With hardly any changes, can the new Audi A6 be any better?
Exterior – Front
So, right from the start it doesn't look like a lot has changed for the facelift of the A6 and you can see why but there are a few changes to make it feel slightly more modern than before. Let's start with what is the same as before. The headlights are the same with Matrix LED Technology and they still look smart and modern. The Grill is the same shape as before but it gets a new mesh pattern replacing the bar style to mimic upcoming Audi models and this does make the car feel more premium and modern than before. The bumper is the same style as before and so is the central air vent but the side vents are slightly different. They are a similar shape as before but the side parts are slightly bigger to make the car more aerodynamic. Because of this they have new surrounds and they are now connected to each other with a new central bar.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get the usual 3 box design. The A6 does have a swoopy design with premium creases. What's new along the side then, well we get some new wheel options and colour options but apart from that, there is nothing to report about.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and again just like the front, the changes have been kept to a minimum and if you don't know, you won't know. So, the taillights are the same as before, and so is the chrome strip and the boot actually. The bumper is mostly the same as before but when we get down to the face exhausts, we start to get some differences. Rather than having fake exhausts Audi has joined them together to give it almost a monobrow look. Whilst it does look more premium it does feel like it has been done for doing sake. The fake side vents have also gone too. So, overall then the outside is mainly the same as before which is still a good thing as there was nothing wrong with it in the first place. Let's have a look and see what engine and gearbox options you can have with the new Audi A6 Facelift.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the Audi A6 Facelift actually has a very simple engine lineup, you get 2 petrol engines, 1 diesel engine and 1 plug-in hybrid engine. Let's start with the Diesel engine first. This is called the 40 TDi. This uses a 2 litre engine which has 200 bhp and a 0-62 time of 7.4 seconds. It can only be had with an automatic gearbox and power is sent through to all 4 wheels using Audi’s Quattro system. MPG combined figure is also good at 50 mpg. Let's have a look at the petrol engines. The first one is called 40 TFSi. This uses a 2 litre engine with 200 bhp and a 0-62 time of 7.3 seconds. again just like the diesel it can only be had with an automatic gearbox and power is sent to the rear wheels. MPG is not as good at only 40 though. The next engine is the 45 TFSi. This is again a 2 litre petrol engine with 260 bhp. It has a 0-62 time of 6 seconds and MPG is not that bad at 37 MPG. This uses an Automatic gearbox and the 4 wheel drive system. Finally lets have a look at the Plug in Hybrid option, this is called 50 TFSi e. This uses a 2 litre petrol engine and a electric motor with a combined power output of 295 bhp. 0-62 time is dealt within 6.2 seconds and it has a range of about 40 miles which is quite decent. Power is sent to all 4 wheels too. The price of the Audi A6 starts at £45,240 and for the plug in hybrid model it starts at £59,505. let's have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
so, climbing inside the Audi A6 Facelift and there are no changes to report of. The Audi MMi system is still the most current version and it works very well and we also get this haptic effect like what the Audi A8 has, it does work well but you do have to push harder on the screen than you would on a normal touchscreen. We also get another touchscreen for the climate control system too. This is a more outdated system to what we will find on newer Audi’s but it does work well and it does feel like a premium car. The Centre console is also very premium and we also get premium feeling materials. The digital instrument cluster is also very customizable and easy to use. The steering wheel is also the best Audi steering wheel design too. The seats are also supportive and comfortable and typical Audi seats. So, let's have a look and see what it is like in the back.
Practicality
So, getting into the rear seats and legroom is perfect but headroom is not the best which is usual with other saloons. We do still get some premium materials too as well as an armrest and some air vents. You also can opt for your own climate control system too
Boot Size
So, opening the boot and like any saloon, whilst it has a small opening we do get a decent size at 530 litres. Sadly though, the plug-in hybrid has the same issues as any Mercedes cars. Because the Batteries are stored in the boot the size of the boot is almost halved to 360 litres. This will be even less as you have to store the charging cables. Not the best option to go for.
Summary
So, in summary, what do I think of the new Audi A6 Facelift. Well considering we are getting an electric model this year and an ICE replacement likely to be called the A7 next year i can see why Audi only made very slight changes to keep the model fresh and relevant in today's Audi Lineup. There was nothing wrong with the pre facelift Audi A6 but this new model does improve on styling whilst keeping the best parts of the old A6. Now may not be the time to buy one though, if you give it a year when they will be cheaper you may be able to find some great deals, better deals than any BMW and Mercedes. It is definitely worth a look out.
Exterior 4/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 3/5
Total 11/15
Model | Audi A6 S-Line |
Engine | 45 TFSi 2.0l Petrol 260 bhp, 0-62 = 6 secs Quattro |
Trnasmission | Automatic 7 Speed |
Price | £50,840 |
On Sale | Now |
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