C4 engines

The C4 design was available with the following engines:

Crash testing

NHTSA Frontal impact; Driver side:[4]
NHTSA Frontal impact; Passenger side:[4]
Folksam overall frontal crash test:[5]	Good

S6

Audi S6

Audi S6

Upon introducing the C4 series A6, Audi made small revisions to what was previously known as the Audi S4, renaming it the Audi S6; the S4 name would eventually be re-used for a completely different model derived from Audi's smaller Volkswagen Group B platform-based Audi A4. As this was the first S6 model from Audi, it is commonly referred to as the Ur-S6, derived from the German augmentative, "Ursprünglich" (meaning: original). It was available as both a saloon/sedan (type 4A5), and an "Avant" (type 4A9) (estate/wagon) to European and United States customers, but only as a saloon in Canada, Asia and Australia.

From its launch in late 1994, the Audi S6 was powered by a 2,226 cubic centimetres (135.8 cu in) turbocharged inline five-cylinder petrol engine (parts code prefix: 034, identification code: AAN) with a Bosch Motronic electronic engine control unit (ECU), producing a motive power output of 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp) at 5,900 rpm and 326 N⋅m (240 lbf⋅ft) at around 1,950 rpm, on high octane "Super Plus" 98RON unleaded petrol. This engine gave the S6 a top speed of 235 km/h (146.0 mph), and allowed it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.7 seconds; with 160 km/h (99.4 mph) being reached in 17.5 seconds. The vehicle was available with a standard six-speed manual transmission (five-speed only in North America), and Audi's dynamic Torsen T-1 Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system.

Audi made a high-performance, 4.2-litre V8 engine (parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AEC) with a Bosch KE-Motronic ECU available as an option in the original European S4s, and made the decision to continue to do so with the S6, making a 213 kW (290 PS; 286 bhp) version of the 4.2 available as an optional upgrade over the 2.2-litre inline five-cylinder turbo. Unlike the five-cylinder turbocharged version, the V8-powered S6 was supplied with a four-speed automatic transmission as standard but kept the Quattro four-wheel-drive. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available as an option.

Audi S6 PLUS

Audi S6 Plus

As a swan song to the C4 platform, an even more powerful, and very limited-production Audi S6 Plus was briefly available to European customers. The S6 Plus, developed by Audi's wholly owned high-performance subsidiary, quattro GmbH, was available for sale during the 1997 model year only (production from June 1996 to October 1997). A total of 952 cars were produced; 855 Avants and 97 saloons.

It was powered by another version of the 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) 4.2-litre V8 engine (parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AHK, later to be seen in the Audi S8 as AKH). Audi's performance division reworked key parts of the engine, increasing the maximum power to 240 kW (326 PS; 322 bhp). It was only available with a revised six-speed manual transmission (parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: DGU) (gear ratios – 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730), with a final drive ratio of 4.111.

Further revisions were made to the suspension, brakes, and wheels. The front brake discs were enlarged to 323 mm (12.7 in) in diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick. Standard wheels were 8Jx17 "Avus" cast aluminium alloy wheels, with an optional 7Jx16 alloy wheel for use with winter tyres was also available.

With so much power on tap, the S6 Plus saloon could reach 100 km/h (62.1 mph) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds, with the Avant a tenth of a second slower at 5.7 seconds.

S6 and RS 6

The Audi S6 was a high-powered variant of the A6, featuring a modified version of the 4.2-litre V8 engine producing 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft). It was available as a saloon and Avant although the Avant version was the only one sold in North America.

In the late years of the A6 C5 design, an ultra-high-performance limited-run Audi RS 6 model was presented. Weighing in excess of 1,840 kg (4,057 lb) and producing 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) and 560 N⋅m (413 lbf⋅ft), the RS 6 was capable of 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds, and on to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in under 17 seconds. Initially available as only an Avant, a saloon variant was later added; the saloon version being the only version available to the North American market. The RS 6 saloon finished first in a May 2003 Car and Driver comparison test against the BMW M5 (E39), Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG (W210), and Jaguar S-Type R.^[15]

allroad quattro (1999–2005)

Audi allroad quattro 2.5 TDI (Germany)

Audi allroad quattro 2.5 TDI (Australia)

Audi's C5 series A6 Avant formed the basis for a semi-offroad model in 1999, labeled "Audi allroad quattro". Compared to the regular A6, the allroad featured an advanced air suspension system, allowing for increased ground clearance; larger diameter all-terrain tyres, and flared fenders and bumpers with matte finish, giving it a distinct appearance and more overall flexibility over varying terrain. The allroad's ride height was also increased with 25mm subframe spacers; and overall frame stiffness increased with reinforced welds on the subframe mounts and A, B, and C pillars, the floor pan being produced with 20% thicker steel. As the name "allroad Quattro" suggests, Audi's Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel-drive system was standard equipment for all versions.

