Audi's A6 and its predecessor, the 100, have been around for 38 years. But the latest version going on sale here does what it hasn't done before, challenging the domination of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-series in the premium executive segment.
It's all reflected in the formidable engine line-up and indeed the prices. The four versions that are initially available begin with a 2.4 litre V6 177 bhp petrol at €49,900, followed by a 3.2 litre V6 255 bhp petrol with FSI fuel injection at €59,900, a 3.0 litre TDI V6 225 bhp Quattro at 461,900 and a 4.2 litre petrol V8 335 bhp Quattro at €88,100.
For those seeking somewhat more modest engine power, there is a 2.0 litre TDI 140bhp diesel that's due in the autumn priced at €47,000, while a 2.0 litre 177bhp petrol FSI turbo will make a spring 2005 debut at a price yet to be confirmed. It's all a far cry from the first 100s whichboasted engine power of merely 80 and 90bhp.
This new sixth generation is even very different from the A6 family represented by the fifth generation. John Hayes, Audi's Irish sales manager, points to 70 per cent of future sales being six-cylinder models whereas previously four-cylinder sales were 70 per cent. "The new car is so profoundly different from the predecessor we could have called it the A7. We have raised the stakes in almost every department, most especially in interior space and the 546 litre boot is by far the best in class, being even bigger than that on our A8 flagship."
There's a more radical styling approach. Much has changed under the skin as well. All models get double wishbone front and multilink rear suspension, and much of the engineering came from the A8, used for VIPs during the recent Irish EU Presidency. Helping to keep the weight down are an aluminium front bumper, bonnet and boot lid, although the basic structure remains steel. Also adopted from the A8 are the MMI driver control and information system and an electromechanical handbrake.
Quattro or permanent four-wheel-drive is expected to take a bigger share of the projected sales of 800 to 1,000 in 2005. Significantly new A6 versions which would otherwise be front-wheel-drive can be specified with Quattro for €3,520.
The 3.0 litre TDI V6, one of the first A6 arrivals with the €61,900 price tag, is competing in price against the BMW 530d saloon which is €65,510.
Aside from price advantage, the Audi newcomer drives on all fours having Quattro as standard. Audi points to a much greater price differential at entry-level with the 140 bhp 2.0 litreTDI at €47,000 competing against BMW's 525d at €59,630.