- The overhauled Audi A6 Avant kicks off a new generation for the automaker’s mid-size offering and should be joined by a sedan later this year.
- A turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 produces 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and features 48-volt electrical assistance.
- The cabin features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster, and an optional 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger.
Audi is in the process of overhauling its bread-and-butter models. First Audi revealed the 2025 A5 sedan, a successor to the long-running A4. Next came the 2025 Q5, kicking off the third generation of the brand’s bestselling vehicle. Now Audi is launching a new A6, revealing the mid-size car in Avant wagon form first. While the new A6 Avant won’t be sold in the United States—at least not in non-RS or Allroad forms—a sedan will surely follow and carry many of the same upgrades as Europe’s Avant.
Sleek Styling and 48-Volt Assistance
At first glance, the new A6 Avant doesn’t look like a radically new design, but its sharp creases and wide front grille give it an assertive, svelte look that is a significant departure from the stoic aura of the outgoing model. That gaping maw up front is composed of boomerang-shaped elements and is sandwiched by large vents that direct air around the side of the car. Deep indentations are carved into the hood, and the headlights are adorned with the intricate LEDs that Audi has become known for. The A6’s slippery bodywork contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.25, the lowest among internal-combustion Audis.
Under the hood are three powertrains, but only one is likely to make its way stateside in the A6 sedan. While Europe receives a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 201 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder with the same power output, the U.S.-spec A6 will presumably be offered exclusively with the turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder that sends 362 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels and features 48-volt electrical assistance. While the gas 2.0-liter—which drives the front wheels only—needs 8.3 seconds to accelerate from zero to 62 mph, the V-6 does the same sprint in 4.7 ticks.
The 48-volt system consists of a 1.7-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery hooked up to a belt alternator starter and a powertrain generator. The latter allows the A6 Avant to run on electric power while driving slowly, such as in traffic or when parking. It can also take over for short bursts when coasting and can supply an extra 24 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque when accelerating from a standstill or overtaking another car. The A6 Avant is also able to recuperate energy through the 48-volt system under braking.
High-Tech Inside and Out
The A6 will be offered with rear-wheel steering when fitted with all-wheel-drive, helping the large wagon become more maneuverable in tight corners and more stable at higher speeds. Adaptive air suspension is available, and buyers can also add a Quattro Sport rear differential to make the wagon more agile. Audi says the steering is more direct than before thanks to a stiffer torsion bar and control arm bushings. Audi increased the camber on the front axle, also contributing to Audi’s claim of more communicative and responsive steering.
The cabin follows the lead of the 2025 A5 and Q5, with a trio of screens and lots of silver trim. The main 14.5-inch touchscreen, angled slightly toward the driver, is supplemented by an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster. A head-up display is optional, as is a dedicated 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger. Goodies include a panoramic glass roof, a Bang & Olufsen surround sound system with speakers in the front headrests, and optional four-zone automatic climate control. The driver can also adjust the exterior lighting, choosing from seven different light signatures. The lights can also selectively brighten or dim different areas of the road ahead, improving safety at night for both the A6 driver and other road users.
Deliveries will begin in Europe at the end of May, with pricing for the gas-powered four-cylinder starting at the equivalent of $61,000 at current exchange rates. The A6 sedan should be unveiled later this year, and we don’t expect U.S. sales to get underway until 2026. Prices should start in the low-$60,000 range, and a more potent four-cylinder could appear in the U.S. alongside the V-6.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
