The new Audi A6 Saloon has all the high-end luxury you’d expect but, designed from the ground up using the latest lightweight construction techniques, it also delivers top-class fuel economy and CO2 outputs as low as 129g/km.

Much of the reworked body on the new A6 is made up of aluminium and high-tech steels – in fact, aluminium accounts for some 20 per cent of the surface area, leading to a car that is light, rigid and safe. By combining these materials, the weight of the bodyshell has been brought down by around 15 per cent, hence the A6 2.0 TDI tips the scales at a relatively modest 1575kg. Allied to six-speed manual transmission, the 2.0 TDI claims an impressive 57.7mpg combined – helped by stop-start and energy recovery systems.

These technologies are not restricted to the most fuel-efficient model in the range, however, and the 3.0-litre TDI 204PS, 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre TFSI 300PS all make fuel efficiency and emissions a priority. Planned for the not-too-distant future is a A6 hybrid, promising a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor, capable of zero-emission urban driving, yet with 245PS on tap for B-road fun.

As with the previous A6, there is a wide range of drivetrains, from manual six-speed, through CVT, to the stunning seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch for quattro models. For top-of-the-line engines, the quattro sport differential that has appeared in the S4 will also be offered as an option. Other options include comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and TV reception.

The new Audi A6 is open for UK order from January, with OTR prices starting at £30,145.

Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Audi