New Audi A6 Debuts As Brand’s Most Aerodynamic ICE Sedan Yet

As global auto trends increasingly favour crossovers and electric vehicles, Audi has unveiled the next generation of its A6 sedan, a model that remains committed to the traditional three-box design. While sedan sales have declined in recent years, Audi's continued investment in the A6 highlights enduring demand for the body style, especially in the premium segment dominated by legacy German automakers.

The newly revealed A6 sedan follows the earlier debut of the A6 Avant, Audi’s station wagon variant. Aesthetically, the sedan mirrors the Avant from the front through the B-pillar, diverging only at the rear. Audi notably chose to showcase the standard version of the A6 sedan without the sportier S Line package, a departure from the usual practice of spotlighting top-tier trims in press releases. Still, the model on display is not the base variant.

Mechanically, the new combustion-engine A6 differs significantly from the all-electric A6 e-Tron. While the EV is built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE), co-developed with Porsche, the petrol A6 rides on the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), which also underpins the latest A5. The sedan forgoes the A6 e-Tron's split-headlight setup and maintains traditional design elements, including real exhaust outlets—an answer to past criticism of Audi’s use of fake tips.

Aerodynamically, the new A6 sets a benchmark for Audi’s gas-powered models with a drag coefficient of 0.23. However, the electric A6 e-Tron remains more efficient at 0.21, aided by optional digital wing cameras. The latest A6 stretches 4990 mm in length, making it 60 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase remains unchanged at 2927 mm. Depending on the configuration, wheel sizes will range between 21 and 23 inches, including a new tri-colour forged option.

Inside, the A6 sedan adopts the same tech-forward cabin as the Avant, highlighted by three digital displays: an 11.9-inch instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch central infotainment screen, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger display. Audi has acknowledged recent criticisms of interior quality and says improvements have been made. These include a 30% increase in sound insulation through the use of acoustic glazing, redesigned engine and transmission mounts, and refined dual-clutch transmission components.

Cargo capacity stands at 492 litres for the sedan, just shy of the Avant’s 503 litres with rear seats up. Folded flat, the Avant offers 1,534 litres. Plug-in hybrid variants are expected to offer less trunk space due to battery placement, though Audi has yet to officially confirm hybrid powertrains.

Under the hood, the base A6 features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 198 bhp and 339 Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. A 3.0-litre V6 with mild-hybrid technology and Quattro all-wheel drive generates 357 bhp and 550 Nm. For diesel markets, a 2.0 TDI engine with 48-volt assistance offers 198 bhp and 500 Nm, with either front or all-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive variants can deliver up to 70% of torque to the rear axle.

The six-cylinder A6 currently tops the lineup, accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.7 seconds and reaching an electronically limited top speed of 249 kmph. An optional rear differential is available to enhance performance and torque distribution. Audi has not yet confirmed details for the next S6 or RS6 variants, though expectations are high, especially for a potential return of the RS6 Sedan following the discontinuation of the RS7 Sportback.

As a rival to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the new A6 is equipped with a wide array of features. Buyers can opt for a 20-speaker premium audio system, four-zone climate control, adaptive air suspension, soft-close doors, rear-wheel steering, and a smart glass panoramic roof that transitions between transparent and opaque states at the push of a button.

The new A6 is now on sale in Germany, starting at €55,500 (approx. ₹53.84 lakh), with customer deliveries expected to begin this summer. A U.S. launch is anticipated later, as the current-generation A6 has just entered the 2025 model year in North America, indicating that its successor will arrive no sooner than the 2026 model year. In India, expect Audi to bring it later this year.