Audi A6 Saloon Review

The luxury car class seems to have all bases covered. The BMW 5 Series is the compelling all-rounder, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is the comfortable cruiser, the Jaguar XF is the driver’s car and the Volvo S90 is the respectable alternative choice. The new Audi A6, then, aims to muscle back into this segment and stamp its own authority on it.

While the previous A6 was classy and refined, it lacked the dynamic edge that its best rivals had and. The latest A6 has had a comprehensive rework, highlights of which are a line-up of mild hybrid engines and the inclusion of A8-inspired technology and styling.

There are currently two trims to choose from, Sport and S line, along with three engines – an entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine (badged 40 TDI), a 3.0-litre V6 diesel (50 TDI) and a 3.0-litre V6 petrol (55 TFSI). A lower-powered 3.0-litre diesel, badged 45 TDI, will join the range at a later date.

Audi's mild hybrid tech aims to improve efficiency. It works by enabling the engine to turn off when you lift off the accelerator pedal between 34mph and 99mph. It happens automatically and lasts for a maximum of 40 seconds when the battery is fully charged – or 10 seconds for the 2.0 diesel, which has a less powerful hybrid system – before the engine turns back on again.

Read on over the next few pages to discover which engines and trims we recommend and see how the A6 stacks up against its rivals in the luxury car class. And should you decide the A6 is the car for you, head over to our New Car Buying service, where we can help you secure a bargain.