21/01/2024 We got in to the five-seat Audi A6 diesel directly from testing a number of electric cars back to back over a couple of weeks. The thought of diesel power brought mixed emotions – EVs are brilliant to use and produce little in the way of harmful emissions at their point of use, but that said…
The Audi A6 remains a handsome, smart and desireable car but saloons have been marginalised since th erise of the SUV and the move to electrification, but evertime I get back in to one their practicality and elegance win me over. Apart from the standard A6 sensation of contentment a driver feels from the stunning exterior to the clean lines of the interior, the dominant mood experienced in the premium German car was one of pure relief. The simple fact that we would not have to interact with Ireland’s public charging network for the next few days was joyous. Home charging is a must with EVs and if you do th ewhole EV thing right you will seldom need to charge in public but my word, when you do it can be very hit and miss – the one guaranteed constant being you will have to sit in an unglamourous location for many minutes as your car recharges the battery. Blocks of 45 minutes (the standard max charge time at ESB chargers before an over saty charge) have been taken from my life – and at al hours. The diesel powered A6 was utterly pleasant to experience and to misuse a popular phrase “a breath of fresh CO2 infused air!”
Audi has yet to launch its electric version of the A6 and will have to play catch up with BMW and Mercedes with their i5 and EQE (respectfully alongside their petrol powered PHEVfuel burners). Audi has freshend up the A6 to keep it relavent as a serious business machine. Oh and lets not forget diesel as a fuel for business is still tax friendly.
Our A6 40 TDI uses a 2-litre four cylinder that has a power output of 204hp with 400nm of torque. it can go from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds and its official average fuel consumption is 5.2L/100km (WLTP). Our test car had the ability to travel over 1,100km from a full tank of diesel. This long range ability is a huge plus and a component in the car’s appeal. The A6 40 TDI has an emissions figure of 135g/km and attract annual motor taxfo €210 – so for a diesel it is pretty clean.
On the road the engine is adequate for the car’s purpose. The auto gearbox shifts well and it crusies with confidence. The only slight drawback concerns th ecabin ambience. The driver will sense some engine vibratin at times. Occupants will also be awawre its a diesel four cylinder at times too. Again fossil fuel engines can never be as smooth as an electric motor.
Audi A6 on the road pricing starts at €60,175 (40 TDI SE), (€64,470 40 TDI S Line), with quattro all wheel drive pricing from €70,080 (S Line). A lotto win or a soccer contract will put the €185,750 RS 6 Avant on your menu (swoon!). A 50 TFSIe quattro plug in hybrid (299hp) is offered from €73,340 and a 55 TFSIe quattro with 367hp starts at €78,080. Our two wheel drive 40 TDI S Line looked great and with a few options weighed in at €76,845. The Audi A6 is business machine and delivers membership to the executive world. Michael Sheridan
