2022 Audi A6

Audi A6 2021-2022 Review

It isn’t the most recognized offering in its class, but the Audi A6 represents the mid-sized luxury sedan for the four ring brand in Malaysia – and there’s even the RS6 Avant wagon variant on offer, though that’s a story for another time. Historically the Audi A6 has been made available with a number of different engine options and trim levels over the last three generations or so, but as Audi’s direction in Malaysia has shifted and their priorities have changed, so too have the offerings in their line-up.

Much like the A4, the A6 is offered in a singular, relatively high-spec trim level that also commands a relatively high price. This would be the fifth generation model globally, and it was first launched here back in the third quarter of 2019 in that aforementioned singular variant, which has persisted until now.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Specifications

While there were 2.0-litre variants of the Audi A6 in the past, this most current generation is offered locally with a sole 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 powerplant beating at its heart, producing a not insignificant 340 PS and 500 Nm of torque from as low as 1,370 rpm and up to 4,500 rpm. It also happens to be a mild-hybrid vehicle with a belt-alternator starter operating on a 48-volt system, allowing it to coast at speeds over 55 km/h and up to 160 km/h.

That performance is channeled through a seven-speed dual-clutch type automatic transmission known as the Audi S Tronic. This unit is common in many Audi models and is known for its rapid fire shifts, being quite nearly as quick as those on full-on high-performance sports and supercars, with multiple generations of refinement and adaptation to make them easier to live with and more robust in the face of day to day use.

This sole variant of the Audi A6 also comes equipped with the quattro all-wheel drive system, which is arguably an Audi core technology that really helped them to develop an edge in markets around the world. While it’s said that the all-wheel drive system is derived from their rally heydays, the reality is that the system is far more pedestrian friendly and far less aggressive – but incredibly effective and capable in low-grip situations. Adaptive suspension with damper control is also part of the package.

Dimensionally, the Audi A6 slots between the A4 an A8 as you would expect from the naming convention. The wheelbase is a staunch 2,924 mm, for a length of 4,939 mm, width of 1,8886 mm, and height of 1,457 mm. In other markets there are full-on plug-in hybrid variants as well as diesel models, though these have historically not been offered for our Malaysian market with the exception of the A6 hybrid in the past.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Exterior

LED daytime running lights are the most striking feature of the Audi A6’s front fascia, as has been the case with most Audi models and their distinctive daytime running light designs. The S line exterior package as suggested by the name provides a more aggressive look through the front and rear bumper design, and sufficiently large 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in contrast grey really fill out the wheel arches and set the tone. The headlights and taillights are LED elements as well, with the former being the highly complex Matrix system for superior lighting without blinding other road users.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Interior

On the inside of the Audi A6 you’re treated to a brown Valcona leather upholstery for the seats and trim, as well as operating buttons and switch gear that are finished in a black glass look with haptic feedback and aluminium trim outlays – all making for a very modern, very futuristic look. The steering wheel in particular is a three-spoke leather-trimmed unit with shift paddles, and a panoramic glass roof allows you to make the cabin instantly airier if you are so inclined to roll up the blinds.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Safety Features

The simpler safety features that the Audi A6 comes packaged with locally are things like front, side, rear, and curtain airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and your usual alphabet soup of electronic aids like electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, and so on.

Where the Audi A6 steps it up is in its advanced technology and assistance systems like Audi pre sense front (autonomous emergency braking and pre-collision warning), lane-change warning and rear cross traffic assist, lane departure warning, and park assist with parking aid plus.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

It’s hard to assess exactly where the Audi A6 stands in terms of its strengths and weaknesses in Malaysia, especially when you consider that it doesn’t have any specific direct rivals that are currently on offer in this specific powertrain and trim level. In that sense a perceived weakness may be its eye-wateringly high price tag, but that’s only because we don’t really have anything else to compare it to directly.

The strengths are fairly common to Audi models – robust performance, an incredibly competent all-wheel drive system that gives you an undeniable sense of safety and security in low grip situations, and a relatively pleasant driving experience. The layout and design of the interior also tends more towards the minimalistic and the futuristic in a classy, balanced way – at times even feeling like a spaceship.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Price

The singular variant of the Audi A6 available in Malaysia is the sport 3.0 TFSI quattro, and it goes for RM 603,172.12. This price is inclusive of the current 50% SST exemption and applicable only to Peninsular Malaysia, as well as the HP Ownership Claim Fee, Registration Fees, one year of road tax, but without insurance.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Features

You can’t talk about a modern Audi without looking at the instrument cluster, and in the case of the Audi A6 it comes with the Audi virtual cockpit system that takes the user experience to another level. This wide screen displays a large variety of information in full colour and high resolution, allowing you to view navigation or trip data if that is your priority, or customize the layout to show the performance readouts you need.

On top of this, the A6 comes with the MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch response package – essentially Audi’s in-house entertainment system at a higher grade. There is a smartphone interface – implying Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, as well as a Bluetooth interface and a Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System to render your choice of music in extreme clarity.

Both front seats are electrically adjustable with four-way lumbar support and memory functions for the driver’s seat, letting you find your perfect seating position for the long haul. Not single, not double, but quadruple zone deluxe automatic climate control is provided to make sure every quadrant of the car is just the right temperature – and multicoloured ambient lighting helps to set the mood when night falls.

Audi A6 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Audi A6 sedan in the sole 3.0-litre turbocharged variant with quattro available here is 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres, which translates roughly to 13.9 kilometres per litre. Being a turbocharged car, this figure can vary wildly depending on the way in which you drive – aggressive driving naturally yields much worse fuel consumption.