Audi has introduced updated versions of its A6 and A7 Sportback models in South Africa. Besides the expected visual upgrades, the range also gets new engines, transmissions and infotainment systems ina bid to take the fight to the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class/CLS, Jaguar XFand Lexus GS more effectively.

The exterior upgrade includes changes to the trademark Audi grille, headlights, air ducts, bumpers, tail lights and even the exhaust outlets. Audi’s eye-catchingLED or Matrix LED headlight technology systems are available as optional extras.

Inside, the big news is really the various high-tech info-tainment systems that are offered. The flagship navigation system with its electrically retractable eight-inch screen is based on a new technology platform that uses the Tegra 30 graphics chip from Audi’s tech partner, Nvidia. The Audi connect module, meanwhile, turns the cabin into a Wi-Fi hotspot and makes several on-line services available, too.

In terms of safety Audi offers a vast range of systems, including adaptive cruise control with a stop & go function. There’s also Audi side assist, which uses radar to monitor those pesky blind spots and Audi Active Lane Assist, which was developed to prevent unintended lane changes. A heads-up display feature is offered as an optional extra and the night-vision assistant has been honed to include more features.

Revised engine line-up for Audi A6

Although the engine line-up for the revised A6 will eventually include three TFSI (petrol) units with power outputs ranging from 140 to 331 kW and two TDI (turbodiesel) units, at launch only the 1,8T FSI and S6 will be available. A 160 kW 3,0 TDI S tronic joins the line-up in June and the 2,0T FSI Quattro S tronic comes a month later. The 2,0 TDI S tronic will arrive near the end of the year. An interesting side note is that the Multitronic (CVT) transmission has been replaced by the S tronic on all A6 models.

Audi A6 standard specification

Audi A6 1,8T FSI (140 kW), 2,0 TDI (140 kW) and 3,0 TDI (160 kW):

Audi drive select with efficiency modeXenon plus headlights (new)4-spoke multifunction leather steering wheelExterior chrome package for the front grille (new)USB interface for connecting external media devices (new)Audi sound system18-inch, 5-twin spoke, V design alloy wheels (new)Partial leatherInterior mirror with auto anti-glare actionParking aid plus (front and rear)Cruise controlAutomatic air conditioningBluetooth interfaceElectrically adjustable exterior mirrors, heatedInterior lighting packageSideguard airbag system

Audi A6 2,0T FSI quattro S tronic (185 kW):

The A6 2,0T FSI with 185kW has the same equipment as above but adds the following:

quattro all-wheel driveLeather-covered, multifunction sports steering wheel, in 3-spoke design with shift paddlesFront electrically operated seats with memory function for both seats (new)19-inch alloy wheels (new)Parking system plus with reverse camera (new)

Audi S6 4,0T FSI 331 kW quattro S tronic:

S6 spec level adds the following items:

Full LED headlights (new)MMI Navigation plus with Audi connectInlays in dulled aluminiumSplit rear seatAudi Drive Select with efficiency mode4 zone air-conditionerStorage packageAlcantara / leather seat trim on sports front seatsAluminium exterior mirror housing4 corner air suspension – sport3 spoke multi-function steering wheel with S tronic controls19-inch, 5 parallel “S” design alloy wheels

Audi A6 price in South Africa

Audi A6 1,8T FSI 140 kW S tronic: R 601 000Audi A6 2,0TDI 140 kW S tronic: R 631 500* (available November 2015)Audi A6 3,0TDI 160 kW S tronic: R 689 000 (available June 2015)Audi A6 2,0T FSI 185 kW quattro S tronic: R 749 500 (available July 2015)Audi S6 4,0T FSI 331 kW quattro S tronic: R 1 054 500

* Indicative pricing

All prices include VAT and the standard Audi Freeway Plan (5 year/100 000km).

Similar changes to A7 Sportback

The stylish A7 Sportback gets similar enhancements but the engine line-up and specification details are subtly different.

The range kicks off with the 3,0 TDI Quattro S tronic (200 kW/580 Nm). Offering a stonking 235 kW, the 3,0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine option sees the A7 rocket to 100 km/h in 5,2 seconds. Still… with a claimed combined cycle consumption figure of 6,1 L/100 it is also remarkably economical. This engine is the only one mated with the brand’s eight-speed tiptronic transmission. All other engines gets the seven-speed S tronic gearbox.

As far as “entry level” petrol engines go, the 4,0T FSI is quite a beast, delivering 331 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Equipped with this engine the A7 Sportback reaches 100 km/h in 4,6 seconds.

Of course, the flagship remains the fearsome RS7 Sportback. With 412 kW and 700 Nm of torque (from 1 750 to 5 500 rpm), the 0-100 km/h dash is completed in only 3,9 seconds. An optional dynamic package allows for a top speed of 305 km/h. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is, however, standard.

Audi A7 Sportback standard specification

Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI quattro S tronic (200 kW):

3-spoke multifunction leather steering wheel (new)19-inch 5-spoke V design wheel (new)LED headlights (new)Advanced key (Keyless entry)Aluminium trim on window surroundAudi Drive SelectAudi Music Interface with USB integration (new)3 rear seats (excludes S7)Auto dim interior mirror with light and rain sensorBluetooth cell phone preparation, wirelessChild seat anchor, on front passenger seatClimatronic air conditioner, 4 zoneCruise controlElectrically adjustable exterior mirrors with memory functionElectrically adjustable front seats with memory function for driver’s seatInlays in brushed aluminium (new)Interior lighting packageMMI Radio Plus with active speakersPark Distance Control Advanced, with rear view cameraPartial leather seat trimPower closing tailgatequattro with self-locking Crown-gear differentialRear side airbagsSideguard airbag systemStandard suspension

Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI bi-turbo quattro S tronic (235 kW):

The A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI Bi-Turbo adds the following:

20-inch 5-spoke W-design wheel (new)Leather-covered, multifunction sports steering wheel, in 3-spoke design, with shift paddles (new)MMI navigation plus including MMI Touch

Audi S7 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic (331 kW):

The S7 adds the following features to the above:

Alcantara / leather seat trim on S sports front seats4 corner air suspension20-inch 5 parallel spoke “Star” design alloy wheels (new)

Audi RS7 4,0T FSI quattro tiptronic (412 kW):

In addition to the above, the full-house RS7 adds:

Carbon Fibre inlaysRS-tuned air suspensionFull LED headlights with RS7 specific lookMMI 3G Navigation with connect and MMI touchValcona leather upholstery with diamond patternElectrically operated glass sunroofHeads-up displayNight vision with pedestrian detectionDynamic steeringquattro sports differentialKeyless entry21-inch light alloy wheelsAluminium styling package with quattro wording on front bumperRS-braking system with “wave” design discs

Audi A7 Sportback price in South Africa

Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI quattro S tronic: R 943 500Audi A7 Sportback 3,0 TDI BiTurbo quattro S tronic: R 1 040 000Audi S7 Sportback 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic: R 1 176 500Audi RS7 Sportback 4,0T FSI quattro S tronic: R 1 596 000