The standard adjustable air suspension system can lift the car high enough to provide 208 mm (8 in) of ground clearance; a low-range mode (an option with manual transmission), absent from other Quattro-equipped vehicles, can be selected with the touch of a button. When used together, the two systems made it possible for the allroad to complete an official Land Rover test-course, thus far it is the only car-based SUV that has been proven capable of doing so in testing. Conversely, the air suspension can lower the vehicle down to only 142 mm (6 in) above road level, and simultaneously stiffen the spring and damper rates to provide a sporty driving experience, much like that of the conventional A6 with the sports suspension.

Audi's 2.7-litre, biturbo V6 petrol engine with 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) and 350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) of peak torque was available initially, alongside the 2.5-litre TDI diesel unit with 132 kW (177 hp) and 370 N⋅m (273 lb⋅ft) of torque. A variant of the corporate 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine, was made available in 2003, and a less powerful TDI (163 bhp) followed in 2004.

Audi stopped production of the allroad in July 2005. Although the model continued to be available for sale throughout 2006 in Europe, there was no 2006 model year for North America.

With the return of the "allroad" nameplate to North America, in the form of the 2013 A4 allroad Quattro, the C5-Platform allroad Quattro has begun to take the name "Ur-allroad." The 'Ur-' is used in the German language, as a prefix to signify 'ancient' or 'early ancestor' (e.g., great-grandmother is Urgroßmutter), and is used informally by car enthusiasts worldwide to refer to the original^[16] Audi Quattro that was produced from 1980 to 1991 (the "Ur-Quattro"). The use of the term was then extended to the original S4 and S6 models to differentiate them from later models with the same name, and more recently to the C5 allroad models ("Ur-allroad").

C5 engines

The C5 design was available with the following engines:

Initial release

The Typ 4F A6 was released in 2004. Designed by Satoshi Wada in 2001, this model is visually an evolution of the C5, but was lengthened to 4,927 mm (194.0 in), and has the new Audi "single-frame grille". Like other contemporary Audis, the A6 has a "tornado line" that runs from the front lights to the rear lights just below the body shoulders.^[20]

The C6 iteration of the A6 features more sophisticated technology. Most notable is the Multi Media Interface (MMI), which is a system controlling in-car entertainment, satellite navigation, climate control, car settings such as suspension configuration and optional electronic accessories through a central screen interface. This has the advantage of minimising the wealth of buttons normally found on a dashboard by replacing them with controls that operate multiple devices using the integrated display.

On the engines, the new Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) direct injection technology was introduced. Although the line of engines represents the same progression as the former model, all engines were new. The multitronic continuously variable transmission continues as an alternative for front-wheel-drive models, alongside a new six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission model 0AW available in the four-wheel-drive models. Audi's "trademark" Torsen-based Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive is available in most of the lineup, and standard in the most powerful models. Quattro is not available on the Multitronic variants of the A6, but is available on the manual and Tiptronic gear systems. Conversely, the Tiptronic system is not available on the front-wheel-drive variants of the car. The six-speed manual gearbox is available with the 3.2-litre V6 engine, but not for the North American market.

The Avant was previewed by the Audi Avantissimo concept in 2001 and arrived during the course of 2005. The A6 All-road Quattro made its debut in 2006, and as before, is an off-road-ready version of the Avant, available with either a 2.7-litre V6 or 3.0-litre V6 Turbocharged Direct Injection diesel engines, or a 3.2-litre V6 or 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine.

A6L (2005–2009)

This is a long wheelbase version of the A6 sedan for the Chinese market. The vehicle was unveiled in 2005 at the Shanghai Motor Show.

