The 2019 Audi A6 is all-new for 2019, with changes in its architecture, engine and power; standard all-wheel-drive and the addition of innovative tech
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The 2019 Audi A6 is all-new for 2019, with changes in its architecture, engine and power; standard all-wheel-drive and the addition of innovative technologies, touch-sensitive controls, infotainment and digital solutions.
Audi’s executive luxury mid-size sedan, the A6, is the No.4-selling mid-size luxury vehicle in America, and has built on its reputation for showcasing liquid style, elegant lines, power, pampering and performance that epitomized its earlier versions.
Beginning as the successor to the Audi 100 in 1994, the A6 was ostensibly a cloned Audi 5000. Filling the mid-size portion of Audi’s executive line, complimenting the full-size A8, the A6 is now in its fifth generation, and is available as a wagon and a sedan, though the wagon is marketed as the Avant.
Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Baden Wuertemberg, Germany, the 2019 Audi A6 is rounded and sculpted at the same time, showing off muscular, yet elegant contours. New design cues include front-end focus starting with a new, wider grille, sharply drawn headlights moved closer to the face; character lines in the hood and an intricate lower fascia. Thin shoulders, tapered roofline, gently bowed sides and pronounced wheel arches bring you to the re-sculpted rear that is paid off with a short trunk lid that ends in a curved edge for optimized aerodynamics.
A6’s galvanized steel body utilizes an aluminum hood and front fenders to save weight, and comes in at a curb weight of 4266 lbs. With a multi-step anti-corrosion protection system employed within the construction, A6 delivers extra luxury touches from the frame up. Slightly larger in nearly all dimensions from the previous model, A6 measures 194.4 inches long, 74.3 inches wide and 57.4 inches high on a 115.1-inch wheelbase with 4.6 inches of ground clearance.
Powerwise, the A6 features a newly developed 3.0-liter TFSI® V6 engine, which delivers more power than its predecessor and weighs 30 pounds less. The 3.0-liter engine generates 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, 44 lb-ft of peak torque more than the previous generation. The V6 engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger positioned directly inside the “V” replacing the supercharger from the previous generation.
Graceful in looks and in performance and handling, my Audi A6 broke 5 seconds in the sprint at 4.9 for a zero-to-60 run, and completed a 13.5-second quarter-mile. EPA estimates are 22/city, 29/highway and 25mph as an average for the 3.0T and my test A6 averaged 21.6 mpg in mixed-use driving.
A6 is a driver’s car with responsive Electromechanical speed sensitive power steering, optional dynamic all-wheel steering and exceptional balance. Its modular longitudinal platform aids stability and in extreme hairpins and softer twisties, and the previous generation’s understeer has been diminished significantly.
A6 accelerates deftly with supercharged low-torque power and has good high-range ability as well. The five-link front suspension with an anti roll bar, twin-tube-gas-filled shock absorbers and trapezoidal-link rear with twin-tube-gas-filled shock absorbers is a bit loose, but confidently smoothes road irregularities. Braking is self-assured with the electronic stability program, anti-lock brakes and electronic rear brake pressure proportioning.
The cockpit is indulgent with exquisite fit and finish, a bevy of advanced communication technologies, ambient lighting, keyless start, ergonomic seats with power lumbar up front, leather seating surfaces (partial leather), three zone automatic air conditioning and metallic accents, including chrome bezels framing air vents.
The cabin is also pampering with seating for five – 38.0 inches of front headroom with sunroof, 38.1 inches in the second row; 41.3 inches of legroom in row one and 37.4 in row two; and shoulder room of 57.8 and 56.5.
From a safety perspective, 2019 Audi A6 named 2019 Top Safety Pick+, the highest rating available from IIHS – when equipped with available LED Matrix Design headlights with high beam assist on Premium Plus and Prestige trim lines
A6 safety items include a front-end crumple zone carefully constructed to absorb energy from frontal impact and the engine and front axle divert energy to a fortified floor and tunnel structure. Also included are an adaptive restraint system, side and curtain airbags, Audi pre sense that initiates protective measures if it detects an imminent collision, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, and systems that warn the presence of other vehicles and activate if a rear-end impact appears imminent.
The 2019 Audi A6 3.0T in Premium trim starts at $58,900, the Premium Plus trim bases at $62,700 and the Prestige trim starts at $67,100. Some exterior paints add $595 to the sticker, but m y test vehicle came in a standard Brilliant Black with Black leather seating surfaces at no extra charge. The Convenience Package added $1300 for Audi Side Assist with Pre Sense Rear, rear cross traffic assist and vehicle exit warning, Heated Auto-Dimming Power-Folding Exterior Mirrors Body color with memory, Audi Phone Box with Wireless Charging, signal booster and Audi Advanced Key. The Cold Weather Package added $600 for a Heated Steering Wheel and Heated Rear Seats. A CD/DVD player added $150 and Rear Side Airbags (which should have been standard and not an option – NEVER option your safety) added $350. Audi Guard All-Weather Floor Mats with an A6 Logo added $200 and Destination charges of $995 put the sticker-as-tested at $62,495.
Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.