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The equipment Even with the standard specification, the new Audi A6 Avant comes with a level of equipment by no means usual even in the luxury class. And this superiority is immediately borne out by the use of premium materials and the perfect quality of finish. MMI - Multi Media Interface The integrated user interface which goes by the name of Multi Media Interface MMI is unparalleled by anything on offer from the competition. This infotainment platform and control concept on the new A6 Avant combines the advantages of simple operation, a perfect position and consistent operating logic. With MMI having already set the standard in the luxury-class Audi A8, it is now continuing its story of success in the executive segment. As in the Audi A6 saloon before it, the system is available in three different configurations: as MMI basic (standard), MMI basic plus, and MMI. The Audi A6 Avant comes as standard with MMI basic, featuring the terminal, a 6.5-inch monochrome display, as well as an integrated radio and single-disc CD player. Music output is via a 2x20 Watt amplifier and four loudspeakers in the front doors. Like all radios, the basic system comes with speed-dependent volume control and, thanks to the diversity aerial, excellent radio recepŽtion. As well as the radio functions and the broadcasting of traffic information, numerous vehicle functions such as the air conditioning and interior light configuration can be controlled via MMI basic, as on the Audi A8. On MMI basic plus, available as an optional extra, the radio system of MMI basic can be further upgraded with extra components. A TP memory, for example, is able to record traffic messages lasting up to four minutes. Over and above the basic unit, MMI basic plus comes with a sound system incorporating a total of 10 loudspeakers (three-way combinations at the front and two-way combinations at the rear). MMI basic plus can also be combined with a CD-based navigation system featuring optical destination guidance using arrow pictograms and additional text inŽformŽation in the driver information system presented exactly in the driver's line of vision. The system also indicates the route acoustically to the driver. Route planning takes all information proŽvided by TMC traffic radio messaging into account. Fitted as an option with the full range of features, MMI comes with a 7-inch colour monitor in the new Audi A6 Avant. In addition to the high-quality audio system already featured with MMI basic plus, a double tuner and a six-disc CD changer are included in the radio system. Yet a further option also available in combination with MMI and MMI basic plus is the all-new BOSE surround sound system, no less than five amplifier channels distributing sound around the listener like in a concert hall - and in the process creating an experience in sound which sets new standards even in the supreme luxury range. The BOSE system provides an equalizer function that adapts the sound output to the speed-dependent level of background noise in the vehicle. As on the A8, MMI can also be supplied with DVD navigation. A DVD provides more than ten times the storage capacity of a conventional CD ROM, coupled with a noticeably faster access time. This kind of capacity is able to cover not only the route directions for one country but almost the entire Western European road network on one single data carrier, relieving the driver of the annoying job of changing the CD when crossing borders. A further advantage is that the navigation system calculates the route much more swiftly than on CD-based systems. This is particularly noticeable during map loading and when using the zoom function. This allows a flowing zooming in and out and enables the map to be moved in all four directions. As an alternative, the navigation system can also be operated using voice control. Adaptive cruise control As on the Audi A8, the new A6 Avant, and parallel the saloon, comes as an option with an intelligent "travelling companion": second generation radar-aided adaptive cruise control that automatically maintains the right distance from the vehicle ahead. Supplementing the optional cruise control function, this system significantly enhances driving convenience by automatically controlling the speed of the car relative to the vehicle ahead and the distance chosen. A new feature in the latest generation of adaptive cruise control is the fact that the angle recorded by the sensor has doubled, clearly improving the detection range especially on winding country roads. And for the first time, the system can be combined with manual gearboxes. Hidden discreetly out of sight, the system sensor is fitted behind the trim grille on the coolant air intake. While the car is on the move, it emits radar signals that determine how far ahead the next vehicle is. A computer then establishes whether that distance is increasing or decreasing based on the change compared with the previous measurement, and adjusts the car's own speed correspondingly by manipulating the accelerator or the brakes. The Audi development engineers have deliberately limited the intensity of possible acceleration and that of brake intervention and very definitely designed the distance control as a convenience system. The adaptive cruise control system is configured such that when another vehicle that is travelling at a completely different speed is approached, the driver is alerted both visually and acoustically to the need for a conscious, situation-appropriate response. The speed range used by the system is between 30 and 200 km/h.
