Introduction
In this review, we explore the 2019 Audi A6, Audi's luxury mid-size sedan in the sporty S Line trim. We'll see how it stacks up against direct competitors like the Mercedes E-Class and BMW 5 Series, as well as an indirect competitor in terms of price, the Maserati Ghibli, which we tested recently.
Exterior Design
The new Audi design boasts elegance, adding a touch of luxury to this sedan, while aligning its overall look closer to the Audi A8. It features the signature large front grille, dynamic LED headlights with distinctive lighting, and 20-inch alloy wheels with a stunning design for the S Line version.
The sculpted lines on the body are much stronger compared to the previous model, particularly on the hood and sides. One of the most striking features is the line above the rear wheel arches, giving the car a wider stance from the back, reminiscent of the iconic Audi Quattro rally cars.
The rear design includes a chrome strip extending across the back with distinctive LED lighting. However, it features chrome accents for fake exhaust outlets, leaving us wondering why we don't at least have real exhausts on the S Line version.
The trunk opens electronically, offering a capacity of 530 liters, which matches the BMW 5 Series but is 10 liters less than the Mercedes E-Class trunk.
To enhance the luxury feel of the A6, Audi has introduced a refined detail: an electric door opening assist. You no longer need to pull the door handle hard; a gentle tug will suffice to open the door, and the same applies when exiting the vehicle.
Interior Design
The interior design not only mirrors the A8's elegance but also features enhancements that bring it closer to its larger sibling. The new layout is stunning, with high-quality materials, including premium leather on the seats and dashboard, natural wood inlays, and chrome accents throughout the cabin. The leather-wrapped steering wheel with metal inlays adds further sophistication, complemented by exquisite stitching on the leather.
While the cabin exudes high-quality craftsmanship, there are still some uses of lightweight plastic inside.
Technological Features
One of the significant upgrades in the 2019 A6 is the MMI Touch Response system, previously found in the 2019 Audi A8. This system replaces physical buttons with two large screens in the center console.
The top screen controls navigation, multimedia, and the Bang & Olufsen audio system, along with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a variety of settings. The second screen is primarily for controlling the four-zone climate control system.
This system offers many fantastic features, including voice command functionality. For instance, to adjust the air conditioning temperature, simply press the voice command button on the steering wheel and tell the car you're feeling hot or cold, and it will ask you what temperature you prefer.
In front of the driver, we have the Audi Virtual Cockpit instead of a traditional instrument cluster, a customizable large display operated directly from the buttons on the steering wheel. In my opinion, this is one of the best screens available compared to traditional dashboards, especially when compared to BMW.
As for the driver assistance systems, our model includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system with a 3D view that remains active even while driving. This system alerts you to any movements around the car and intervenes with braking if it detects an obstacle nearby.
In the rear, there is ample space, complete with air conditioning vents and controls for two different climate zones.
Five Features Missing in the S Line Version
- You won't get adaptive cruise control with radar; adding it will cost you 6,300 AED.
- There is no heads-up display (HUD) for information on the windshield; adding this feature will set you back 6,000 AED.
- Wireless phone charging is absent, with only two USB ports in the center console; to add this feature, it will cost you 2,200 AED.
- There are no heated or ventilated front seats, but you can add this feature for 5,100 AED. If you want massage seats, the cost increases to 6,600 AED.
- In the rear, priced at 355,740 AED, there are no USB ports or cup holders in the armrest! While the space is there, it is filled with a very cheap-looking plastic piece. To get those features, you'll need to pay an additional 400 AED.
Driving Experience
When driving cars in this class, key considerations include cabin quietness and the smoothness and luxury of handling rough roads. The new Audi A6 excels in all these areas, offering an exceptionally smooth ride. Its 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) transmission shifts effortlessly while providing manual control and rapid gear changes if you choose to use the paddle shifters.
The sound insulation inside is excellent, ensuring a serene environment even during acceleration. The 3-liter V6 turbo engine produces up to 335 horsepower, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.1 seconds, all while maintaining a quiet cabin, which highlights Audi's commitment to providing a luxury sedan experience that closely mirrors that of the A8.
One of the new technologies carried over from the A8 is the Mild Hybrid system. This system does not utilize electric motors to assist the gasoline engine but employs an electric motor that also acts as a generator to charge a small 48-volt lithium-ion battery located in the back.
What are the benefits of this system? Firstly, it harnesses energy generated during braking to charge the battery. Its most significant advantage is its effect on fuel consumption, as it works with the automatic engine shut-off system not only when the car stops but also when it is cruising at speeds between 55 and 160 km/h, simply by lifting your foot off the accelerator. The electric motor ensures smooth and quiet engine start-up and shut-off.
This system has provided the Audi A6 with a remarkable fuel consumption rate of 6.1 liters per 100 km under ideal mixed driving conditions, an impressive figure for a vehicle in this category.
Conclusion
I can confidently say that this generation of the Audi A6 has elevated its status as a luxury sedan. It features a stunning new design, a cabin filled with modern elegance, and technologies that rival those of its bigger sibling, the Audi A8, all while offering a quiet, smooth, and high-performance driving experience.
In the UAE market, the 2019 Audi A6 starts at 258,000 AED, with prices potentially exceeding 400,000 AED depending on the options chosen. As mentioned earlier, the model we tested was priced at 355,740 AED.
