2017 Audi A6 to set the standard for large Audis

This Autocar image shows how the next Audi A6 could look

Fifth-gen executive model is set to arrive in 2017 with similar looks and tech to the next A7 and A8

Audi has stepped up development of its new A6 more than two years before it is due to reach UK showrooms.

The fifth-generation A6 is being engineered in a joint programme with new versions of the A7 and A8. It’s known under the internal name C8.

All three new models share platform, driveline, chassis and electrical systems to improve economies of scale. 

Stylistically, the new A6 leans heavily on Audi’s Prologue concept car. The next A7 and A8 are set to share a lot of their look with the A6, too.

Audi design chief Marc Lichte said: “We designed the new A6, A7 and A8, then put the essence of all three into the Prologue. Every element can be traced to the production car.”

Key design elements include a wide hexagonal single-frame grille, angular headlights with distinctive LED graphics and a more heavily contoured bonnet. At the side are larger wheel houses, a flatter roof line and pronounced haunches over the wheel arches.

The rear will feature OLED tail-lights, which are set to be previewed on the Audi e-tron quattro at the Frankfurt motor show later this month.

Inside, there is a newly designed dashboard and an all-new control layout. Employing the same touchscreen and enhanced touchpad MMI (Multi Media Interface) functions as the next A8, the new dashboard will support up to three high-definition monitors.

There is an instrument display behind the steering wheel, a multimedia display mounted high in the driver’s line of sight and a third display lower in the centre section of the dashboard for features such as the air conditioning.

A new connectivity platform uses the latest in wireless local area network technology. This will allow continuous updating of traffic conditions for the navigation system, as well as software updates for the control system. 

Although the new A6 has similar external dimensions to today’s car, it’s claimed to have more interior space thanks to its second-generation MLB platform.The new A6 has a slightly longer wheelbase, wider tracks and shorter overhangs, freeing up space both front and rear. Luggage capacity is set to rise over today’s 530 litres (saloon) and 565 litres (Avant).

The new platform adopts a high percentage of hot-formed high-strength steel, aluminium and carbonfibre-reinforced plastic to cut weight. Audi sources suggest the entry-level four-pot petrol A6 weighs well under the 1535kg of today’s A6 1.8 TFSI.

Power for the volume-sellers will continue to come from an extended range of four-cylinder engines. These will be revised versions of today’s petrol and diesel fours and offer similar outputs to those used by the new A4.

More luxurious petrol A6s will use new 3.0-litre V6 and 4.0-litre V8 engines sourced from the Audi-Porsche ‘Kovomo’ engine joint venture, according to insiders. 

Audi also plans a new range of V6 and V8 diesels with electric turbocharging - a technology Audi will launch on its upcoming SQ7.

In addition, Audi will give A6 buyers the option of a petrol-electric or diesel-electric plug-in hybrid system.

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