Adaptive headlights and daytime running lights As on its saloon counterpart, ultra-advanced innovations are to be found behind the clear-glass covers of the A6 Avant's headlights: the dynamic technology of adaptive light, and daytime running lights in conjunction with xenon plus technology - a combination not found on any competitor model. The new A6 Avant, too, comes with light units in Audi's typical "tube" look. Featuring anthracite-coloured trims, the tubes for the high and low beams appear to hover almost freely in the air, giving the front-end design of the car its very own touch of high-tech. The headlights on the new A6 Avant come in three different versions: halogen headlights in free-form technology fitted as standard, xenon plus headlights with daytime running lights, and the xenon plus system with the dynamic adaptive light system that "can see" around a bend. It does this by pivoting the ellipsoidal module for the high-beam and low-beam headlights in synchronisation with the line of the road or a bend as the car is being driven. This greatly improves illumination of the road in front of the vehicle and to the sides, making it easier for the driver to anticipate the course of the road ahead. Exemplary safety as standard The safety equipment featured as standard in the new-generation A6 is equally impressive. Active safety benefits from the latest-generation ESP with extended features, trailer oscillation logic, emergency braking signalling and considerably enhanced understeering control. ESP with these additional functions is also available on the saloon version. The emergency braking signalling function alerts vehicles following on behind to potential hazards if the brakes are applied hard. The trailer oscillation logic identifies dangerous swinging of the trailer and automatically applies the brakes to stabilise the outfit. The understeering control function has also been optimised: when the vehicle understeers, the system no longer brakes just the two wheels on the inside of the bend; the brakes are applied to individual or even to all four wheels simultaneously, depending on the situation. This reduces the radius of the curve and the vehicle is kept reliably on track. In the event of a collision the car's occupants are effectively protected by the robust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable passenger cell. And in conjunction with the seat belts, the front and side airbags as well as the sideguard head airbag system, which covers virtually the entire side window area, afford superior safety and protection for the driver and passengers. Crash tests performed by Audi in accordance with the Euro NCAP criteria confirm that the Avant and the saloon offer the highest standards of occupant protection. The two full-size front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of the accident. Active front head restraints fitted as standard help to protect the occupants in a collision from behind. The new Audi A6 Avant comes as standard with 7x16 inch alloy wheels, running on 205/60 R16 tyres. The particularly high-performance six-cylinder versions (from 132 kW upwards) have forged size 7.5x16-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 tyres, whereas the 4.2 eight-cylinder version comes with 17-inch wheels and 225/50 tyres as standard. As an option the new Audi A6 Avant is available with a choice of ten different versions of wheel up to 18 inches in diameter and running on tyres up to 245/45 R18. Even in winter, the A6 driver has the choice of three wheel designs of up to 7x17 inches in size and running on 225/50 tyres. All new Audi A6 Avant models come as standard with the Audi tyre mobility system, but may also be fitted with a spare wheel as an option. The electromechanical parking brake as well as a light and rain sensor including coming home/leaving home function are further standard fitments. Another standard feature on all A6 models in the range is two-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning - comprising separate controls for the driver and front passenger - with enhanced output and optimised acoustics, a virtue that cannot be taken for granted even in this segment. Recirculated-air and pollen filters and a sun sensor assure maximum climate comfort. The occupants' well-being can be further enhanced by the option of deluxe automatic air conditioning plus with indirect ventilation, air humidity and air quality sensors and extended climate control of the rear compartment via air vents in the B-posts. At a glance: The new Audi A6 Avant Powerful 6 and 8-cylinder TDI and petrol engines: Manual six-speed gearbox, alternatively six-speed tiptronic or continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission Audi dynamic suspension with four-link front suspension layout and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension on front-wheel-drive and quattro versions | ||||||||
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