Geneva Motor Show 2018: New Audi A6 to debut with hybrid system

The newest incarnation of Audi's executive saloon will be launched at the 88th Geneva Motor Show at the begining of March, before going on sale in June 2018.

The Audi A6 redesign is subtle, so subtle you may not see much difference between it and the latest Audi A8. It will be available to order soon, launching in Europe from June 2018. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but we expect the base-spec A6 to sit at around £37,000 - rivaling the BMW 5 Series.

However, the new model - which essentially looks like a more grown up version of the previous model - is promised to offer a sporty drive, comfortable ride, spacious cabin and more tech than you know what to do with.

The debut follows the recently launched A7 Sportback and A8, with the new A6 being wider, longer and taller than the outgoing model.

There will be four engines on offer: three diesels and a high-powered petrol. There are two versions of the 3.0-litre V6 diesel, offer either 231PS and 285PS - with a 2.0 TDI is also available.

The sole petrol engine is a 3.0-litre V6 turbo, producing 340PS. All A6 engines will have a mild-hybrid system, with the V6 motors featuring a 48-volt electrical system and the four-cylinder diesel offering a 12-volt system. The mild hybrid will apparently allow the A6 to coast between 34mph and 99mph on electrical power.

The pair of V6 diesels have an eight-speed automatic, while the V6 petrol and four-cylinder diesel get a seven-speed S tronic gearbox. All 3.0-litre models quattro, with the 2.0 TDI front-wheel drive to begin with.

Audi also says a 2.0-litre petrol A6 will arrive in the UK at some point. Although there is no confirmed date for a plug-in hybrid A6, it's been hinted at in the past.

Interior touches like the Virtual Cockpit and thin-rimmed leather steering wheel are no surprise, and a twin-screen MMI Touch infotainment system has been added. The top screen is used for navigation, media and vehicle controls like switching mode with Audi’s Drive Select system.

The lower screen is specifically used to manage the front occupants' climate and seating controls. Both screens use haptic and acoustic feedback, so users hear and feel a click as soon as their finger triggers a function. Strange, we know.

The new Audi A6 has five radar sensors, five cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a laser as part of its driver assistance kit - making the new model partially autonomous.