New models Audi A6 Avant: Combustion cheer with a touch of electric

Audi is releasing a new A6 with petrol and diesel engines. However, the business estate doesn't come without electric assistance.

Following the electric model, Audi now introduces the conventional A6 – initially only as the "Avant" estate. The business series from Ingolstadt launches in May, followed by the sedan, which is less important for the European market, in summer. Prices for the base model will remain just under the 60,000-euro (65.052 USD) mark.

Originally, the new model was supposed to be named A7 to differentiate itself more from the purely electric model A6 E-Tron. However, Audi has meanwhile scrapped the numerical separation between even-numbered electric and odd-numbered combustion series, so now the diesels and gasoline cars also carry the familiar number.

Noticeably new: LED headlights with dynamic light signature

Visually, the two representatives of their propulsion worlds are similar. The most obvious difference is the classic radiator grille with fan openings on the combustion engine model. There is also a fundamental resemblance to the previous generation, but the slightly longer new model places much more emphasis on light and illumination—with OLED taillights spanning the entire rear and narrow Matrix LED headlights at the front. Various dynamic digital light signatures are intended to be displayable at both the front and rear.

Inside, there is a large concave 11.9-inch display for touch operation, with an optional smaller screen for the front passenger. In terms of practical features, the estate offers a luggage compartment of around 500 liters, which can be expanded to over 1,500 liters.

Unlike the A6 E-Tron, the conventional A6 is based on a further development of its previous platform, but with a new electronic architecture interwoven. Audi calls the result "Premium Platform Combustion." In addition to a standard steel chassis, there is a sports suspension and adaptive air suspension. Progressive steering is standard, and all-wheel-drive models also feature all-wheel steering.

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Mild hybrid with two electric motors

In terms of powertrain, three options are available at launch. The entry-level is marked by a 150 kW/204 hp 2.0-liter petrol engine, accompanied by an equally powerful diesel engine, available optionally as a "Quattro." All-wheel drive is standard in the provisional top petrol model with a 270 kW/367 hp 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine.

Also standard in the top variant: the new "MHEV Plus" mild hybrid system from Ingolstadt, which, with its comparatively elaborate construction, large LFP battery, and two electric motors, aims to ensure a high proportion of electric driving in city traffic. Maneuvering and parking are to function completely emission-free. The diesel engine is also mild hybridized, and the fuel-saving technology is available as an option for the four-cylinder petrol engine.

The base petrol engine without mild hybrid starts from 58,000 euros (62.883,60 USD), and the diesel requires an investment of 61,700 euros (66.895,14 USD). The sedan will be about 2,500 euros cheaper (2.710,50 USD). For comparison: The price list for the electric sister model A6 E-Tron starts at 62,800 euros (89.771,76 USD).

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