Audi has officially revealed their fifth-generation A6. The new A6 is taller, longer and wider than the car it replaces (by 2mm, 7mm and 12mm respectively), and follows the recently launched A7 and last year’s Audi A8 with a design that is very much evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
At the front the large grille is mimics the A8, while the rear gets different taillights that look completely different from the flagship. Inside, the A6 shares its ultra-modern cockpit layout with the A7. Audi is positioning its infotainment system as a key selling point for the A6, describing it as a “futuristic operating concept.” There are two central touchscreens, both 8.6-inches as standard, with a 10.1-inch upper screen available as an option. The system, known as MMI, allows vehicle functions, shortcuts and favourite buttons to be dragged and dropped, akin to a smartphone. The top screen controls infotainment and navigation and the lower screen is used for climate control, convenience functions and text input.
Also like the A7, every version of the new A6 will use mild hybrid technology. A 48-volt battery will come standard with every powertrain. This allows the engine to uncouple from the rest of the drivetrain while coasting between 55 and 160kph, and the stop-start system can turn the engine off from 22kph during stopping.
Among 37 driving assistance systems, there is the Level-3 autonomous driving system introduced on last year’s A8. Although the technology is available, legislation is not yet in place to allow the use of Level-3 on a public road unless it is for manufacturer testing. The parking pilot and the garage pilot (a system that autonomously maneuvers the A6 into and out of a parking space or garage via the myAudi smartphone app) form part of the Park assist package, one of three packages. The City assist package includes features such as the new crossing assist. The Tour assist package comes with the adaptive cruise assist, which supplements the adaptive cruise control by means of gentle steering intervention to keep the vehicle in lane, and the efficiency assist, which promotes an economical driving style.
The new Audi A6 is due to go on sale in South Africa in early 2019.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the new Audi A6 cost in South Africa?
The new Audi A6 starts from around R850,000 for the base model in South Africa, with fully loaded versions pushing well past the R1.2 million mark depending on options and trim levels.
Q: Is the new Audi A6 worth buying?
The A6 is worth buying if you want cutting-edge tech and don't mind paying premium prices for features you might not use daily, but rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class offer similar luxury for potentially better value.
Q: What are the key new features of the fifth-generation Audi A6?
The new A6 features dual 8.6-inch touchscreens as standard, mild hybrid technology with 48-volt battery across all models, Level-3 autonomous driving capability, and 37 driving assistance systems including parking pilot and garage pilot functions.
Q: How fuel efficient is the new Audi A6?
The A6's mild hybrid system with 48-volt battery allows engine decoupling between 55-160kph and stop-start from 22kph, delivering improved fuel economy compared to the previous generation, though official consumption figures vary by engine choice.
Should You Buy It?
The new Audi A6 is a tech lover's dream that costs serious money to live with. Starting around R850,000, it packs impressive kit like dual touchscreens, mild hybrid tech, and autonomous features that won't be legal for years. The problem is you're paying flagship money for technology that feels more like a smartphone than a car, and some buyers will find the complexity overwhelming. If you want the best executive saloon under R900,000 in South Africa, the BMW 530i offers better driving dynamics and simpler operation, while the Mercedes E200 provides similar luxury with less digital overload. Buy the A6 if you absolutely must have the latest tech and don't mind the learning curve, but most buyers will be happier with less complicated alternatives.