The vehicles went on sale in the middle of 2005. Early models include A6L 2.4, with A6L 2.0 TFSI (170 PS) followed shortly after. A6L 3.0 Quattro (218 PS) and A6L 4.2 Quattro (335 PS) were introduced in 2005. Other models include A6 3.0.^[21]

S6

The Audi S6 performance variant was introduced in the Frankfurt Motor Show, and produced from early 2006 until 2011. It is powered by a 5.2-litre Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) V10 engine producing 320 kW (435 PS; 429 bhp) and 540 N⋅m (398 lbf⋅ft) of torque. The S6 reaches 100 km/h (62.1 mph) from a standstill in 5.2 seconds and a quarter mile in 13.5 seconds.^[22]

A6 allroad quattro (2006–2011)

Pre-facelift A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TDI

Facelift A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TFSI

Facelift A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TDI

Facelift A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TFSI

Audi announced the C6 series allroad in 2005 and released it the following year. This model was called the Audi A6 allroad quattro (unlike the previous version, the Audi allroad quattro, with no reference to the A6 nomenclature).

The Audi A6 allroad quattro again featured adaptive air suspension and quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. The A6 allroad was powered by a choice of two Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) petrol engines, a 3.2-litre V6 and a 4.2-litre V8, and two TDI diesel engines, a 180 PS (132 kW) 2.7 L and a 225 PS (165 kW) (233 only in the US) 3.0 L. The tiptronic gearbox is standard on the 4.2 V8 and the 2.7 TDI, but optional on the 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI.

The 6-speed "Tiptronic" automatic transmission system converted high-torque engine power into both sporty performance and operating convenience, with crisp, fast gear changes. Advanced electronics respond efficiently to all driver input in both D (Drive) and S (Sport) programmes, helping to prevent unwanted upshifts when cornering. The five-mode air suspension can be raised by up to 60 mm (2.36 in) to provide ground clearance of 185 mm (7.28 in) which is better than the older four-mode.

The car featured a number of off-road styling cues including larger bumpers and sills.

In some European markets, this A6 allroad quattro was more expensive than the larger Audi Q7, but an air suspension is an expensive option in the Q7. In its native country, Germany, it cost a few hundred Euros less than the Q7.

Engines

Awards

In 2005, the A6 won the World Car of the Year award, and has also won the Practical Caravan "Towcar of the Year" awards, due to its array of towing features such as adjustable suspension height and damping, and the presence of a 123 Trailer Stability Programme.

C6 facelift

Sedan (facelift)

Avant (facelift)

Audi unveiled a facelifted "C6" Audi A6 on 12 August 2008, at the Moscow International Motor Show. The refresh incorporates some modern Audi design cues to keep the A6 current with the rest of the Audi lineup.

There are minor cosmetic changes to the front and rear lights which now have daytime running LEDs, the taillights extend towards the center of the trunk lid and pinch off at the license plate mount, however, their shape remains rectangular compared to the more sculpted light clusters found in the 2008 Audi A5, 2008 Audi A4, and 2009 Audi Q5 (the latter three being all-new generations).

The intakes below the headlamps are inspired by the Audi RS5.^[23] The A6's six (per side) front light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights (DRLs) are located within the main headlamp housing, similar to RS6's placement of the LEDs (ten per side), whereas on the S6 these front LEDs (five per side) are found adjacent to the fog lamps in the lower front bumper.

The new front and rear fascias from RS6 would be used on the facelifted A6 and S6 lineup.

There are now six petrol and four diesel engines available for the upgraded A6. All petrol engines now feature cylinder-direct Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) technology, and all diesel engines now feature common rail (CR) and Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) technologies. There is a new petrol engine, a 300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp) 3.0L supercharged V6, badged as 3.0 TFSI or 3.0T. This new engine is shared with the B8-generation Audi S4 and S5, although slightly detuned vs. the S-cars, and makes the A6 3.0T only 0.1s slower 0-60 mph (97 km/h) than the more powerful but heavier 4.2L V8 variant and 5.2L V10-bearing S6.^[24]

Also updated for 2009 is the Quattro all-wheel-drive setup, which is already found on the 2008 Audi A5 and 2008 Audi A4. This new system features a 40/60 front-to-rear torque split and offers a more balanced feel, reducing the understeer that comes from 50/50 AWD platforms.^[23]

US models went on sale as 2009 model year vehicles, and arrived in U.S. dealerships by the beginning of January. Early models include A6 3.2 FSI (sedan), A6 3.0 TFSI quattro (sedan/Avant), A6 4.2 FSI quattro (sedan), S6 5.2 FSI (sedan).^[25]

