Audi A6 (2011) first official pictures

Essentially an A7 fastback in its work clothes, the new Audi A6 saloon is lighter, greener and more tech-heavy than ever. 

The mini-A8 styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but underneath the skin are some key key changes, including the addition of a hybrid drivetrain.

Initially the A6 comes with a choice of five engines: a pair of petrols and three TDI units. And because all new A6 engines are linked to efficiency-enhancing systems like start-stop and energy recovery the average consumption across the range has been dropped by 19%. Importantly the A6 has lost weight too by adopting a composite steel-aluminium construction.

The oil-burning range consists of the entry-level 2.0-litre 174bhp diesel and a pair of 3.0 TDIs available with a choice of either 201bhp or 241bhp. According to Audi the latter will deliver 0-62mph in 6.1secs, while still managing to return 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and emit just 158g/km of CO2. The two petrols engines are a 201bhp 2.8 and the familiar supercharged 3.0-litre, which delivers 296bhp.

Yes, but it won’t arrive until 2012. When it does get here it will link Audi's 2.0 TFSI petrol engine to an electric motor for a total system output of 241bhp. Audi claim it will hit 62mph in 7.3 seconds and have an average fuel consumption of 45.6mpg.

There is a huge array of technology on offer including a head-up display and the MMI touch operating system that connects to Google earth and integrates with the navigation route.  Like the A7 the A6 will also steer, brake and park for you, should you want it too.

Deliveries start in early 2011, and while UK prices are still TBC, the German price of Germany is 38,500 euros (£32,170), making it a massive £10,000 cheaper than the A7.

By Richard Jones