IF you want a long-distance machine, an automotive marathon runner, an executive express, then this is it: the all-new Audi A6.
It dismisses distance without a backwards glance; strides with security the UK’s motorways; makes miles simply…disappear.
This is the real trick of this brilliant new executive from Audi, the brand’s rival to the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class for your company car choice.
Business trip from south-west London to south Wales and return in a day? Not a problem: that will be 318 miles, sir.
Family visit to the Cumbria/Scotland borders for the weekend? Try me: that will be 950 miles, sir.
All of it delivered in unruffled calmness. And with great fuel economy – around the 57mpg level on these long journeys.
Which just goes to show you how important diesel remains in the business motoring sector.
Diesels can deliver big mileages at cost effective operational costs. There are few range issues – not when you can travel some 770 miles before replenishment of the diesel fuel tank is required.
Diesels have received a poor press thanks to the Government’s anti-diesel stance, of course. But this is a clean Euro6 diesel. In other words it can be driven into London’s forthcoming Ultra Low Emission Zone without having to pay a charge. Should you wish, of course.
This Audi is a car that dispels such a misplaced attitude.
The model we have on review here is the entry model in the new Audi A6 range: the Sport version with 204PS which Audi has designated 40 in the company’s new naming structure.
(It designates a power output range which can be used across all engine ranges from diesels like this A6 to the company’s new e-tron EVs.)
Entry level cost is £38,640. Our Sport A6 is finished in Floret Silver metallic which is the only extra at £685.
Next step up is the the S line 40 model at £42,000. Beyond that power rises to 286PS along with quattro four-wheel drive and eight-speed Tiptronic autos for the Sport 50 at £47,110 and S line 50 at £50, 470.
For business motorists and company car drivers, then, the key models are the 40 designated cars with their lower entry point and reduced benefit in kind exposure.
Leasing prices start around the £395 + VAT per month mark at 12,000 miles a year on a 3+36 month payment profile.
So if you’re looking for a high mileage express as your next company car, then start here: the new Audi A6 has all the miles covered.
Audi A6 40 TDI 204PS Sport S tronic
- Power – 204PS
- Torque – 400Nm
- Transmission – front-wheel drive, 7-speed S tronic autom
- Engine – 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, Euro6 with AdBlue
- Top speed – 152mph
- 0-62mph – 8.1s
- CO2 emissions – 117g/km
- Official mpg / Test mpg – 62.8mpg/56.6mpg
- Company car tax band 2017/18 – 28%