RS6 (2008–2010)

RS6 sedan

The latest version of ultra-high-performance Audi RS6 was launched in September 2008 and produced until the third quarter of 2010. Based upon the V10 engine powering the S6, the RS6 features an all-aluminium alloy 4,991 cc (304.6 cu in) V10 twin-turbocharged, Fuel Stratified Injection engine with a dry sump lubrication system. It produces a power output of 426 kW (579 PS; 571 bhp), and 650 N⋅m (479 lbf⋅ft) of torque, making it the most powerful vehicle ever produced by Audi at the time. This has now been surpassed by the Audi R8.

Initially available only as an Avant, the saloon version went on sale in mid-October 2008.

A6L (2009–2012)

Audi A6 L (China)

The A6L is a longer wheelbase version of the A6 sedan for the Chinese market. The vehicle was unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2009.^[26] Early models included the 2.7 TDI powerplant (189 PS).^[27]

The Audi A6L was also converted into the form of a pickup truck although only two examples are known to exist on the roads.^[28][29][30]

C6 facelift engines

Safety

Crash testing

EuroNCAP adult occupant:[31]
EuroNCAP child occupant:
EuroNCAP pedestrian:
IIHS overall frontal offset crash test:[32]	Good
IIHS side crash test:[33]	Good
IIHS roof strength test:[34]	Good (models built after 2013)

Initial release

The fourth generation C7 series Audi A6 (internally designated Typ 4G) was launched in early 2011 for the European market and in other markets soon after. It is heavily influenced by the Audi A8 (D4), pulling elements from its exterior details.^[38][39] The A6 shares its interior, platform, and powertrain (Modular Longitudinal Platform) with the Audi A7 four door sedan, which had been released shortly before also in 2011. Compared to the A8 and A7, the A6 has the most aggressive front fascia and LED headlights (optional full LED headlamps). Design work began in 2006, with Jurgen Loffler's exterior design being chosen in 2008.^[40]

The new A6 increased its wheelbase by nearly 3 in (76 mm) and its width by 2.7 in (69 mm). The redesign also decreased the car's drag coefficient to 0.25.

European engine choices for the C7 include two petrol engines – a 2.8-litre FSI V6 with 204 hp (152 kW) and a 300 hp (224 kW), 3.0-litre supercharged FSI engine – and two diesel engines – a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine in three states of tune.^[41] The European A6 3.0 TFSI will have an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an air suspension option, two features that will not be available on the United States model.^[42]

For North America, the Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro will be powered by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 putting out 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) and 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m), the same engine carried over from the previous-generation A6 3.0 TFSI, but in a higher state of tune and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. There is also an Audi A6 2.0 TFSI quattro powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, the same engine in the Audi A4 and Q5, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.^[43][44] For the United States but not the Canadian market, there will be an entry-level Audi A6 2.0 TFSI FrontTrak (front-wheel drive) with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, the same engine in the Audi A4 and Q5, but mated to the Multitronic CVT (continuous variable transmission).

The 2012 model year A6 features all the driver assistance systems from the A8, plus it adds automotive head-up display, active lane assist. Full LED headlamps with Automatic high beam switching or Audi adaptive light (Xenon) with variable headlight range control.

• 
  Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro (Japan; pre-facelift)
• 
  Audi A6 2.0 TDI Avant (Europe; pre-facelift)
• 
  Interior

C7 facelift (2015–2018)

• 
  2015 Audi A6 avant
• 
  2015 Audi A6 sedan
• 
  2015 Audi A6 avant

Audi unveiled the 2015 C7 mid-life facelift at the 2014 Paris Motor Show.^[45] The refresh includes styling tweaks to the car's exterior, engine line-up, transmission and MMI infotainment system with faster Tegra 3 processor, Handwriting recognition, Audi connect Telematics with 4G mobile internet (and online updates for the navigation map), and advanced Matrix LED headlights.

