Audi A6 Diesel Engine: Making Executives Look Cool
German manufacturer Audi launched A6 in 1994, also called C4, its predecessors C1, C2 and C3 were launched in Europe/ UK as Audi 100 and in US as Audi 5000, as of 1994 Audi branded it as A6, globally. A6 was designed and launched to compete with BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E Class in mid size executive car category. Both BMW and Mercedes already hold more than 70% market share this category in their home market, with Merc leading the pack with 56% market share. Though Audi has made tremendous strides since 1994 it still lags behind in looks and performance, when compared with front runners.
The first generation A6 was produced from 1994 till 1997 with a whole array of V6s and turbo charged engines. Among the lot 2.5 litre Audi A6 diesel engine based on TDI technology had positive reviews from independent reviewers, though it was short on power, only 138 bhp, it made up for its lack of power by offering class leading mileage, 44 miles to a gallon on highway.
Produced from 1997 till 2004, second generation Audi A6 was designed in Italy to change A6’s perception as a sporty modern sedan, on par with contemporary 5 Series Beamer and E Class Merc. Five petrol V6s along with one V8 and one diesel V6 were the highlight of this generation. Audi offered 5,6 speed manual and 5 speed auto gearbox options along with 5 speed multitronic transmission. Despite increased power and improved technology Audi A6 diesel engines in this era couldn’t yield similar results as their petrol counterparts. C6 or third generation A6 was launched in 2004, after complete redesign for a more refined look. This time around Audi A6 diesel engine, V6 Quattro, got respectable 230bhp, though it was still underpowered compared to the massive 4.2 litre, 345 bhp petrol V8 that Audi launched in this generation of A6, it improved handling and feel of diesel powered A6 tremendously.
C7 is the most recent generation (2011 onwards) of A6 with massive enhancement in engine power and torque. Biggest petrol engine, V8, produces 414 bhp whereas biggest diesel engine in this generation’s lineup produces 309 bhp. Apart from improvements in horse power, Euro NCAP awarded 5 stars to A6, making it one of the safest mid size executive saloons in the market. Because of futuristic, sporty design, bigger yet economical engines and improved safety & comfort levels, Audi A6 has become the third most popular executive sedan in Germany and is now one of the favorites in US and European markets.
