Audi A6 facelift revealed

Audi has revealed a facelifted A6 that will debut at the upcoming Paris motor show.

Key change is a range of new or updated four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines; all claimed to be cleaner and more frugal. They sit alongside revised gearboxes choices, some subtle styling tweaks and new entertainment system options.

Joining the A6 line-up are two fuel efficient "Ultra" models for international markets featuring subtle aerodynamic tweaks and a series of weight saving initiatives, including springs made of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) on the diesel variant that save a claimed 4.4kg.

Based on the 1.8-litre four-cylinder direct injection petrol powered A6 1.8 TFSI and 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel propelled A6 2.0 TDI, the new "Ultra" models deliver respective fuel consumption and emissions in combination with an optional seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Further up the range, Audi has tweaked the 3.0-litre V6 common rail diesel used in the A6 3.0 TDI. In single turbocharged form, it now offers 215bhp or 268bhp. The more recently introduced twin-turbocharged derivative of the engine has also been upgraded and now kicks out 315bhp in standard form or a more potent 341bhp in a pair of special-edition models. The new variants, dubbed the A6 3.0 TDI competition and A6 Avant 3.0 TDI competition, have been created to celebrate 25 years of TDI technology.

The new A6 3.0 TDI competition performance diesel runs a standard eight speed automatic gearbox. All other engine variants run either a standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual clutch gearbox. In A6 models with an engine output over 268bhp, Audi’s quattro four-wheel drive can be supplemented with a sport differential, which aids traction by varying the delivery of power between each individual rear wheel.

The four-wheel drive S6 and S6 Avant get an updated version of Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 direct injection petrol engine developing 444bhp. Official performance figures put their 0-100kph times at 4.4sec and 4.6sec respectively.

Among the subtle cosmetic changes made to the A6 are stylistic tweaks to the car’s single frame grille, headlamps, bumpers, side sills and tailpipes. The updated A6 also gets LED headlamps as standard in addition to the existing LED daytime running lights. Dynamic indicators with a sweeping function in the direction of the turn are also standard at the rear and optional for the front light units.

Inside, the A6 receives the latest generation of Audi’s modular infotainment system, while new upholstery and trim colour options are also on offer.

Expect Audi to launch the updated A6 sedan in India soon after International launch.