Whether you like your Audis tree hugging or tyre shredding, the newly updated A6 range has something for everyone.

Due here in October, the mid-life facelift includes everything from new eco models to a supercharged V6 version and saloon iteration of the mighty RS6.


And if you were playing spot the difference with the pictures don't waste your time - even Audi describes the external changes as subtle. For the record the grille, bumpers, air intakes and lights have all been updated. And yes, that includes standard LED running lights on S line models for all you fast lane bullies out there.

Suspension and running gear are also updated, quattro versions gaining the latest 40/60 rearward biased torque distribution to improve handling balance and revised springs and dampers throughout the range. The interior also gets a subtle makeover, with extra chrome trim and a new joystick interface for the MMI infotainment system.
New engines


But it's under the bonnet where the most dramatic changes are taking place. Four of the current range's engines - the 2.4 and 3.2 V6s, the 4.2 V8 and the 2.0 TDI - have been dropped. In their place is a selection of smoother, cleaner and, in some cases, much more powerful motors to take the fight to BMW.

Of most interest to the majority of A6 buyers will be the arrival of the latest common-rail 2.0-litre diesel engine in the A6. Launched last year in the A4, it will be offered in 134bhp 'e' and 168bhp versions. Known as the 2.0 TDIe, the less powerful variant introduces a range of Bluemotion-style efficiency boosting measures.
New supercharged V6
New Audi A6 (Image © Audi)

CO2 of just 139g/km and 53mpg will go down well with company drivers while those craving more than the 168bhp version can offer can still go for the 187bhp 2.7 or 237bhp 3.0 V6 TDI engines. Petrol engines start with a 187bhp 2.0, a 217bhp 2.4-litre FSI V6 offering the next step up.

More significant is the arrival of an all-new supercharged version of the 3.0 V6, with a hearty 286bhp and 310lb ft of torque. The move from its traditional turbocharging to using a supercharger is a big one for Audi, no matter how much it references its similarly equipped Silver Arrows-era racers. The 429bhp S6 remains as before.
New Audi A6 dashboard (Image © Audi)

Audi is claiming an average efficiency gain of 12% across the revised engine line up and the choice certainly reflects the prevailing mood of smaller, forced aspiration engines replacing the big-cube gas guzzlers of old. Transmission choices remain as before, with varyingly six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes, plus a CVT on certain models.

But the biggest news is the arrival of a saloon version of the mighty RS6, at £76,160 costing £1,570 less than the existing Avant version. The incredible 572bhp twin-turbo V10 and 4.5-second 0-62mph sprint will have rivals at AMG and BMW M trembling in fear, Audi's lockdown on the mega saloon market now complete.

Marks1972 wrote:572bhp! wtf.

Marks1972 wrote:572bhp! wtf.

ollie wrote:Yeah it's an ally block and IIRC they've managed to stick it back behind the front axle so it's effectively a mid-engined car! At least they managed to do so with the RS4?

Alex wrote:For that sort of money though you could just squeeze in the baby Aston V8 Vantage.

Alex wrote:For that sort of money though you could just squeeze in the baby Aston V8 Vantage.

Alex wrote:Yeah, they're quite roomy inside. A bit narrow maybe.