The new Audi A6 combines a sporty exterior with sophisticated technology

SINGAPORE (March 4): If you consider yourself to be ambitious and forward-looking, the new Audi A6 is the car for you. It has been significantly redesigned and many of the improvements are obvious, but others are there to be discovered.

The eighth-generation Audi A6 has a much sportier and sleeker appearance. The exterior is eye-catching, thanks to its precisely balanced proportions — an elongated hood, long wheelbase and short overhangs. The front is particularly attractive, with its low-slung single-frame grille, flat headlights and powerfully contoured air inlets.

Connected drive

The interior is just as impressive, with so much new and exciting technology. The automobile industry in general is moving towards a more digital and connected driving experience. In addition, autonomous and highly advanced driver assistance systems are being developed as cars become more sophisticated and start thinking for themselves. The Audi A6 boasts a new digital, full touchscreen interface called the Multi Media Interface (MMI) — two stunning screens that display everything you will ever need when driving this luxury sedan.

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The driver manages the infotainment on the top display via a 10.1in screen (part of the MMI navigation package). The bottom 8.6in display is used for the climate control and convenience functions as well as text input. The beauty of this cutting-edge touchscreen system is that it is customisable, so it can be easily set up to your exact preferences, much like the apps on your mobile phone. You just drag and drop the tiles in the positions you want them using the touchscreen. You can also create shortcuts and favourites buttons, making it easier to use.

There is also a host of new navigation features, including a self-learning function that generates intelligent search suggestions based on your previous journeys. Route guidance is provided by online servers that factor in the traffic situation in the area. Helping to make the cabin as futuristic as possible, there is also the Audi virtual cockpit with a 12.3in display behind the driver’s steering wheel that is also customisable.

Sporty ride

Not only does the Audi A6 look incredibly sporty, but it drives the same way too. While it is a luxury sedan, it is as agile as a sports car and as manoeuvrable as a much more compact model. This sporty performance is partly due to an innovative suspension system, which creates a smooth and athletic ride, and partly due to the optional dynamic all-wheel steering. At high speed, the wheels turn in the same direction, optimising stability when travelling in a straight line or changing lanes. And with its advanced aerodynamics, the A6 is one very agile executive car.

Like all Audis, power is never in short supply. The A6 comes with a three-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which has a mild-hybrid system, giving convenience and efficiency. This hybrid technology features a lithium-ion battery that helps reduce fuel consumption.

Convenience and comfort

For discerning drivers, there is a top-of-the-line sound system from Bang & Olufsen as an option. This delivers an advanced 3D sound to the rear, making the ride enjoyable for you and your passengers.

Convenience is at your fingertips if you go for the adaptive cruise assist option. This is a combination of adaptive speed and guidance systems. It provides assistance over the entire speed range of 0 to 250kph even in tight spaces and construction sites through adaptive adjustment of vehicle speed. It assists the driver in accelerating, braking, maintaining speed and distance, as well as lane guidance/steering. This increases driving comfort, particularly over long distances.

Adaptive cruise assist uses the radar sensors installed in the front of the vehicle, the front camera and the ultrasonic sensors to permanently monitor the vehicle’s environment.

Join the business class

When you fly business class, you expect an ultra-comfortable seat and plenty of legroom. You can expect the same experience with the A6, which has a bigger cabin, providing more legroom than its predecessor. The seats come with numerous adjustment options as well as ventilation and massage functions.

The cabin itself is spacious and airy, with large glass sections, and the optional panoramic glass sunroof provides even more light. The interior exudes a relaxed lounge atmosphere with high-quality materials such as open-pore wood trim and leather upholstery.

Even the boot offers more loading space — two golf bags can be accommodated horizontally. And to make life easier, the boot lid can be opened electrically with a simple kicking motion.

Lighting it up

There are two different lighting packages for the interior: the ambient lighting package and the contour ambient lighting package. The contour lighting can be set to 30 different colours. For the headlights, Audi supplies three versions, including the top-of-the-line HD Matrix LED headlights. On top of this, there are seven new paint options for the A6, increasing the total number of choices to 14.

For executives who want to make a statement, the Audi A6 is the perfect car. With its sleek lines and high-tech features, it will be a hard act to follow on Singapore’s roads.

Justin Harper is a freelance journalist with a passion for all things fast