The new Audi A6 also has the usual drive modes, but now also gets a new “efficiency” mode. This not only optimizes fuel saving but also manages the climate control by limiting the power of the air-conditioning system. All in all, the petrol A6 can deliver as high as 16 km/l on the highway. Efficiency talk apart, it isn’t a slouch. The new Audi A6 45 TFSI can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds. The India-spec car weighs in at 1,705 kg, so it isn’t exactly light. It is, however, rather light on its feet. With a peak 370 Nm of torque coming in strong from 1,600 rpm and staying on well past 4,000 rpm and with 245 hp kicking in from 5,000 rpm, the A6 can get up to highway speed quickly and stay there with ease. The S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch unit keeps the engine in the optimal band for easy cruising but a quick overtaking manoeuvre is just a flex of the foot away. The ratios are even better optimized to keep the car revving low — although the 6,800 rev limit seems high — and the engine is simply inaudible inside. The cruise control also keeps things simple — including sticking to the speed limit. Given the time to think, I did miss having ventilated seats on what was turning out to be a scorching winter day. Another element I would have liked to see included in the safety kit is the lane-keep assistance with the steering helping out as well — considering this is, after all, the “Technology” variant. But, for what it’s worth, it does a great job munching miles. The reason for the omissions isn’t down to the car as much as it is to many unnecessary restrictions on technologies that could enhance safety multi-fold. They will, in time, be dire necessities.
Approaching the tighter bends sees the five-link suspension shine. The ride quality in the new Audi A6 is excellent, although it does feel like it is set up to be agile and sporty when the situation calls for it. Switch from “efficiency” to “dynamic” mode and the loudest noise inside the A6 was not the engine or the tyre noise but the blower! Tapped down a couple of notches, everything seemed calm and relaxing. Except the road demanded more. The A6 holds its line well when prodded. It’s planted and nimble. It feels like a smaller car darting from corner to corner; with a particular double-apex tightening right-hand hairpin making its excellent agility all the more evident. The light steering is responsive and alive and the brakes are sharp on the job. It can be fun when driven spiritedly.
That said, I must confess I believe the time for driving pleasure has passed. Today is about comfort, convenience, safety, and, even higher up the priority check-list, efficiency. Traffic conditions have reached abysmal lows and rampant inconsiderate motorists are a plague to those who care to respect the rules. The new Audi A6 ticks all those boxes. It’s the business saloon for those seeking a refined, fuss-free petrol car that balances elegance, comfort, and simplicity with the toys, gadgetry, and technology that the modern world has sprouted. It truly is a new Audi A6 and it goes back to basics, with a contemporary twist.
Need to Know – New Audi A6 45 TFSI S tronic FWD Technology
Price: Rs 59.20 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,984-cc, in-line four, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 245 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm
Max Torque: 370 Nm @ 1,600-4,300 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive
Suspension: Five-link axle front and rear
Weight: 1,705 kg
