Fuel-burning Audi A6 takes a lesson from e-tron models

The next-gen midsize luxury sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.23, the lowest of any vehicle with an internal combustion engine in Audi’s history.

Audi A6 exterior front — *Audi has launched a new A6 sedan. – Audi AG photo*

Audi has unveiled the next generation of its A6 midsize luxury sedan and the car has picked up a lesson in aerodynamics from Audi’s electric (e-tron) vehicles.

Audi says the new A6 sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.23, the lowest of any vehicle with an internal combustion engine in Audi’s history, which should help improve the car’s fuel economy.

Canadian market details have not been announced. Look for the new A6 to launch for the 2026 model year.

In Europe, the car will be available with a diesel- or a gasoline-burning engine, both of which benefit from mild-hybrid technology.

Audi A6 exterior rear — *Audi says the updated A6 offers a quieter and smoother ride than its predecessor. – Audi AG photo*

In the case of Audi’s cars, they get what the automaker calls MHEV plus, the plus referring to the fact the car can travel on electric power at low speeds, such as when parking, in slow-moving city traffic, or when coasting (that’s when you take your foot off the gas peddle at speed).

This MHEV plus adds 170 lb.-ft. of torque and 24 hp and can recuperate 25 kW of energy when decelerating.

The two motors offered in Europe include a 2-litre TDI four-cylinder diesel engine with 201 hp and a 3-litre TFSI six-cylinder gasoline engine with 362 hp. Look for the gasoline engine to be offered in Canada.

Audi A6 interior front — *New insulation is said to make the new Audi A6 more comfortable. – Audi AG photo*

Comfort improvements

The A6 gets an optional adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering for improved ride comfort and agility.

The adaptive air suspension can regulate body height and shock absorption and helps lower the drag coefficient. Audi said cars equipped with this optional air suspension setup ride 20 mm lower in normal mode and another 10 mm in dynamic mode.

Audi said the optional all-wheel adds to an improved and more direct steering response with increased road feedback. At low speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to five degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels to improve manoeuvrability in tight spots. At medium and high speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front for more stable lane changes.

Audi A6 rear seats — *Audi set out to make the new A6 quieter than its predecessor. – Audi AG photo*

Sound insulation has also been increased by 30 per cent to reduce outside noise and improved acoustics on the inside. The car also gets low-noise tires, which are equipped with noise absorbers.

Available wheel sizes measure 19 inches and larger.

For updates and Canadian availability and prices, visit the Audi Canada.