Audi tweaks A6 and A7

Audi has revealed upgraded A6 and A7 models, just a week after the Australian launch of even more powerful 'performance' versions of the range-topping RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback.

Lesser versions of the big German luxury model – including sedan and wagon versions of the A6 and S6, plus the A6 allroad quattro, A7 and S7 – come in for mild cosmetic updates inside and out, and more standard equipment.

For the 2016 model year, the A6 and A6 Avant score a more horizontal front-end design, via a new front bumper with bolder contours around the air inlets and a more angular rear bumper and new side sills.

The MY16 A6's optional S line exterior package brings a new grille in 'corpus' matt black with gloss-chrome slats, which also accentuate the side air inlets, while models with adaptive cruise control also gain chrome rings.

Both the A6 and A7 are available in three new paint colors – Matador red, Gotland green and Java brown from the A6 allroad – while Gotland green is also available for S models.

Rounding out the mild exterior upgrade are two new wheel designs for the A6 and three for the A7.

Inside, there are new LED lighting highlights for both A6 and A7, including S models, and the option of new inlays in Aluminum Ellipse silver and fine grain birch natural agate grey -- the latter also available for S6 and S7.

New technologies include Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone mirroring for the MMI infotainment system, an inductive charging function for the Audi phone box and the option of two portable rear tablets that connect to the car.

For the MY16 A6 allroad quattro, a new Advanced package option emphasises its off-road ability via a new Soho brown paint finish with grey add-on parts, 20-inch wheels and Audi's new sport differential for the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

Inside the A6 crossover, the package includes sport seats upholstered in high-end Santos brown Valcona leather with new silver contrasting stitching, Aluminum Ellipse silver inlays, fine grain birch natural agate grey trim and velour floor mats.

First deliveries begin mid-year in Europe, where Audi says the MY16 models will bring no price changes, with Australians likely to have access to the updated A6, S6, A7 and S7 later this year.