Audi Unveils the New Gas-Powered A6 Sedan

• The brand’s mid-size sedan enters a new generation a few months after its electric counterpart.

• The new A6 features a sleek, aerodynamic design and an available mild-hybrid V6.

• Technologies such as air suspension, rear-wheel steering, Chat GPT, and brake-by-wire are also offered.

Audi has been busy over the last few months with the launch of numerous new and refreshed models such as the Q5, the electric A6, and the A6 Avant.

Now, it is the gas-powered A6 sedan’s turn to get a refresh, but not a name change, as the brand has gone back on its plan to give EVs an even number and combustion-powered models an odd number.

The A6 has always been one of the most conservatively-styled models in Audi’s lineup, and the latest iteration is no different.

Indeed, if the front end is quite bold, taking its large grille and angled headlamps from other recently redesigned Audi models, the rest of the silhouette is quite similar to the outgoing A6.

The new front end and a slightly sleeker roof profile have allowed a very low drag coefficient of 0.23, which is the lowest figure ever achieved by an Audi model with a gasoline or diesel engine. In fact, this is only 0.2 points higher than the brand’s record, which was established by the new electric A6 e-Tron.

The rear end strays a bit further from the current A6, with split rear taillamps and a vertical brake lamp element. The lightbar that runs from side to side also emphasizes the width of the new A6, giving it a slightly more dynamic look than its predecessor.

Inside, the changes are even more pronounced as the new A6 Sedan uses basically the exact same dashboard and center console as its electric counterpart, which means a large panel includes both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment screen while the passenger is faced with a third screen. This latter screen can be used for entertainment or to control a number of the vehicle’s functions without distracting the driver.

Another distinctive feature available on the A6 is an electrochromic panoramic sunroof that can be made clear or opaque at the touch of a button.

The new Audi A6 also benefits from the latest technologies in terms of infotainment systems, with a voice assistant that can tap into chat GPT if it doesn’t know the answer on its own.

Details specific to the Canadian model are not yet published, but the European version of the new A6 is available with three engines, two of which are likely to be offered here.

The first of these two is a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 201 horsepower and 251 lb-ft of torque. Since the current A6 uses a similar engine that generates 261 horsepower, it would not be surprising to see a more powerful version of the four cylinder as the base engine in the new A6.

The other engine offered in the European market is a 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine which is paired with a mild-hybrid system to offer an output of 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque and a reduction in fuel consumption.

If European buyers will be able to choose a front-wheel drive A6, all Canadian models are expected to have Quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

Other mechanical elements include an available air suspension system and an available four-wheel steering system that work together to improve handling, maneuverability, comfort, and performance. The new A6 is also equipped with a brake-by-wire system that uses a computer to calculate the required braking effort in relation to the driver’s action on the pedal. In models equipped with the mild-hybrid powertrain, this system blends regenerative and friction braking to increase efficiency without compromising on brake feel.

Customer deliveries of the new Audi A6 will begin this summer, with Canadian models expected to arrive in the following months.