Audi prides itself on its long list of innovations and technological advances introduced into their line up of luxury cars and SUVs. Not only has Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system been synonymous with the brand engineering all-wheel drive specifically for passenger vehicles, but things such as character defining LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and bringing Google Earth into the car’s navigation system with high-resolution graphics are features that many automakers have followed or strive to achieve with their own technology offerings. For 2016 Audi refreshes their A6/S6 and A7/S7 products with subtle design updates, more power, better efficiency, and enhanced technology improvements.
Changes for 2016 A6 / S6
- Front fascia now includes new design for LED headlights, Singleframe® grille and bumpers; rear design includes LED taillights and integrated trapezoidal tailpipes on all A6 variants. Now the new front end and rear designs give the 2016 A6 a more dynamic stance and greater presence on the road.
- The entry-level A6 gets a new 2.0L four cylinder TFSI® engine with 252 horsepower and 273 lb. ft. of torque (up 32 hp and 15 lb-ft torque over 2015 model) that gives the A6 model line greater performance and better fuel efficiency.
- The new 2.0 L TFSI engine is paired with Audi’s new 7-speed S tronic® double-clutch transmission for the front-wheel drive model. Ditching the Multitronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) in favor the of the 7-speed S tronic gives the A6 a much more distinct shifting feel and better driving experience. The new transmission is EPA estimated to get 2 mpg better on the highway, but combined mpg is still the same at 28 mpg since fuel economy with city driving suffers a little bit. The quattro all-wheel drive version is still paired with the 8-speed automatic Tiptronic. Engineering tweaks with the Tiptronic transmission improves EPA estimated overall fuel economy from 23 to 26 mpg.
- The 3.0T has been enhanced to produce 333 horsepower, up by 23 hp from the previous version, 325 lb. ft. of torque (no change), and a Tiptronic transmission.
- The high-performance S6 produces 450 horsepower, up 30 hp from the previous version, and 406 lb. ft. of torque (no change). It is equipped with an S tronic transmission. An optional sport exhaust system includes black tailpipes.
- The available quattro® permanent all-wheel drive sport differential on S6 has been upgraded with new software algorithms for higher levels of responsiveness and provides even better agility.
- A6 TDI® clean diesel has an eight-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission with quattro® all-wheel drive and achieves EPA estimated fuel economy of 25 city/ 38 highway/ 29 combined mpg.
- New suite of Audi connect® services include INRIX online traffic info, Apple Siri® Eyes Free integration and Web radio streaming.
- Next generation of Audi MMI® provides AT&T 4G LTE data connection and in-car Wi-Fi for passenger devices supported through NVIDIA Tegra processing power.
- Two new interior colors, four new inlays and two new “design selections” available: Flint gray (A6) and Arras red (S6).
- New available Driver assistance features include Audi side assist+ Active lane assist, Secondary collision assist, adaptive cruise control, Audi parking system plus, updated Night Vision Assistant, MMI® touch.
Changes for 2016 Audi A7 / S7
- Front fascia receives new design for LED headlights, Singleframe® grille and bumpers; rear design includes LED taillights and integrated trapezoidal tailpipes on all A7 variants.
- The 3.0T has been enhanced to produce 333 hp, up by 23 hp from the previous version, 325 lb. ft. of torque.
- The high-performance S7 produces 450 hp, up 30 hp from the previous version, and 406 lb. ft. of torque. An optional sport exhaust system includes black tailpipes.
- The available quattro® permanent all-wheel drive sport differential on S7 has been upgraded with new software algorithms to help provide higher levels of responsiveness and even better agility.
- New suite of Audi connect® services include INRIX online traffic info, Apple Siri® Eyes Free integration and Web radio streaming.
- Next generation of Audi MMI® provides AT&T 4G LTE data connection and in-car Wi-Fi for passenger devices supported through NVIDIA Tegra processing power.
- Two new interior colors, four new inlays and two new “design selections” available: Cedar brown (A7) and Arras red (S7).
Highlights for 2016 A7 / S7
- Model line includes A7 with 3.0T engine, A7 with 3.0 TDI® clean diesel engine, S7 with 4.0T engine, and RS 7 with 4.0T engine.
- Updated engine line offers improved performance and greater efficiency. All engine variants receive a small improvement in EPA estimated mileage. The most notable is the A7 2.0T that improves 3 mpg to an EPA estimate 24 mpg combined.
- LED headlights are now standard on all A7 models.
- Advanced technology includes the next generation of Audi MMI® with 4G LTE wireless and NVIDIA quad-core high resolution graphics technology for faster processing power.
- New available Driver assistance features include Audi side assist+ Active lane assist, Secondary collision assist, adaptive cruise control, Audi parking system plus, updated Night Vision Assistant, MMI® touch.