Audi S6, S6 Avant, S7 Break Cover With 3.0-litre V6 TDI Diesel Power, 48V Mild Hybrid System

Audi has taken the wraps off the new S6, S6 Avant, and S7 Sportback with new fresh looks, new engine, as well as new tech.

The big news is the powertrain for the three models. Audi has combined a V6-TDI engine with an electric powered compressor (EPC) and for the first time, there is a 48-volt mild-hybrid system (MHEV).

The powertrain package, which is available in all three models with an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends the power to all four wheels, produces a maximum output of 349 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

However, in markets outside Europe, the three new models will be powered by a 2.9-litre petrol engine producing 450 hp and 600 Nm of torque. Even though the engine is different, they will still come with the electric powered compressor and 48-volt electrical mild-hybrid system.

According to Audi, the EPC offers vigorous acceleration and provides a repeatable boost function when accelerating, which pre-empts any hint of turbo lag, and enables high responsiveness and powerful acceleration in every driving situation.

The EPC, which visually resembles a conventional turbocharger, is mounted directly on the engine in the intake air path behind the intercooler. In most operating statuses it is circumvented by a bypass. However if the load demanded by the accelerator is high and the energy available on the turbine side is low, the bypass valve closes, guiding the intake air to the EPC. The compressed air flows directly into the combustion chamber.

The result is spontaneous response and impressive pulling power when accelerating, which enables the V6 TDI-powered S6 Sedan to do the century sprint in 5.0-seconds, and the S6 Avant and S7 Sportback in 5.1 seconds.

While the EPC boosts the performance, the mild-hybrid system (MHEV) helps to improve fuel efficiency. The 48-volt MHEV system comprises a belt alternator starter (BAS) and a lithium‑ion battery with a capacity of 10 Ah housed in the vehicle floor beneath the luggage compartment, which allows for start/stop operation from a speed as low as 22 km/h, and fuel saving of up to 0.4 liters in real driving conditions.

Further complementing the powertrain package is the quattro permanent AWD system, wheel-selective torque control, S sport suspension, an electronic chassis platform (ECP), dynamic all-wheel steering, six piston brakes, and 20-inch wheels.

Design wise, new key exterior features include a redesigned front-end with wider grille, tweaked front and rear bumpers, wide sills and a wide rear diffuser with quad exhausts, as well as a generous dose of dark chrome accents.

Inside, all three S models feature black color schemes with unique sporty inlays, color-contrasting stitching, as well as model-specific equipment.

Compared to Audi’s A models, the S models here come with an extended range of standard equipment like the MMI navigation plus including Audi virtual cockpit with 12.3-inch display, Alcantara sport seats in the S6, super sport seats in the S7, as well as four-zone automatic air conditioning as standard.    

Having said that, the new Audi S6 and S7 models will be making their debut in European markets in mid-2019, which will be followed by other markets in the world.