Audi needs its soon to be launched 5th generation Audi A6 to be really special to take on the new Mercedes E-Class and the very soon to arrive BMW 5-Srries.
Test mules of this 5th generation luxury sedan has been spotted for the first time this month and the car is being developed alongside new generations of the A7 and A8.
The platform is the latest evolution of Audi’s MLB design for front- and all-wheel-drive vehicles with longitudinally-mounted engines. It promises some weight savings as well as new plug-in hybrid options. The current A6, despite featuring aluminum in its construction, still weighs over 4,000 pounds in some guises.
Styling shows for a wide, imposing grille and strong creases lifted straight from the earlier concept, as are the geometrically-shaped headlights.
The base engine should be a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 delivering 252 horsepower. There will also be a turbocharged V-6 and a plug-in hybrid for sure. The PHEV A6 will feature Audi’s “e-tron” badge. The current A6 in China is sold with a plug-in hybrid option and it combines an inline-4 with an electric motor integrated with the transmission and delivers a peak 245 horsepower.
