Test drive Audi A6 50 TDI: Lord of the Rings
Test of the new edition of the prestigious model from the upper segment in the middle class
The long-awaited successor to the upper mid-range model is already on the market and promises to be not only more high-tech, but also significantly more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. It's time to put it on a full motor and sport test program.
We measured the level of harmful emissions ourselves
After numerous emission scandals for a number of production car models, including the previous release of the Audi A6, in which emissions vary depending on the AdBlue charge level, we at auto motor und sport have taken on the task of regularly checking the manufacturers' promises. When testing the new generation A6 in collaboration with our partners at Emissions Analytics, we loaded a solid amount of equipment into the car for this purpose (see photo) and covered over 100 kilometers of the standard route for economical motorcycle driving and sports activities. The route includes both urban traffic in Stuttgart and suburban crossings, partly along the motorway. The first time you crossed the route, the AdBlue tank was full. Result: The A6 reported emissions of 36 milligrams of nitrogen oxides per kilometer, well below the Euro 168d-Temp tolerance of 6 mg / km. On the second lap, we drained the 22 liter AdBlue tank and drained just two liters of fluid. The A6 then had to follow the same standard route again. This time the result was 42 mg / km. This value is within the normal deviation of such a measurement under real conditions, so this time it cannot be tampering with the vehicle.
In recent years, confidence in automakers on emissions issues has been lower than ever. This is sufficient reason to think that it is better to check for yourself how true the promises of the companies are. We did the same with the test Audi A6, equipped with a three-liter TDI engine. And yes, since the topic of diesels is now very sensitive, we approached it with great care. Together with our partners from Emissions Analytics, we measured in detail whether the modern V6 actually complies with Euro 6d-Temp standards (see page ?? - the first of the initial decisions). Let me summarize very briefly: during the measurements, no tricks on the part of the manufacturer should be allowed. Of course, not only in terms of harmful emissions, but also in terms of fuel consumption, the good old maxim applies: inspection is the highest form of trust. Traditionally, to measure the fuel consumption of a car in real conditions, we go through three different standard routes. Where two of them pass twice - for maximum reliability of the achieved values. At the end of the test, our colleague Otto Roop averaged the results: The average consumption of the A6 50 TDI in our test is exactly 7,8 liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometers. More information on fuel consumption can be found in the table on page ??.
Vibration warning in the accelerator pedal
For its predecessor, this value was 8,6 l / 100 km. A number of measures have been taken to save fuel in the new model, including a change in the ratio of the eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition, there is a so-called. Sprit-Controller, which estimates the distance traveled based on preliminary data analysis for it. If, for example, an approaching speed limit is detected, the accelerator pedal vibrates to remind you to loosen the reins and allow the A6 to coast only. In fact, the function worked very well in many places. The presence of an electric motor also improves efficiency. It is connected by a belt to the crankshaft and starts the V6 engine; It provides additional torque on the drive path when needed and stores the resulting energy in a 48-volt battery. Audi is proud to talk about electrifying the powertrain, but in reality the A6 cannot run on electricity alone. In situations where the car does not need traction to maintain the current speed, between 55 and 160 km / h, the engine is automatically switched off for a short time.
However, the electrical system cannot compensate for, or even hide, weakness at low revs. The V6 engine develops its impressive 620 Nm only after it has overcome a long contemplation phase that lasts up to about 2000 rpm. Above these speeds, the power distribution is even, accompanied by a quiet diesel roar. The latter comes to the fore for the simple reason that all other noise in the cabin is kept to a minimum. Additional acoustic windows successfully isolate passengers in the cabin from almost all possible unpleasant noises coming from the car or the environment. In general, in such a heavy car, a sense of peace is the basis. Yes, heavy is also a key word for the new A6, as the well-equipped test car weighed 2034kg on the scales. Apparently, the years when aluminum Audi models were among the lightest in their class are now history.
Comfort that is impressive
The main contribution to the quiet behavior of the car is the optional air suspension, which practically does not absorb residues from uneven road surfaces. As such, most of the imperfections of the road network can be heard rather than felt, especially when combined with optional custom contoured seats. Yes, without any doubt, the comfort is really worth it if you invest more than 11 leva in the mentioned options. Thus, your stay in the car will be even more pleasant if you also order massage and ventilation functions for the seats, as well as leather upholstery with a slight natural scent. Things that will cost you another 000 leva.
