safety, 85% in Child Occupant safety, 81% in Pedestrian safety, and 76% in Safety assist systems. Its safety assist features include Brake Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, and Forward Collision Warning System.
The Australian market received only two engine options:
- 1.8L turbocharged petrol engine, with a power output of 140kW (188hp) and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
- 2.0L TDI turbocharged diesel engine, with a power output of 140kW (188hp) and 400Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission
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Author: Luka Kusic