Next Audi A6 leaked

Audi's all-new 2018 A6 has been leaked after a user on the French car forum, WorldScoop, published three images of the completely undisguised sedan ahead of its global unveiling at the Geneva motor show next week.

The images, believed to be genuine, confirm that the fifth-generation A6 will indeed be inspired by the flagship A8 and the recently launched A7 Sportback, although it appears the BMW 5 Series competitor will miss out on both cars' full-width rear LED light bar.

Inside, we already know from the official teases the A6 will come with the car-maker's next-generation Virtual Cockpit digital instruments, but under the skin Audi's next Mercedes E-Class rival should be a technological tour-de-force.

That's because it's set to be based on the latest updates of the Volkswagen Group's MLB Evo platform that underpins the bigger Q7 SUV, among other cars from the likes of Bentley and Porsche.

The platform, which is not only lighter and stiffer than the current car's, will help unlock new technology including semi-autonomous cruise control and the latest 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrains.

Star of the A6 range will be a 250kW/500Nm 3.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo V6 that's already made its debut in the A7, but from launch expect both the petrol and diesel engines to feature a traditional turbo and an electric compressor that's powered by energy recovered from braking.

This set-up should not only ensure enhanced performance but will make the A6 one of the most efficient cars in its class.

Later on, a plug-in hybrid A6 e-tron model will follow, as well as the eagerly anticipated S6 and RS 6 performance models.

Stay tuned, because it's thought Audi plans to reveal its new A6 in full in a matter of hours.