Audi Unveils Inspiration from the Past in New A6 Saloon
German automaker Audi has recently introduced the latest iteration of its A6 saloon, drawing inspiration from its past to create a sleek and aerodynamic design. The sixth generation of the A6 has undergone a significant overhaul, resulting in a curvier body with a drag coefficient of just 0.23, making it the most aerodynamic combustion-powered Audi in production.
One of the most notable design elements of the new A6 saloon is its curved rear end, reminiscent of the Mk2 ‘C5’ A6. To achieve this unique design, Audi opted to use steel instead of aluminum for the bootlid, as it allows for easier shaping and molding.
Following closely behind the release of the A6 Avant wagon, the A6 saloon was originally intended to be named the A7 before Audi revised its naming strategy. Historically, the A6 saloon has enjoyed greater global success compared to its wagon counterpart, with a larger portion of sales occurring outside of Europe and North America. In fact, South Korea stands out as the largest market for A6 saloons, accounting for 40% of global sales.
Similar to the A6 Avant, the A6 saloon is available with a choice of turbo petrol or turbo diesel hybrid powertrains, identified by the TFSI and TDI badges, respectively. Both engines are 2.0-liter four-cylinder units producing 201bhp, with the petrol variant delivering 251lb ft of torque and the diesel variant offering 295lb ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an automatic gearbox, while the diesel option can also be equipped with Quattro all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, the diesel powertrain features a 48V system that enables limited electric-only driving at low speeds or during cruising. This hybrid technology enhances efficiency and reduces emissions, aligning with Audi’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