All three TFSI 1.8tfsi and five TDI engines now meet the Euro 6 emission standard. The new TDI Ultra model now comes with glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) springs and both ultra models now come with S-Tronic (dual-clutch) transmission. The entry-level Audi A6 2.0 TFSI FrontTrak (front-wheel drive) with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four, received a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that replaced the previous Multitronic CVT (continuously variable transmission).^[43][44]

A6 hybrid (2012–2014)

A6 Hybrid

A hybrid electric variant was also available for the first time in the A6, offering a 2-litre TFSI 211 PS (155 kW) engine combined with a 45 PS (33 kW) electric motor.^[41] Electric power is supplied via a 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, with electric-only range of 3 km for constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) drive and a top speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph).^[46]

The market launch of the A6 Hybrid was scheduled for 2012.^[47] However, production of the US model was delayed.^[48]

The Audi A6 hybrid was discontinued due to low sales in 2014 after roughly 4,000 units sold.^[49]

A6 allroad quattro (2012–2015)

A6 allroad quattro

The 2013 A6 allroad Quattro was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, alongside the 2012 RS4 Avant. Sales began in 2012. The first UK deliveries arrived in July 2012.

The allroad variant contains several unique features. Audi designed more than 1,100 new, unique parts for the allroad, setting it apart from the standard A6 and making it a true all-terrain vehicle. Most obvious, the allroad received special bumpers and fender flares, giving it an aggressive offroad appearance. The bumpers and fender flares feature a tough-wearing, matte finish, contrasting the rest of the body. The roof received this same coating, as well as four longitudinal ribs for increased strength. The unique bumpers also have integrated aluminum skid plates. The allroad featured larger diameter tires than the standard A6 for improved offroad capabilities. Redesigned headlights, larger side mirrors, and a lack of door "rub strips" are unique to the allroad.

The allroad comes standard with an adjustable air suspension system can lift the car high enough to provide 208 mm (8 in) of ground clearance; a low-range mode (an option with manual transmission), absent from other quattro-equipped vehicles, can be selected with the touch of a button. When used together, the two systems made it possible for the allroad to complete an official Land Rover test-course, thus far it is the only car-based SUV that has been proven capable of doing so in testing.

Conversely, the air suspension can lower the vehicle down to only 142 mm (6 in) above road level, and simultaneously stiffen the spring and damper rates to provide a sporty driving experience, much like that of the conventional A6 with the sports suspension.

It went on sale in spring 2012. Early variants included 3.0 TFSI quattro (310 PS), 3.0 TDI quattro (204 PS), 3.0 TDI quattro (245 PS), 3.0 TDI quattro (313 PS).^[50][51]

A6 L (2012–2018)

The A6 L (built in China for the Chinese market as a long wheelbase alternative to the standard A6) was unveiled in 2012 in Guangzhou International Sports Arena. Early models include A6 L TFSI, A6 L 30 FSI, A6 L 35 FSI, A6 L 35 FSI quattro, A6 L 50 TFSI quattro.^[52][53]

• 
  Audi A6 L (China) Front
• 
  Audi A6 L (China) Rear
• 
  Audi A6 L Facelift (China)

S6 (2012–2018)

Available as the S6 saloon and S6 Avant, they included twin-turbo V8 engine rated 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp) at 5500–6400 rpm and 550 N⋅m (406 lbf⋅ft) at 1450–5250 rpm, recuperation and start-stop systems, cylinder deactivation, Active Noise Cancellation system, seven-speed S tronic transmission, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with a self-locking center differential and torque vectoring (optional sport differential), adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 10 mm (0.4 in), internally ventilated brake discs (optional carbon fiber-ceramic discs), matte black calipers with S6 logos, 8.5Jx19-inch cast aluminum wheels in a unique five parallel-spoke design (optional seven different 19- or 20-inch wheels (four from quattro GmbH), including 20-inch titanium-look wheels with a five-arm rotor design), 255/40-series tires, Audi drive select driving dynamics system, optional dynamic steering, single-frame grille with aluminum applications and chromed horizontal double bars, exterior mirrors feature aluminum-look housings, S6 sedan with spoiler on the trunk (S6 Avant has a roof spoiler), diffuser on the rear bumper in platinum gray with an aluminum-look offset edge, four elliptical chrome-tipped tailpipes, choice of eight body colors (including exclusive shades Estoril Blue, crystal effect and Prism Silver, crystal effect), body decorated with S6 and V8T badges, leather sport steering wheel with colored stitching, footrest and pedals and soft keys of the MMI operating system in an aluminum-look finish, decorative inlays in matt brushed aluminum (optional carbon, fine grain ash natural brown, layered Beaufort oak), choice of 3 colours for headlining, instrument panel, carpet and seats (black, lunar silver and goa beige (only for the seat upholstery)); Pearl Nappa leather and Alcantara seat upholstery (optional Milano and Valcona leather), height-adjustable sport seats with power lumbar supports and embossed S logos (optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function, power-adjustable S sport seats with integrated head restraints).

