A new Audi A6 made its way onto the local sales charts this week. Changes to the saloon focus on connectivity, enhanced comfort, more interior space and a refreshed appearance. Audi’s E-Class and 5 Series challenger is typically an also-ran in the mid-level executive space, which is odd because it offers plenty when compared with its rivals.

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New appearance

The exterior dimensions of the eighth-generation Audi A6 have grown a few millimetres compared with its predecessor. It is a 7 mm longer, 12 mm wider and 2 mm higher. The new S6 is set apart by different front trim, wide sills and a wide rear diffuser with four tailpipe finishers. S trim elements in dark chrome and aluminium are used on the radiator grille, the front blade, the side air inlet, the exterior mirrors and the rear diffuser. At the rear, the S6 features an integrated spoiler. In terms of wheels, the A6 range offers 18-inchers as standard. The S6 comes standard with 20-inch wheels

New inside

As with many other new Audi models, the A6 features a sleek facia. The centre console houses two MMI touchscreen displays. The two displays, similar to the treatment seen in the Q8 SUV (which we reviewed) replace most of the buttons and controls of the predecessor model. The upper screen is responsible for controlling the infotainment system while the lower is used for climate control, convenience and vehicle functions. The new A6 also features navigation plus and the Audi virtual cockpit instrumentation cluster.

Powertrains

Audi SA has kept the local A6 range quite small. Just three engine options are available for now. A 2,0 TDI, badged 40 TDI is the entry point to the line-up. This engine develops 140 kW and 400 N.m. A 3,0 TDI, called the 45 TDI produces 183 kW and 600 N.m. Topping the range is a 2,9 TFSI petrol engine in the S6 variant. This unit produces 331 kW and 600 N.m of torque. All derivatives are fitted with automatic transmissions. The 45 TDI and the S6 TFSI boast quattro all-wheel drive as standard. The high-performance Audi RS6 Avant is scheduled to be launched in the second half of 2020. Check out the video at the bottom of this post that shows the original advert for the granddaddy of all RS performance Avant models.

Prices

Audi A6 40 TDI S tronic                        R885 000

Audi A6 45 TDI quattro tiptronic        R1 059 000

Audi S6 TFSI quattro tiptronic            R1 349 500