Taller, longer and wider than its predecessor, the 2018 model – which debuts at next week’s Geneva Motor Show – gets just a subtle make-over of its styling, with more intensive upgrades when it comes to features.

New Audi A6 Saloon available to order in the UK this summer

Onboard technology includes the latest version of the all-digital MMI touch response system, which brings more intuitive operation and personalisation options and can be operated using drag and drop functionality like smartphones. The system brings access to infotainment via an 8.8-inch display – which rises to 10.1 inches where the optional MMI navigation plus upgrade has been specified – while a lower 8.6-inch display is used for the climate control, convenience functions and text input. Head-up display is available too and drivers can also use natural-language voice control to access onboard stored data and – in conjunction with MMI navigation plus – data from the cloud.

In-car tech will also use Audi connect online services to provide car-to-X services traffic sign and hazard information. Shortly after launch, an on-street parking service will be made available. Using the myAudi app, owners of the new A6 can access the brand’s digital services via a smartphone.

Drivers can also opt for a new Audi connect key, which replaces the conventional vehicle key and enables an Android smartphone to lock and unlock the car and start the engine.

The new A6 also debuts latest driver assistance systems including the parking pilot and the garage pilot, which will become available at a later date and will be capable of autonomously manoeuvring the car into and out of a parking space or garage via a smartphone.

The engine line-up sees all units equipped with mild hybrid technology already featured on the A8. European engine line-up from launch brings a 345hp 3.0-litre TFSI with official CO2 emissions from 151g/km and a 286hp 3.0 TDI with CO2 emissions from 142g/km. All A6 models come with automatic transmission. The 3.0 TDI unit is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic and the 3.0 TFSI with a seven-speed S tronic, and both come with quattro all-wheel drive as standard.

Audi has also confirmed that a 231hp 3.0 TDI will launch at a later date, as will a four-cylinder 2.0 TDI with 204PS. Dates are yet to be confirmed. Despite rumours of a PHEV option, Audi said nothing has been confirmed.

New suspension options bring a choice of four set-ups: the conventional steel spring suspension, the sport suspension, the suspension with damper control and the adaptive air suspension, also with controlled damping.

The A6 also features progressive steering with the option of dynamic all-wheel steering to improve agility and responses.

Pricing and specification will be confirmed nearer to launch.

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