Other options include xenon plus headlights with an all-weather light, LED rear lights, an electromechanical parking brake, driver information system with color display, MMI radio plus includes a Bluetooth interface, Audi sound system with ten speakers, MMI navigation plus (hard drive, an eight-inch monitor, MMI touch input system), 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

The S6 sedan was unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

S6 sedan and Avant models went on sale in spring 2012.^[54][55][56]

• 
  2015 Avant (S6)
• 
  2015 Avant (S6)
• 
  2015 sedan (S6)

A6L e-tron

Audi A6L e-tron at Auto Shanghai 2015

Audi A6L e-tron at Auto Shanghai 2015

The concept vehicle was unveiled in Auto China 2012 in Beijing.^[57]

It is a plug-in hybrid version of A6 L with 2.0 TFSI 211 PS (155 kW; 208 hp) engine combined with a 95 PS (70 kW; 94 hp) electric motor. Electric power is supplied via a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, with all-electric range of 80 km (49.71 mi) for constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) drive. Other features include MMI navigation plus developed in Audi Infotainment Tech Center (ITC) in Beijing.

The series production plug-in hybrid car will be available in China in 2016 on the long-wheelbase version, using the same hybrid vehicle powertrain like the concept vehicle. It has a power output of 180 kW (241 hp), with 500 N⋅m (370 lb⋅ft) maximum torque. All-electric range will be 50 km (31.1 mi). Acceleration from 0–60 mph (97 km/h) takes 8.4 seconds. Fuel consumption will be 2.2 L/100 km (106.9 mpg_‑US).^[58]

A6 Black Edition (2013–)

Available in Saloon and Avant bodies, they are versions of A6 S line with 177 PS 2.0-litre TDI or higher engines (excluding S6) in front-wheel-drive or Quattro all-wheel-drive configurations, for the UK market. It included 20-inch rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish, black grille, number plate surrounds and window frame strips, and privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards; black roof rails, Piano Black inlays, sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather, black headlining, BOSE audio system with DAB radio, Audi Music Interface (AMI) for iPod connection.

Sales began in November 2012, with deliveries began in early 2013.^[59][60]

RS6 Avant (2013–2018)

RS6 Avant

RS6 Avant

It is a version of S6 Avant with increased engine power to 560 PS (412 kW; 552 hp) at 5700–6700 rpm and 700 N⋅m (516.3 lbf⋅ft) at 1750–5500 rpm, cylinder on demand system deactivates intake and exhaust valves of 4 cylinders (2, 3, 5 and 8), eight-speed tiptronic transmission with shortened shift times and D and S driving modes, quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring with self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value and oil cooler, adaptive air suspension lowering body by 20 mm (1 in) (optional tauter sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control), option is dynamic steering, four internally vented 390 mm (15 in) diameter brake discs in wave design with a wave-like outer contour (optional 420 mm (17 in) diameter carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs with anthracite gray calipers), black six-piston brake calipers (optional red brake calipers), electronic stabilization control with Sport and off modes, high-gloss 20-inch forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design (optional 21-inch cast wheels in high-gloss silver, polished black or polished titanium-look), matte aluminum applications on the body, high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler; rear diffuser with two large elliptical exhaust tailpipes, a choice of 9 body colours (including exclusive shade Daytona Gray matte), dial instruments feature black faces and white dials and red needles, flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, illuminated entry sills, driver information system (DIS) sport RS logos, RS6-specific driver information system, footrest and pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal in aluminum finish, decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor in a piano finish, interior door openers in a delicate double-bar design, standard Carbon inlays (with six additional materials as options), standard black headlining (optional Silver or black Alcantara), RS sport seats with side bolsters and integrated head restraints and RS6 logos upholstered in black Alcantara and leather with diamond quilting at center sections (optional honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver), optional power-adjustable deluxe seats with memory function, two sportily molded rear seats (optional three-person bench seat), xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills, custom driver-information system, parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the 10-speaker Audi sound system.

