Audi A6 Saloon, Avant and A7 Sportback get new 40 TDI engine

New mild-hybrid 40 TDI diesel marks the first time the Audi A7 has used a four-cylinder engine

Audi has added a new 40 TDI four-cylinder diesel engine to the A6 Saloon, A6 Avant and A7 Sportback ranges. It’s the first time that an engine with fewer than six cylinders has found its way under the bonnet of the A7 in the UK.

The headline figures are a claimed 62.8mpg and 117g/km in an A6 Saloon riding on 18-inch alloy wheels - over 10mpg better than the most closely-matched BMW 520d. The A6 Avant and the A7 are slightly thirstier: both manage 60.1mpg, while the A6 Avant emits 124gkm of CO2 and the A7 122g/km.

New Audi A6 40 TDI review

Power comes from a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 201bhp. As with the rest of the A6 and A7 ranges, the unit is mated to a mild hybrid system: a belt alternator starter that’s connected to the crankshaft. This boots fuel consumption by recovering up to 5kw of power when coasting or braking and reusing it under acceleration. It allows the 40 TDI-engined models to coast at idle between 34 and 99mph, storing the energy in a lithium ion battery located at the back of the car.

The A6 saloon is able to accelerate to 62mph from rest in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph. The Avant follows two tenths and 3mph behind respectively, while the A7 Sportback matches the A6 Avant’s 8.3 second 0-62mph time and the saloon’s 152mph top speed.

Each model is available in both Sport and S line trims, with equipment levels matching the larger-engined models in the range.

The A6 and A7 40 TDI models are available to order now, with deliveries due within the next couple of months. The A6 40 TDI saloon costs £38,640 in Sport and £42,000 in S line trim. The Avant costs £1,830 more in Sport trim and £2,100 more in S line. The A7 40 TDI Sport costs £47,140, and the S line is £50,040.

Click here for all the latest on the new Audi A6...

Chief reviewer

Alex joined Auto Express as staff writer in early 2018, helping out with news, drives, features, and the occasional sports report. His current role of Chief reviewer sees him head up our road test team, which gives readers the full lowdown on our comparison tests.

Recommended

Best car leasing deals 2023
Best car leasing deals - header
Best cars & vans

Best car leasing deals 2023

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a new car, then leasing could be for you – here are some great leasing deals available …
5 Oct 2023
Top 10 best executive cars 2023
Best executive cars - header image
Best cars & vans

Top 10 best executive cars 2023

Executive cars might cost a little more, but the best ones add a real touch of class to your motoring experience…
24 Aug 2023
Audi A6 range refreshed for 2024 alongside S6 TDI
Audi A6 - front
News

Audi A6 range refreshed for 2024 alongside S6 TDI

The simplified Audi A6 saloon and Avant ranges will start from £43,965
31 May 2023
New 2024 Audi A6 e-tron to rival the BMW i5
Audi A6 e-tron
News

New 2024 Audi A6 e-tron to rival the BMW i5

Audi is developing an all-electric A6 to add to its growing e-tron range
20 Dec 2022

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023