Car Evolution: New Audi A6 Avant

Page 1 - Design
Page 2 - Engines and transmissions
Page 3 - Engines and transmissions (cont.)
Page 4 - The chassis
Page 5 - The chassis (cont.)
Page 6 - The body
Page 7 - Comfort and communication electronics
Page 8 - Comfort and communication electronics (cont.)
Page 9 - Standard equipment
Page 10 - Optional equipment

The Design

Dynamism and elegance

Audi is adding a new chapter to the success story of the Avant: the new Audi A6 Avant represents a unique blend of design and dynamism, driving pleasure and functionality. With countless innovations, a high standard of comfort and luxurious equipment, the Audi A6 Avant is poised to extend the lead it already enjoys in its sector.

Powerful TDI and petrol engines with up to eight cylinders and 246 kW (335 bhp) maximum output are the source of the new A6 Avant's supremacy. Front-wheel or quattro permanent four-wheel drive ensure that the engine's power is always translated reliably into traction. Power which, thanks to the advanced suspension design and very rigid bodyshell, opens up new horizons in driving dynamics.

The first Audi A6 Avant models will reach their new owners in March 2005.

The exterior

Here is a car that features notable design unity: measuring 4.93 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height, the new Audi A6 Avant visibly sets a new standard. Its styling combines the clear architecture that is so typical of Audi with other core elements of the brand's progressive design.

The already classic proportions of the Avant's silhouette, with its high shoulder line, narrow window area and flat, sloping tail end, have been infused with a new degree of tension: the rising dynamic line gives the basic proportions of the A6 Avant that added forward urge. The optical centre of gravity of the vehicle body is clearly forward of the rear axle, thus giving the tail end a lighter appearance. The seamlessly integrated, gently curved roof rails emphasise the car's coupe-like silhouette.

The horizontal design of the rearward structure, with the two-section rear lights curving well in towards the centre, gives the vehicle an air of sturdiness and stability. These basic proportions and the design of the lights clearly indicate the blood ties with two other recent additions to Audi's range of five-door models: the A4 Avant and the A3 Sportback.

A glance at the front end, with the trapezoidal-shaped single-frame grille, identifies the A6 Avant as a representative of the latest generation of Audi models. The most advanced lighting technology is visible behind the clear-glass lenses: as an option, the new A6 Avant is available with dynamic adaptive light technology incorporating high-intensity xenon plus units and daytime running lights.

The distinctly domed centre of the engine hood in turn symbolises the power of the engines driving the new Audi A6 Avant.

The interior

Moving inside the new A6 Avant, it is also obvious at first glance that this is a brand-new model generation. The high, wide centre console, for example, with controls and switches within perfect reach, emphasises the sporty interior architecture that integrates the driver as the central player.

Sportiness, clarity and ergonomic perfection are the characteristic features of the new cockpit design. A joint cover connects the instrument cluster and the upper part of the centre console, which is angled slightly towards the driver, to form one common unit.

The instrument cluster: the round coolant temperature and fuel gauges are located inside the newly designed, teardrop-shaped surrounds, next to the two large rev counter and speedometer dials.

The A6 Avant likewise features the latest generation of Audi steering wheels. As a characteristic feature of the three and four-spoke steering wheels, the single-frame trapezoid with the four Audi rings is cited on the central airbag cap. Its exterior geometry likewise picks up on the shape of the single-frame grille.

Versatile and sophisticated: the luggage compartment

Your luggage always travels Business Class in the new Audi A6 Avant. Inside, this is emphasised both by the materials and finish of the luggage compartment and by its entirely new securing concept. Countless meticulously thought-out details set the benchmark for this class thanks to their versatility and variability.

All new A6 Avant versions have two securing rails recessed into the floor of the level, 1.05 metre wide load area (through-loading width). These are fitted with a total of four sliding, adjustable and lockable lashing eyes which can be used to secure items of luggage of practically any size to suit individual needs. All A6 Avant versions have bag hooks integrated into the luggage compartment trim, as well as an additional luggage net to one side. A lockable side compartment can be supplied as an optional extra, for keeping objects hidden from prying eyes. An integrated 12-volt power socket is standard.

The load floor can be folded up as a standard feature and can be locked in a variety of positions to divide up the load area. This not only provides scope for stowing objects between the rear seat backrest and the raised floor to prevent them from sliding around, but also provides access to the lower load area, into which a large plastic tray is integrated.

Where can you put your muddy walking boots after a mountain hike or your wet snowboard boots at the end of a hard day on the slopes? This easy-to-clean tray provides a simple solution.

The rail system's variability can be further enhanced as an optional extra: a telescopic bar can be engaged into both rails to divide up the luggage compartment diagonally or horizontally, thus providing another means of reliably securing items of luggage. Additional support is provided by a retaining strap, which - when both ends are engaged in a rail - lashes objects down securely against the sides of the luggage compartment at the push of a button, or divides up the compartment transversely when engaged in both rails, to keep large, bulky items of luggage in place.

The cycle rack system, which has been developed specially for the A6 Avant and is likewise mounted on the rails and around the protective tray, is a means of transporting two mountain bikes securely.

Audi's development engineers have further optimised the securing method for the safety partition net, which protects passengers against displaced items of luggage in the event of emergency braking manoeuvres or a rear-end crash. It is now much easier to fold the rear seat backrest down one third, two thirds or entirely, as desired.

The large storage box for the luggage compartment is a particularly versatile item. Secured to the rails by means of the lashing eyes, it can be fitted in two different positions: with its opening facing to the rear, it can be used for storing smaller items of luggage and for dividing up the luggage compartment. When pushed up flush against the rear seat with its opening facing forwards, the box can be accessed via the load-through facility in the rear seat and is thus transformed into a storage compartment that is well away from inquisitive eyes.

The improved reversible mat (option) has exclusive velour in the interior colour on one side; when turned over, its rubberised, easy-to-clean surface protects the load area floor. The reversible mat now also incorporates a fold-out section that can be pulled down over the bumper. This protects the bumper during loading and unloading, or provides a clean surface for sitting down on, when changing your footwear after a hike for example.

The load-through facility in the rear seat back with removable ski and snowboard bag is another new feature that will be of particular interest to winter sports enthusiasts. Winter sports equipment can be packed away swiftly and easily in the bag outside the car, then stowed in the luggage compartment, avoiding snow or meltwater drips.

For the first time on an Audi, the tailgate opens and closes automatically at the push of a button. The opening process can also be initiated by pressing the button on the car key. The required opening angle - in other words, by how much the tailgate opens - is infinitely programmable.

A quick press of the remote control for the central locking or of the button in the tailgate is all it takes to stop it in the required position. And if the button is kept pressed for six seconds, the opening angle is stored in the memory for future use.