Audi A6 45 TFSI 2019 Review

We were impressed by the range-topping (for now) $116K, turbo V6-powered Audi A6 55 TFSI S Line when we first drove it in on local roads in August, after pricing for the new A6 was announced in July.

But the sweet spot sits at the bottom of the range, with the four-cylinder turbo-petrol Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro that gives you almost everything you need for $95,500 -- $4000 less than the outgoing model.

The new A6 range will grow in the first half of 2020, with a front-drive 45 TFSI model that drops the price by $10K to $85,500, the A6 allroad quattro priced at $109,500, the new S6 sports sedan and the master blaster RS 6 Avant.

But for now the current Audi A6 line-up is focussed on quattro drive with a choice of two engine packages and plenty of value.

It’s aimed squarely at upscale buyers who would otherwise opt for a BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi Australia says A6 owners are usually men aged 45-64 and highly educated.

“They're not just looking for in-your-face bling, they are looking for long-term quality. Some people call it an athlete in a business suit,” says Audi Australia product planning manager, Peter Strudwicke.

Some of the surprising research shows that A6 owners actually spend a lot of time in the back seat, although it’s often for trips to dinner or a couples’ weekend away.

The 2019 Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro package comprises a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, seven-speed S-tronic dual-clutch automatic transmission, on-demand quattro all-wheel drive, coasting function, rear-wheel steering, LED headlights and two levels of driving assistance.

But the headline stuff is a different take on infotainment – replacing a rotary controller with haptic push buttons – plus an updated ‘virtual cockpit’ digital instrument cluster, front and rear cross-traffic sensing and even on-demand information on parking spots and prices.

“There is a lot of technology, including a whole range of sensors around the car,” says Strudwicke. “We’ve fitted all the safety gear we can -- 360-degree views, five cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.”

Packaged into Audi Connect Plus with a central driver-assistance control, even the shortest list of equipment includes a MyAudi App to remotely monitor the car or provide weather reports at a destination, a radio that switches automatically from DAB to streaming, and 24/7 connectivity that’s free for three years, with 10 years of free emergency calls.

The emphasis on safety includes a driver condition monitor, improved exit warnings to avoid cyclists and even loose-wheel detection and illuminated seatbelt buckles.

“It’s an example of the attention to detail,” says Strudwicke, pointing out that the five-star ANCAP safety rating is matched by an IHS ‘Top Safety Pick’ in the USA following even tougher crash testing.

The 2019 Audi A6 is an evolutionary shape, with an inevitable emphasis on a much more prominent grille and the LED lights which have matrix control and perform their own ‘welcome’ display like mini Christmas lights.

The aero drag is down, the mirrors have been moved to the doors to cut noise and the sealing around the doors has been improved. Inside, the cabin is longer, with an extra 17mm of rear legroom and 11mm more head space.

“The exterior is an evolution, but the interior is completely new in terms of design,” says Strudwicke.

That means a lower-set dash, three giant display screens and an MMI display that is angled 10 degrees towards the driver.

“Everything you touch and feel has been designed for high-quality haptic feel,” he says.

Diesel is done for the Audi A6, so there are now two petrol engines: a 250kW/500Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo for the 55 TFSI and a 180kW/370Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder for the 45 TFSI tested here.

Both have mild-hybrid technology, with a simple 12-volt system for the 45 and a punchier 48-volt set-up in the 55 that recovers up to 14kW of regenerative power and allows what Audi describes as ‘stop-start operation’ up to 22km/h.

There is a seven-speed S-tronic automatic for both models and Audi says its latest quattro drive always starts in all-wheel drive but disconnects the rear wheels for added efficiency unless it detects a need for extra traction at the rear.

The bottom line on the 2019 Audi A6, at least for now, is $95,500 for the 45 TFSI quattro, which comes fully loaded with a lot of equipment that costs extra in Europe.

Apart from Matrix LED headlights it gets 19-inch alloys, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped dashboard, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera, 10-speaker sound and Apple CarPlay without the extra cost that comes at BMW.

Upgrading to the S line package, which is standard on the 55, brings 20-inch alloys and adaptive dampers, head-up display, a flat-bottom steering wheel and sports seats.

There is also a $3000 Style package built around bigger alloys and active Matrix LED headlights, plus the $9800 Premium Plus deal that goes to 21-inch alloys, privacy glass, panoramic sunroof and Bang & Olufsen sound.

The entry-level 2019 Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro looks smart and is very classy inside, where there’s a new level fit-and-finish even if Audi already set the industry benchmark.

Starting the press preview drive out of Adelaide into the hills and countryside on roads that are ideal for a weekend winery visit, the standard-spec 45 TFSI is very quiet at all speeds, has more than enough go and rides with a plushness that is often missing at Audi – especially on big wheels.

But I cannot live with the new haptic buttons, which feel like a step back from a rotary controller. There is too much distraction as you search for the right button and it’s too easy to touch the wrong one if you hit a bump or pothole.

Upgrading to the A6 45 TFSI with S line package, which lifts the price to $105,200, brings welcome additions including a head-up display and the B&O sound, although I could live without the sunroof.

There are also 21-inch alloys but the ride is still controlled and smooth, and I feel a little more spoiled.

Of course the fully-loaded Audi A6 55 TFSI has much more punch in all conditions, from a standing start to roll-on overtaking, but the adaptive dampers spoil the drive. There is too much bang-crash through potholes and an overall stiffness that is unneeded on these roads.

My other gripe, which applies to all three models I drove, is the over-intrusive steering assistance, which kicks back every time you approach a white line – even on curving roads where the ideal line is straight through a bend – and the complication of the infotainment system.

But I love the display screens with the Google Maps overlay, the excellent frontal visibility, the space in the back seat and boot, and I know I would appreciate the top-end lights if I was driving after dark.

Despite the car’s complication, which would take a while to learn and even longer to master, the new Audi A6 is a big step forward and a car that will be welcome in plenty of executive garages.

How much does the 2019 Audi A6 45 TFSI quattro cost?
Price: $95,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/370Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto, all-wheel drive
Fuel: 7.2-7.3L/100km
CO2: 164-166g/km
Safety: Five-star (ANCAP 2018)