Optional packages includes customized quattro badges on the central front air inlet. Carbon appearance package includes alternate front splitter and diffuser shapes. Optional Dynamic package increases top speed to 280 km/h (173.98 mph). Optional Dynamic plus package increases top speed to 305 km/h (189.52 mph). Other options include LED headlights with a unique design, the sport differential on the rear axle, Comfort package, head-up display, the high-performance driver assistance systems, Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power, Bluetooth online car phone.^[61][62]

Body styles

A6L with 2.0 TFSI (180 PS) was sold as A6L TFSI in China.

In the US, Canada, UK A6 Saloon with 3.0 TFSI Quattro (310 PS) replaced the A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro (300 PS).

In the UK, A6 Avant with 3.0 TFSI Quattro (310 PS) replaced the A6 3.0 TFSI Quattro (300 PS).

Engines

For A6 3.0 TDI Quattro (245PS), the 580 N-m model replaced the 500 N-m model in the UK.

Transmissions

For A6 Saloon 3.0 TFSI Quattro (310 PS), 7-speed S-Tronic is used in the UK model, 8-speed Tiptronic is used in the US, Canada models.

A6 3.0 TDI quattro (313 PS) was sold as A6 3.0 BiTDI quattro in the UK.

Safety

Euro NCAP test results
LHD, 4-door saloon (2011)^[65]

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	33	91%
Child occupant:	41	83%
Pedestrian:	15	41%
Safety assist:	6	86%

Marketing

As part of the Audi A6 Avant launch in the UK, BBH London, Knucklehead, The Whitehouse, The Mill produced the 'Hummingbird' TV commercial, directed by Daniel Barber. The commercial premiered during the ITV1's coverage of the Rugby World Cup. The commercial was to imagine what a bird designed by Audi would look like and to reflect the car's ultra-lightweight technology. Johann Strauss's 'Open Road, Open Sky' was sung by legendary American baritone and automobile lover John Charles Thomas. In addition, 60 second and 30 versions of the ads were supported by press, print and radio campaigns, as well as a presence on the Daily Telegraph's iPad app.^[66][67][68]

As part of Audi A6 launch in Taiwan, 2011 Audi Fashion Festival featured the theme of 'A6- The sum of Progress', including Shiatzy Chen, Kiki Huang, Robyn Hung and an artistic jewelry brand, Chen Chan.^[69]

As part of 2013 Audi S6 sedan launch in the US market, 3 different versions of 'Prom' commercial were premiered during 2013 Super Bowl game.^[70] The 60-second ad, created by Venables Bell & Partners, features a teenage boy. Voters were to decide their favourite version of the commercial 24 hours on Friday before the Super Bowl game, with winning entry shown on Saturday at Audi's YouTube channel and during the actual game at CBS.^[71][72]

As part of RS6 Avant launch, Audi Land of Quattro Alpen Tour 2013 featured RS6 Avant begins on September 23, travelling across twelve driving stages in 6 countries (Klagenfurt – the capital of Carinthia, Austria, Monaco).^[73]

In the Audi RS6 Avant TV commercial titled 'Perfect Fit', it featured a 2012 Audi R18 with the high downforce sprint bodywork in the guise of Audi R18 e-tron quattro.^[74][75]

A6 Sedan (2018-)

The new A6 was unveiled ahead of the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, and went on sale in June 2018.^[83] All engines are offered with a mild hybrid drivetrain that can reduce fuel consumption by up to 0.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the V6-engined vehicles. The A6 will be offered in 7 new exterior colors and 7 colors which are available in current models.^[84]

German models went on sale in June 2018. Early models include 50 TDI quattro.^[85]

A6 Avant (2018-)

The fifth generation of the A6 is also available as an 'Avant' (Audi terminology for a station wagon). High-performance variants of the 'Avant' will also be produced, with the S6 Avant arriving in 2019 alongside the RS6 Avant.^[86][87][88]

Early European models include 40 TDI, 45 TDI, 50 TDI.^[89]

S6 Sedan, S6 Avant (2019-)

