New, enhanced Audi A6 arrives in SA

The Audi A6 is a model range of great significance to the brand’s local business.

In the late 1990s it was the first-generation A6, with its curvaceous exterior design and bold cabin trim patterns, which established Audi as a worthy rival to BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the minds of most South African car buyers.

Two and a bit decades later, Audi has introduced an updated version of the fifth-generation A6 to the local market.

The enhanced A6 range is two derivatives strong, powered by diesel engines. Priced at R919 500, the A6 40 TDI S Tronic features front-wheel drive and a two-litre turbodiesel engine, boosting 140kW and 400Nm. Audi claims this A6 will be good for 0-100kph in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 237kph.

More appealing and truer to the long-distance driving purpose of an A6 is the 45 TDI Quattro Tiptronic. This version retails at R1 100 000.

It also adds two additional cylinders to its turbodiesel engine. This increases capacity to 3-litres and delivers an impressive 183kW and 600Nm.

Meanwhile, the V6-powered A6 45 TDI benefits from Audi’s renowned quattro all-wheel-drive system, which makes for more confident driving dynamics in rain. With a locking central differential, the quattro system is also capable of providing superior traction in tight radius corners.

Visually distinguishing the two A6 variants are their headlights: with Audi’s advanced Matrix headlights on the 45, whilst the four-cylinder 40 has conventional LEDs.

Audi A6: Digital and comfort enhancements

Factory equipment levels for the latest South African market A6s are notably comprehensive in terms of digitisation. All local A6s now feature an MMI navigation plus system and a smartphone interface.

Audi’s excellent 12.3-in virtual digital cockpit is also standard. It can be configured in a manner of customised display options, depending on your preferences.

Meanwhile, customers also have the option to make their new A6 even cosier when they choose a comfort upgrade at R30 000.

This option adds four-zone climate control, keyless entry, front-seat heating, and haptic touch function for the infotainment system.

Feature image: Audi