What about behavior on the road? Given the rear-wheel steering system, the A6 should feel like a significantly smaller car in corners - at least that's what the press release for the technology says. In this case, the promise seems loud against the backdrop of reality.
The truth is that on the road, the A6 feels exactly like a heavy car - just the way it really is, but with surprisingly good handling. For the latter, several options costing more than 11 leva are to blame: the rear-wheel drive mentioned above, a sports differential and 000-inch wheels. Thanks to these additions, the car, equipped with quattro all-wheel drive (standard on all V20 models), handles much more spontaneously than its predecessor, with a pronounced tendency to understeer and a noticeably heavy front end. In the new A6, understeer appears late and very subtly - and, most importantly, is not the result of design features, but is aimed at alerting the driver when he starts to go beyond reason. If a person anticipates the moment of understeer, releases the accelerator for a short time and deftly reacts to the steering wheel, he will get even a light and controlled rear end skid. Or he can just let off the throttle a bit and let the sport differential do its thing to keep the A6 on course.
It's nice to note that while the steering is still very lightweight, it has improved a lot in terms of feedback on what's going on between the four wheels and the road surface. The A6 may manage to hide its size and weight, but it turns out to be a surprisingly stable and balanced vehicle. And in this category, you shouldn't expect the driving feel of the compact model. For à la A6 products, their representative aura is much more important. Mercedes will definitely have no problem achieving an elite feel with the new E-Class, and the same goes for BMW with their 5 Series. So now Audi is heading in the same direction.
When it comes to digitalization, Ingolstadt residents have shown little ambition since yesterday. Inside the A6, we find a total of three large screens that manage to grab everyone's attention. They are skillfully integrated into the overall concept of the interior, look harmonious and in no way turn the car interior into an imaginary semblance of an electronics stand.
One screen takes over the function of the classic dashboard, the second for the infotainment system, and the third for controlling the air conditioning system. But that's not all: if, for example, you want to enter a new destination into the navigation system, you can do so with your finger on the touch screen, resting your hand comfortably on the wide gear lever.
Or you can just set the commands out loud - by the way, voice control recognizes various simple phrases such as "I'm cold." When you say this, a virtual female voice politely suggests raising the temperature of the air conditioner. Audi is justifiably proud of the artificial intelligence of its voice control system. As for autonomous driving, the car is also very seriously prepared and corresponds to Level-3. A6 can be equipped with all the necessary assistants to drive independently under certain conditions.
Oscillating water offline
On the track, for example, a five-meter sedan can independently maintain a distance from the front car. It can also follow the markings, although in the test sample this was often accompanied by an annoying twisting motion - as is the case with a novice cyclist who is still trying to point the right direction. In such cases, it may be better to take the wheel alone. This is even more true off-road, where the A6's radar is much harder to judge than the eyes and mind of a well-trained driver. Despite having all sorts of cameras, radars, sensors and even a laser, the A6 feels better in the hands of the good old human factor.
Thus, the promise of advanced levels of autonomy remains only partially fulfilled for the time being – however, much more important is that Audi's XNUMX-litre diesel engine is as clean as the manufacturer claims.
EVALUATION
In terms of comfort, handling and fuel consumption, the model performs at its best - although this is largely due to some rather expensive options. Emission levels are also exemplary. But the A6 has become very heavy, and the road marking assistant works a little wayward. As a result, the car does not receive the full five stars in the final rating.
Body
+ Plenty of space in the interior
Large and practical trunk
Flawless craftsmanship
Clear graphics of control devices
Logical menu structure ...
– good, but touch screens while driving are quite difficult to handle
Small payload
Large dead weight
Limited visibility from the driver's seat
Comfort
+ Comfortable and ergonomic seats with excellent contours (optional)
Low aerodynamic noise
The suspension works comfortably, but ...
- ... reacts a little harshly to sharp lateral irregularities
Engine / transmission
+ Cultural work of the engine, harmonic automation
- Severe weakness at low speeds
Travel behavior
+ Very easy to drive
High level of road safety
Accurate handling
The border regime is reached late
Very good traction
safety
+ Comprehensive range of support systems
Reliable brakes
– In many cases, the tape tracking assistant does not recognize the markings.
ecology
+ Reliable efficiency assistant
Without traction, the car travels fairly long distances with the engine off.
Low fuel consumption
Complies with Euro 6d-Temp standards
Costs
– Very high option prices
Text: Markus Peters
Photo: Ahim Hartmann
