All-new Audi A6 full details revealed

A collective prick-up of executive ears today signalled the release of full details of Audi's all-new A6, with orders to be taken in January and deliveries to smarten-up driveways in the spring.

It's clearly an Audi and size-wise it clearly sits between the A4 and A8, but you'd probably need to be a bit of an Audi aficionado or have all three cars parked side-by-side to spot the differences; subtle as they are.

Pleasantly understated with slight hints at aggression; generally sharper-looking than the out-going model and a little longer and wider to boot. Extra size should mean extra space, but the new car is actually lighter, with the liberal use of aluminium and steel composite making the 2.0 TDI model 15% lighter, at 1575kg, than an all-steel equivalent.

That lighter bodyshell ensures execs will get their toys without incurring a significant weight and therefore emissions penalty, when it comes to tax time.

That 2.0 TDI is likely to be the engine of choice from the four initially on offer, with a respectable performance of 62mph in 8.7secs, 142mph and 57mpg delivered by the 177bhp diesel engine and 6-speed manual gearbox, all for the tailpipe-price of 129g/km of CO2.

The entry-level (£30,145 OTR, rising to £40,650) 2.0 TDI will be front-wheel-drive, but bigger engines, multitronic and S tronic gearboxes, and quattro all-wheel-drive can also be specified. The powerhouse, until a V8 S6 comes along, is the 300bhp, 3-litre TFSI, 7-speed twin-clutch, quattro all-wheel model, but the nicely torquey, 245bhp 3-litre V6 diesel should also haul to an impressive standard.

There will be a hybrid option at a later date, but unless it's particularly keenly priced, which is unlikely, most drivers will still be looking at the frugal diesels first.

Toy time comes in the shape of the usual Audi electronic delights, some as standard and some on the options list, but rest assured it looks like the usual blend of luxury, connectivity and mobility technology.

As standard the interior comes across as distinctly relaxing with a striking yet soothing wrap-around dashboard and sculptured seating for five lucky passengers. Options can include a head-up display, Bluetooth internet connection, a 1,200-watt (!) Bang & Olufsen stereo and MMI touch with a 3D graphics chip. A high-tech autobahn-blaster indeed.

The all-new Audi A6. While there's nothing glaringly obvious to shout about style-wise, it still exudes that Audi self-confidence with pleasant details to caress rather than arrest

The rear end is already nicely chunky. Now imagine an S6

Driver's-eye view of another classy Audi cabin

Looks solid, doesn't it? LED lights: fashionable, brighter and whiter than bulbs; less tiring on the eyes when driving at night

Sculpted alloys show some R8 DNA