Grace Under Pressure – New Audi A6 Avant


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Avant is the Audi byword for grace under pressure – it stands for intrinsic elegance combined with optimal adaptability to the demands of everyday life – and the continuously popular model returns to the A6 line-up.

The new Audi A6 Avant not only combines a 1,680-litre maximum luggage capacity into its flowing lines more seamlessly than ever, but acquires a standard mild hybrid drive, a wealth of new technology including the fully digital MMI touch response operating system and a broad spread of state-of-the-art driver assistance options.

Aesthetics and functionality – the exterior design
With sharp lines, large surfaces and the distinctive low-profile rear window, the look of the new Audi A6 Avant exemplifies the brand’s new design language. A wide, low Singleframe grille dominates the front, while the elongated silhouette and trapezoidal window surfaces dominate the side view.

Distinctively shaped blisters, which visually emphasise the quattro drive, extend over the wheel housings. The muscular roofline flows into the low-profile D-pillar, beyond which is a roof edge spoiler that extends the silhouette and complements the athletic stance. At the rear, a decorative trim provides a link between the lights.

Inviting – body, cabin and luggage compartment
The new Audi A6 Avant is 4940 mm long, 1890 mm wide and 1470 mm high, providing the framework for a cabin that is even larger than before, with front and rear elbow room and a rear knee room that are the most ample in the class.

The tailgate and the luggage compartment cover open electrically as standard, and an optional sensor is available for the tailgate which enables it to be opened using a simple movement of the foot.

Safety first – lighting technology and driver assistance systems
The A6 Avant comes with a comprehensive package of safety systems incorporating the latest in lighting, assistance and passive safety technology. Three headlight formats are available, the most sophisticated being the HD Matrix LED headlights, recognizable by the five horizontal lines which form the daytime running light signature.

With frequent drivers and commuters in mind, the A6 Avant provides an extensive range of driver assistance systems, divided into “City assist” and “Tour” packs. The City assist pack includes features such as the new crossing assist system, while the Tour pack offers adaptive cruise assist, which supplements the adaptive cruise control by means of gentle steering intervention to keep the vehicle in lane.

Emergency assist enhances safety by recognising when the driver fails to act and providing a visual, acoustic or haptic warning. If the driver fails to respond, the system takes over, turns on the hazard warning lights and automatically brings the A6 to a stop in its own lane. The system activates Audi pre sense protection measures, such as seat belt tensioning, window closing, and automatically makes an emergency call.

Behind the extensive assistance systems lies a high-tech module: the central driver assistance controller (zFAS). It continuously calculates a detailed model of the environment from a fusion of sensor data. Depending on equipment, the sensor set includes up to five radar sensors, five cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors as well as a laser scanner – another major innovation.

Strong and efficient – advanced engine range with mild hybrid technology
A four and six-cylinder TDI and TFSI engines powers the new Audi A6 Avant. All are supported by Audi mild hybrid technology (MHEV) based around a belt alternator starter which recovers energy during braking that is harvested by a separate lithium-ion battery and also enables engine-off coasting at speeds of between 34mph and 99mph to conserve fuel. An enhanced start-stop function that is active from just over 13mph is also standard.

All versions will be equipped with either seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch or eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmissions, and quattro all-wheel-drive will be a standard or optional feature depending on model. The sport differential that actively distributes power between the rear wheels when cornering at speed will also be available.

Comfortable and agile like never before – the suspension
The compromise between driving comfort and handling agility has been even more delicately balanced in the latest A6 Avant, regardless of which of the four suspension set-ups is specified.

The choices include a conventional steel spring suspension which is standard, sport suspension, suspension with damper control and adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping.

House beautiful – interior and equipment
The interior of the new Audi A6 Avant features a black panel surface with the embedded top MMI touch response display that dominates the sleek instrument panel. The horizontally oriented lines in the interior reinforce the impression of a large space where all elements relate logically to each other.

Progressive and elegant colour schemes, beautifully soft leathers, rich open-pore woods and the option of interior fragrancing via an ioniser ensure that the exceptional new onboard technology is embedded without detracting in any way from the hallmarks of luxury and exceptional craftsmanship that are expected from an Audi cabin.

Intuitive and logical – the MMI touch response operating system
The driver of the new A6 Avant has access to the majority of functions via two large displays in the MMI touch response operating concept. Infotainment and navigation are managed from the top display, which measures 8.8-inches in standard form or 10.1 inches where the optional MMI navigation plus upgrade has been specified. The lower 8.6-inch display, located in the console in the centre tunnel, is used for the climate control and for the convenience functions and text input. To create the ultimate high tech environment the fully digital Audi Virtual Cockpit with its 12.3-inch high resolution in-binnacle LCD screen is optionally available, as is a full colour head-up display.

 


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Ira Panganiban
The author is a certified motorhead and has been a journalist for the past 30 years. He will be a journalist all his life. He thinks he is famous and his mother agrees. His father has another opinion on that matter. Email him at [email protected]

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