It is a version of A6 with 40:60 front and rear axle all-wheel drive, wheel-selective torque control, damping control (optional adaptive air suspension), lowered body by 20 mm (0.8 in) (with air suspension, auto mode lowers body by further 10 mm (0.4 in)), optional sport differential, electronic chassis platform with 5 drive select modes, 400 mm (15.7 in) front and 350 mm (13.8 in) rear brake discs with black (optional red) aluminium calipers (optional six-piston ceramic brake system includes 400 mm (15.7 in) front and 370 mm (14.6 in) rear brake discs), 20-inch wheels (optional 21-inch wheels), 255/40 tires (optional 20-inch Performance tires), sport seats with embossed S logo (optional integrated head restraints, embossed S logo and rhombus pattern) with optional ventilation and massage, Alcantara (optional Valcona) seat upholstery in colors black, rotor gray or arras red with contrasting stitching; aluminum inlays (optional fine grain ash), optional flat-bottomed rim steering wheel, stainless steel footrest and pedal caps, illuminated aluminum sill trims with S logo.

3.0 TDI model includes 7 kW (9.5 PS; 9.4 hp) electric powered compressor, Euro 6d temp emission standard compliance.

European models went on sale in summer 2019. Early United States, Asia and Middle East models include 2.9 TFSI.^[90]

A6 allroad quattro, 20 years allroad edition model (2019-)

20 years allroad includes a choice of 3 body colours (gavial green, glacier white, Soho brown), 19-inch wheels in exclusive design, black sport seats with leather/Alcantara upholstery, aluminum inlays and illuminated door sill trims.

European models went on sale in June 2019. Early models include 45 TDI, 50 TDI, 55 TDI.^[91]

RS 6 Avant (2019-)

It is a version of A6 Avant with 40 mm (1.6 in) wider body on each side with flared wheel arches, front headlights from Audi A7, optional RS-specific Matrix LED laser headlight with darkened trims with dynamic turn signal, 4.0 TFSI engine rated 600 PS (441 kW; 592 hp) at 6250 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 2050-4500 rpm with a separate lithium-ion battery. The centre diff has a 40:60 torque split front to rear, but in certain situations can direct up to 70 per cent of the power forwards or as much as 85 per cent to the rear wheels and is also fitted with wheel-selective torque control. The RS 6 has RS adaptive air suspension or RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), progressive steering, Audi drive select dynamic handling system with six profiles, 21-inch cast aluminum wheels in 10-spoke star design with 275/35 size tires (optional 22-inch 5-V-spoke trapezoid design wheels in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss anthracite black, gloss turned finish with 285/30 tires), 420 mm (16.5 in) front and 370 mm (14.6 in) rear steel brake discs with black (optional red) calipers (RS ceramic brakes includes 440 mm (17.3 in) front and 370 mm (14.6 in) brake discs with gray, red or blue calipers), 'RS Monitor' MMI touch response display, optional head-up display, aluminium shift paddles, RS and RS 6 logos at steering wheel interior, seats and the illuminated front door sill trims; seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara upholstery with RS embossing and rhombus pattern (optional perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb pattern and RS embossing), optional carbon, wood natural, gray-brown, or matt aluminum inlays, optional swiveling trailer towing hitch with electric release, optional camera-based trailer assist. RS design packages (red and gray) includes steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads in Alcantara with contrasting stitching; belt straps with color edging, RS floor mats. Dynamic package adds quattro sport differential dynamic all-wheel steering, increased top speed to 280 km/h (174.0 mph). Dynamic package plus package adds dynamic package feature, plus increased top speed to 305 km/h (189.5 mph).

European models went on sale in end of 2019.^[92]

A6 e-tron concept (2021)

Based on A6/A7 Sportback body, it included 22-inch wheels, LED projectors built in into each side of the body, 100 kWh battery.^[93]

The vehicle was unveiled in Auto Shanghai 2021,^[94] followed by 2021 Milan Design Week.^[95]

Engines

All variants are offered in mild hybrid engines as standard, which include a 48-volt MHEV system.^[96][97]

Transmission

All variants can come with either a 7-speed S-Tronic DCT and 8-speed "Tiptronic" automatic.

Markets

Awards

Audi A6 allroad quattro won Auto Bild Allrad's All-Wheel Drive Car of the Year under the Crossover category.^[106]

Production

Following the launch of the new A6, Audi officially stopped production of the A6 and A7 TDI vehicles using V6 TDI Gen2 evo EU6 engines due to an investigation on newly discovered emissions cheating software.^[107][108]