Which Audi A6 offers the best value for money?
Luxury SUVs have replaced sedans in the hearts of motorists, but there are still those who believe in the virtues of the A6 “Limousine”, as the Germans call it. In South Africa, there are but two or three versions of the A6 to choose from. Which one gives most bang-for-buck?
Audi: a formidable German automotive force, demanding respect through its name, which is Latin for ‘listen’. So listen up, as Audi’s new A6 is here to kick ass and take names.
The latest rendition of the A6 comes tricked out with the latest technological advancements on offer in its segment, ensuring the fortunate driver or passenger has everything he could possibly want from a luxury sedan. Offering only three variants, the A6 40 TDI, A6 45 TDI and S6, Audi has made it easier, yet somehow more challenging, to choose the right one.
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An A6 to be heard
The new A6 offers the latest in bleeding edge technology which aids performance, comfort and safety to create a class-leading package. Starting at R885 000, the A6 40 TDI is comprehensively equipped, but leaving room for add-ons in the form of the Comfort (R30 000) and Sports (R29 200) packages, which will add internal and external flamboyance, plus additional comfort. Yes, you’re allowed to be greedy and add both, but the Sports pack upgrades the suspension to be sportier, but most likely less comfortable too. The two packs also don’t stop you from adding other optional extras.
The front-wheel driven A6 40 TDI doesn’t shy away from performance, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine mated to a 7-speed S-tronic Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (okay, a twin-clutch auto or DCT). Producing 140 kW and 400 Nm, 0 – 100 km/h flies by in a brisk 8.4 seconds, with the car reaching terminal velocity at 237 km/h. All this while only emitting 136 grams of CO2 per kilometre. Well, at least when driving with a very light right foot.
The diesel-powered drivetrain finds its main benefit in its frugality, with claimed average combined consumption figure of 5.2 l/100km – astounding for a saloon in its class.
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Now listen to the S6
The S6 joins a long line of understated Audi performance models. With much of the same comforts and technology found in its milder A6 brethren, it rolls onto the street with a petrol driven, 3.0-litre turbo V6 engine, producing 331 kW and 600 Nm; for a 0-100 km/h dash in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. This comes at a slightly higher environmental cost of 193 grams of CO2 per kilometre. It uses an automatic, 8-speed tiptronic with torque converter, rather than the DCT of the 2.0 litre TDI A6.
The S6’s standard package is nothing to scoff at, but if you are in the mood for differentiation, the Black Appearance Package (R10 450) will add some additional “take no bees’ wax” tweaks to your S6’s aesthetics. By the way, if you think the S6 is freaking quick, consider the forthcoming RS6 Avant’s 0-100 time of 3.6 seconds…
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If you wait...
The third option isn’t available just yet. It’s meant to arrive in the second half of 2020, but its introduction could move to next year, thanks to something called Covid-19. It’s the all-wheel drive A6 45 TDI quattro tiptronic, harbouring a 3.0 TDI with 183 kW and 600 Nm, also employing a torque-converter ’box. But would you miss it?
There’s no doubt the in-line acceleration of this car will be far more thrilling than what the 2.0 TDI can muster, but there will be a significant weight penalty. This is due to the heavier drivetrain and AWD system of the 45, and it could affect handling negatively.
Yes, quattro is synonymous with Audi and it does aid traction on slippery surfaces. But, with the level of sophistication electronic stability control has reached, added to the new A6’s low unsprung mass, rigid body, excellent platform and general road-holding prowess, quattro might be an unnecessary indulgence.
You might lament the 45’s absence from the current line-up, but there’s enough in the 2.0 litre A6 and the S6 to satisfy most whims. If not, consider the BMW 530d – with its 620 Nm straight-six 3.0 litre – for the same price as the A6 45 TDI, namely R1 060 000.
Best value?
Given that all new Audi A6 cars contain the same technology, that will make its occupants feel like they are boarding a Science Fiction film, the difference is in the drivetrains. Do you want to go fast and frugal; or faster and visit fuel stations more often, while feeling like a superhero? What seems to be a tough choice becomes simple when we consider value for money.
The S6 will most likely depreciate faster, as most performance orientated vehicles do, especially when they join the R1 million club. Audi’s TDI drivetrains have stood the test of time, and will probably continue to do so in South Africa, as our context has created a buffer against the looming electrified future.
The A6 40 TDI is our choice, as it will cost you less in the short- and long-term. It will also be easier to resell, because who complains about an Audi TDI with DCT?
We’ve listened; we’ve heard – but we’ll leave the S6 to the likes of Tony Stark.
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