- Audi A6 Avant, 2012
Audi is launching the next generation of the Audi A6 Avant, the most successful business-class station wagon in Europe. The new model presents the brand's full array of progressive technological expertise. Its lightweight body, large portions of which are made of aluminum, sets new standards, as does the wide selection of assistance and multimedia systems. The keyword for the latter is Audi connect. The new Audi A6 Avant is available with a choice of six engines: two gasoline engines and four diesel units. Fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 18 percent compared with the previous model. Topping the engine lineup is the new 3.0 TDI with twin-turbo technology and 230 kW (313 hp). Audi also offers numerous high-end options for the drivetrain and the chassis. The luggage compartment has a capacity of up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft) and offers a number of elegant features, including a power rear hatch that opens in response to a sensor signal.
The new Audi A6 Avant - Progressive technological expertise
Audi is once again leading the way, with the new A6 Avant the trendsetter in the business class. With its lightweight body and many additional innovations, the seventh-generation Audi A6 Avant is intended to write another chapter in the model series' history of success.
Measuring 4.93 meters (16.17 ft) in length, the Audi A6 Avant makes a very agile first impression. Its proportions are sporty, and the low roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers LED headlights and rear lights as a visually and technically fascinating option.
The new Avant sets standards with its low weight. With aluminum components comprising roughly 20 percent of the body, Audi - the global pioneer in lightweight construction - has raised the bar once again. Gross weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms (154.32 lb) compared with the previous model. The Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, for example, has a curb weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb).
The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft) by folding down the rear seat backs. Audi offers its customers numerous elegant features as options. Topping the list is a gesture-controlled, automatic rear hatch. Through the combination of the power luggage compartment hatch and the convenience key, a particular movement pattern below the rear bumper activates the system and the hatch opens automatically.
Audi offers a choice of six engines featuring direct fuel injection for the new Audi A6 Avant: two gasoline engines and four TDI units. They develop between 130 kW (177 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp). This ample power is combined with groundbreaking efficiency. The 2.0 TDI consumes an average of just 5.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (47.04 US mpg).
All of the engines utilize the technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, which have helped to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 18 percent.
Depending on the engine, the new Audi A6 Avant rolls off the assembly line with either a six-speed manual, the sporty seven-speed S tronic, the continuously variable multitronic or the convenient eight-speed tiptronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, the latest development stage of quattro permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option. The optional sport differential flexibly distributes the power between the rear wheels.
The chassis is also very sophisticated and combines sporty dynamics with excellent comfort. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system comes standard, and the new electromechanical power steering is extremely efficient. In the front-wheel-drive variants, the ESP electronic stabilization program featuring an electronic limited slip differential make the car's handling even more precise. Options include the adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering, with the latter becoming available somewhat later.
The interior of the new A6 Avant treats its occupants with a sleek and clear design, uncompromising workmanship, generous appointments and exemplary ergonomics. Among the high-end options are a head-up display, adaptive light with variable headlight range control, front seats with ventilation and massage function, and numerous infotainment components. Topping the range of infotainment options are the hard drive-based navigation system MMI navigation plus and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.
Audi connect, a fully fledged Internet connection, also places the new Audi A6 Avant at the head of the pack. In collaboration with Google, it brings special online services to the car, including voice-controlled points of interest (POI) search. A Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to surf and email freely while on the road. The Audi online traffic information service informs the driver in real time about how heavy traffic is on the selected route.
The new Audi A6 Avant can be equipped with all of the brand's assistance and safety systems for even more composed driving. Some systems work closely together with MMI navigation plus, further enhancing their capabilities. A new feature in the Audi lineup, the parking system plus with 360° display, will be available somewhat later. Four small cameras record images of the vehicle's immediate surroundings.
Fast software combines these images and displays them in a variety of views on the large onboard monitor.
The Audi A6 Avant will be available for sale in the second half of 2011 at a base price of 40,850 euros.
Lightness and elegance: the design
The design of the newest model reflects lightness and modern elegance. It is every bit as characteristic for Audi as the sporty proportions. The Audi A6 Avant measures 4.93 meters (16.17 ft) in length and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) in width, but only 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) in height. Its wheelbase has grown to 2.91 meters (9.55 ft) - a big gain over the previous model.
The engine hood stretches out far to the front; sharp edges frame taut surfaces over the entire length of the flanks. The low, early-sloping roof line and the flat D-pillars underscore the dynamic styling. The characteristic rear lights and the exhaust system's two tailpipes accentuate the rear of the car. The optional S line exterior package provides for an even more dynamic look.
The optional LED headlights, which use light-emitting diodes for all functions, are another innovative feature. They make the front end with the single-frame grille featuring angular upper corners and high-gloss black struts even more distinctive. The xenon plus headlights, optionally available either on their own or integrated into the adaptive light system with variable headlight range control, provide excellent illumination of the road in any situation. The xenon plus units and the LED headlights are combined with LED rear lights.
Low weight: the composite construction body
A new composite construction concept makes the body of the Audi A6 Avant highly rigid, safe and unusually light. Many components of the occupant cell are fabricated from high-strength and ultra high-strength steels. The strut braces in the engine compartment and the bolt-on body components are made of aluminum and comprise roughly 20 percent of the body. The concept represents the transition to the innovative Multimaterial Space Frame, with which Audi is opening a new chapter in lightweight body construction.
The body of the A6 Avant is roughly 30 kilograms (66.14 lb) lighter than that of the previous model. Depending on the engine, the complete car is as much as 70 kilograms (154.32 lb) lighter than the previous model. The Audi A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, for example, has a curb weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb). Audi, the sector's lightweight construction pioneer, has once again reversed the weight spiral.
Another strength of the composite construction body is acoustic comfort. Modern materials and construction methods reduce the interior noise level to that of the luxury class. Audi also offers special insulating/acoustic glazing as an option. The precise matching of all components and sophisticated hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide for excellent ride comfort.
Spacious and convenient: the luggage compartment
The luggage compartment of the new Audi A6 Avant has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft). Its loading lip is low. The split rear seat backs can be easily folded down using the remote seat back release on the sides of the trunk to increase luggage capacity to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft). Lashing eyes, side restraining straps, bag hooks, a double cargo floor, a rail luggage fixing system, a dirt-resistant tray and roof rails are standard.
Audi offers additional details as options - a load-through hatch, a fixing set that uses the two standard rails in the cargo floor, and a power rear hatch with an integrated power luggage compartment cover. Making its debut in the Audi A6 Avant is the gesture-based control of the power hatch in combination with the convenience key. If the driver stands behind the car and makes a specific movement with his or her foot, two sensors open the hatch.
The accessories program includes many special features for transporting sports and recreational equipment, from a partition grille to a bicycle rack. The new large Avant is a powerful towing vehicle, with a rated towing capacity of 2,100 kilograms (4,629.71 lb).























































